Call us for aquote, we look forward to hearing about your project. We finished our beach adventure relatively early one day, and had plenty of time to enjoy a relaxing evening at our rental house, which happened to have a fire pit, a BBQ, and a large deck. All rights reserved. Plant Uses: Cultural significance Cut flower Fragrant Lei flower Medicinal Ornamental Specimen Woodworking Plant Dangers: No dangers It is one of the few honey plants native to Hawaii, and the honey made from its flowers has a subtle floral taste. Temple image figure made of 'hia wood, probably represents Kuka'ilimoku, the god of war. Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Ohia. Costa da Silva, A; PM Teixeira de Andrade, A Couto Alfenas, R Neves Graca, P Cannon, R Hauff, D Cristiano Ferreira, and S Mori. Used as insulation. We specialize in over 25 species of air-dried local woods including Ohia, Mango, Monkey pod, and many more. According to the well-known Hawaiian tale, there once was a beautiful man named hia. Davenport, and C.G. The disease can also spread from tree to tree on machetes or other tools. Metrosideros polymorpha, the hia lehua, is a species of flowering evergreen tree in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that is endemic to the six largest islands of Hawaii.It is a highly variable tree, being 20-25 m (66-82 ft) tall in favorable situations, and a much smaller prostrate shrub when growing in boggy soils or directly on basalt.It produces a brilliant display of flowers . January 1, 2005 (Title 7, Volume 5). Partners A possible cause of the sacredness attributed to the hia lehuamay have been the redness of the wood, which when freshly cut has an appearance strickingly like that of raw meat, thus reinforcing the idea of life and possibly correlating with human sacrifice, which in special cases preceded the carving of an image. At the 2016 Merrie Monarch Festival, for the first time in its more than half-a-century history, many hula halau (hula schools) opted to forgo traditional lei and adornments from the ohia lehua tree in order to stem the spread of a blight known as Rapid Ohia Death (ROD). Call us for a quote, we look forward to hearing about your project. At Aloha Woods, we proudly ship our high quality hardwood products and supplies everywhere in the United States. Biological Invasions Volume22,pages23572369 (2020), Faith Campbell and J.B. Friday, June 2020 updated by Faith Campbell & in May 2021, National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is February 20-26th 2023, , Check out a free FOCI webinar recording, Meet the Dont . Lava-loving ohia lehua: A pioneer plant in peril Im not sure about this wood specifically, but if your bridge is outside, I wood recommend an oil based spar-urethane, like Miniwax Helmsman. 5. Pricing/Availability: Not commonly exported. Finish for Koa - FineWoodworking It is essential not to move untreated ohia wood around the state to prevent the spread of rapid ohia death. Used with permission. Coring, sanding, splitting, notching, and other services available. The flowers of the Ohia tree are typically bright red, and are large and tufted. To evoke or inspire the Gods and enhance their storytelling, hula dancers traditionally wear lehua blossoms or buds in lei headbands, around wrists and ankles. But Pele isnt the only god associated with ohia lehua. The disease can remain alive and infectious in soil, so wash all dirt off vehicles after driving near hia forests. Currently held inthe collections of the British Museum. There are knots and inclusions present in this piece, please see pictures. Aloha Woods is your premier source for all grades of Hawaiian grown Koa Wood on the Big Island of Hawaii. Austropuccinia psidiion the move: survey based insights to its geographical distribution, host species, impacts and management in Australia. The nectar of its flowers helped to feed Hawaii's menagerie of . Most poly-urethanes that I have worked with are for interior applications. 2019. Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. Tom Stone First Peoples Fund p. var. Oil finishes tend to bring out the greens, reds, browns, etc. [5], The reddish brown heartwood of M. polymorpha is very hard, fine textured, and has a specific gravity of 0.7. ~ Click here to view our available slabs It is found throughout the world and can be sustainably managed as a renewable resourcein contrast to coal, ores, and petroleum, which are gradually exhausted.By means of its harvesting in forests, its transportation, its processing in workshops and industries, and its trade and use, wood provides jobs and supports economic development and . |. We supply plywood and veneer panels for contractors, homebuilders, renovation projects, and more. lukuohia. See above for USDA hardiness. Built in 2001, this multi-generational oceanfront home is constructed of high quality materials and has been meticulously maintained. macrophylla M. p. var. 5 Pretty Ways to Wear Your hia Lehua Love on Your Sleeve, 44 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know, 20 Thoughts Every Hiker has had on the Trail Up Koko Head Crater, Shop These 5 Sophisticated Aloha Shirt Brands, The Enduring Nostalgia of Hawaii's Historic Drive-In Restaurants, Find Solitude and Serenity at the Waipio Wayside Bed and Breakfast, How the Klauea Lighthouse Saved an Airship in 1927. Leishman. Vacuum steam (VS) was evaluated for its ability to eradicate the pathogens, Ceratocystis lukuohia . Ohia | The Wood Database (Hardwood) hia branches are used to create traditionalklaau, or dancing sticks, and branchesbearing both woody parts and flowers to symbolize the male and female elements adornkuahu(altars) when hula students are in training. Custom Sculpture in Koa and Ohia Woods rightanglewoodcrafts (277) $200.00 FREE shipping Hawaiian Apapane and Ohia Lehua Dangle Earrings - Solid Koa Wood - Handmade in Hawaii VolcanoGallery (378) $25.00 Ohi'a Lehua Blossom Earrings in deep baltic birch IslandInfusions (13) $10.00 FREE shipping Barbecued Ribs Over Ohia Wood in Hawaii The fungi spreads like a virus, so transporting infected ohia wood to a new area could spell disaster. The lehua (flowers) and liko lehua (leaf buds) are used in making lei. The species are readily distinguished from one another by the characteristics of their leaves.[4]. Contact us and tell us what you're looking for. Loope. August 2018. The IUCN Red list already includes 338 species in the family before determining impacts of the rust (CABI), The Myrtaceae family is particularly prominent in Australia, New Zealand, and other forested areas associated with the former supercontinent of Gondwanaland. dieteri M. p. var. The wood and lashing that he uses to create these items are usually Native Hawaiian plants, however in modern times, he has dabbled in using invasive plants to see how they would fair. Aloha! We have welcomed a new species to our arsenal - Ohia Forest Pathology 48(1): 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12378, Toome-Heller, M. W.W.H. Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. ), You can help support the site by buying one of these resources, designed and published by The Wood Database. Are Ohia trees protected in Hawaii? - TimesMojo 73-4770 Kanalani Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. January 1, 2005 (Title 7, Volume 5). Known to infect 539 species worldwide from 86 different genera all in the Myrtaceae family. Biological Invasions April 2019,Volume 21,Issue4,pp 12151225, Winzer, L.F., K.A. We are fortunate here, on Oahu, to have many beautifully designed and Historically Significant Homes, for sale and otherwise. Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawai`i: HAU To maximize entertainment we decided to make our own BBQ . This wood is kiln dried, surfaced on two sides, and is ready to use. A titanium ring with Hawaiian Ohia wood inlay; beautiful tree preserved in the strength of titanium. [1] On moist, deep soils, hia grows to 2025m (6682ft) high. Metrosideros polymorpha was originally classified as a variety of M. collina, native to Rarotonga, Tahiti, and other islands of Polynesia, but now is generally accepted as a distinct Hawaiian endemic species. I used VGDF for the first prototype. There is much more wood in our warehouse than on our website. Upgrade your flooring with our huge selection of stunning local Hawaiian hardwood flooring options. Though the wood is generally considered difficult to work because of interlocked grain and high density, the amazingly high polish that can be obtained makes it well worth any extra effort. Add a meaning Learn more about the word "ohia" , its origin, alternative forms, and usage from Wiktionary. Ohia Hawaiian Hardwoods for Luxury Home Decor &Improvement, Kailua Real Estate | Enchanted Lake Sales 2013 (First Half), Kailua Real Estate | Beachside Sold Homes (First Half) 2013 . Wood Inlay Descriptions O to Z. Ohia Wood from the Ohia Lehua tree is one of the most cherished trees in Hawaii. Heat treatments of ohia logs in commercial trade were considered for phytosanitary treatment. What Wood Is Toxic To Burn? 19 Types Of Bad Wood To Burn - The Fun Outdoors Ohia lehua Metr o sideros polymorpha 7.4 255.60 (20.30)D 11.99 . Be ready to describe exactly where you saw the tree. Softwoods Soft woods burn very fast, which can be tempting to use when starting a fire, but they also create a lot of smoke - smoke inhalation is not good for anyone, so we . 2018. 05-04 December 2007. Acacia koa is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. Defy Extreme Stain 3. The disease gets this name because healthy trees appear to die within a few days to a few weeks. Workability:Generally difficult to work on account of its high density and interlocked grain. Saturday / 8am-4pm EST An occasional end or surface check may be present. Colors are rich and warm, ranging from red-brown to light brown with dark gray hues. As such, the abundant plant had many uses for early Hawaiians:Ohias sturdy wood was used to create weapons, kapa cloth beaters, boards for pounding poi, enclosures and statues; its leaves were used as a medicinal tea; and its flowers and its seeds fed native birds like the apapane and the now-extinct mamo, whose prized feathersin colors similar to lehua blossomswere also important adornments in hula and other ceremonies. Redwood Decking 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 (Construction-Heart) Hardwood Decking 1 x 6 Ipe, 1 x 6 Red Balau (NEW) TimberTech Composite Decking 5/4 x 6 Earthwood Evolutions Terrain (available in 5 colors) Deck Railing Panels Alexander. 808-329-5189. sales@alohawoods.com . Hawaiian Ohia, Metrosideros spp., is a Hawaiian hardwood that can also be called Pacific Rosewood. Images of ROD Symptoms PDF Haleakal National Park 'hia Lehua: An Amazing Adaptor Wood Allergies and Toxicity | The Wood Database hia lehua growing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island.Photo: Getty Images/GeorgeBurba. This dense and beautiful Hawaiian hardwood takes a wonderfully high polish! Desperate, Lehua then beseeched the other Gods to intervene. Traditionally, the wood of the hia was used for the construction of weapons, kapa beaters, papa kui ai (poi pounding boards), kii (statues), and for housing. No problem. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. hia wood that is "finished" is heat treated for use in jewelry, bowls, and furniture, and may be moved. Produced prior to 1822. It the most abundant tree on the Big Island. Ohia posts and flooring impart a distinctly Hawaiian and tropical character to any Oahu home. It produces a brilliant display of flowers, made up of a mass of stamens, which can range from fiery red to yellow. Handcrafted reclaimed Hawaiian Ohia wood flooring rescued from Re-use Hawaii. ft. and produces world class live edged table tops, mantles, timbers, lumber, turning blanks, book matched sets, musical instruments, burl caps, burl blanks, and more! Referenced in mele (songs), oli (chants) and moolelo (stories), hia trees were used for myriad purposes by ancient Hawaiians. Monkeypod trees are valued for their timber -- a durable hardwood. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Step 5 One of the basic construction materials is wood. Special thanks toKim Steutermann Rogers, a Kauai-based freelance writer and hia expert, for updating this story. Berthon, A.J. It is grown mainly on the Big Island of Hawaii out of barren lava fields and volcanic soil there. Kailua Home for Sale with Ohia Post in Front Entry. The lehua flowers and seeds fed the apapanethe black and crimson Hawaiian honeycreeperand now extinct mamo, a black and yellow variety of native honeycreeper that has been extinct since 1880. Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. Mokauikaua Church in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - National Trust for Historic Our boards are live edge and a few show crotch or light flame figure. Elliott, B. Quinn, H.G. [8], hia lehua is one of the few honey plants that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Other than in flooring, Ohia posts are used decoratively and for structural posts on porches or other applications in many Oahu homes. Rot Resistance: Rated as non-durable to perishable; good insect resistance. Sep 2, 2017 - Explore Haley Hinds-Baldwin's board "ohia posts" on Pinterest. Ohia posts and poles are sold based on bottom diameters. The cultural significance of ohia lehua - Hawaii Magazine Hawaiian Tools - Haleakal National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The volcano goddess Pele fell in love with the handsome hia and approached him, but he turned down her advances. This chart simply lists specific woods that can aggravate symptoms through allergic reactions, or woods that are outright toxic in and of themselves. More recently, a strain of fungus initially identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata has attacked the hia forests of the Big Island, causing Rapid 'hi'a Death. The stomata of the leaves are able to close up in the presence of harmful gases, which gives it an advantage over many non-native trees. 6 to 9. Aloha Woods is a locally owned and operated supplier of high quality flooring and lumber serving the Big Island in Hawaii and everywhere else in the United States. It wont let me attach a photo, but it will be on Instagram soon. With our help trees fallen for agricultural and urban development are rescued and re-purposed. Proudly created with Wix.com. (808)939-7218, 2016 Hardwods Hawaii Inc. [11] By May 2018, infected hia trees were found on the island of Kauai, prompting requests that members of the public limit transportation of hia products within the island. What's Killing Hawaii's Trees? - Outside Online To evoke or inspire the Gods and enhance their storytelling, hula dancers traditionally wear lehua blossoms or buds in lei, headbands, around wrists and ankles. Alien grasses such as meadow ricegrass (Ehrharta stipoides) may form an understory that prevents or inhibits natural regeneration of the forests. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? Four biotypes are known. Ohia Poles-Hardwoods Hawaii (808) 939-7218 Also Known As. Learn More Help Save The hia Trees Visit our Website [16], "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families", "Auwahi: Ethnobotany of a Hawaiian Dryland Forest", "A History of Honeybees in the Hawaiian Islands", "Two new species of fungi that kill hia trees get Hawaiian names", "Pele's Revenge: A Hawaii legend from Native American folklore", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Metrosideros_polymorpha&oldid=1136288302. Questions? As monkeypod trees tend to have large trunks, they're also a preferred wood for furniture. The trunk varies in form. Pearson, B.J.R. [7] Although the trunk of hia is not used to make the kaele (hull) of waa (outrigger canoes), it was used for their nohona waa (seats), pale (gunwales), and pola (decking). "In Hilo We Use Ohia Wood, in Kona-side It'S Kiawe"! The hia apane (very dark red lehua) is used as medicine during childbirth, while the young leaves of the hia are used to treat pale babies. Menehune Fishpond (Alekoko) Information & More - Hawaii Guide Translations of ohia Russian : Chinese : Korean : Translate this word/phrase Add ohia details Synonyms for ohia Add synonyms Colors are rich and warm, ranging from red-brown to light brown with dark gray hues. Ohia Lehua or just Ohia is a specific type of very dense Hawaiian hardwood. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; exclusively solitary;medium to large pores in no specific arrangement, moderately numerous; parenchyma not visible;narrow rays, spacing fairly close. Open wounds on hia are entry points for the microscopic fungal pathogens. Warm, rich colors set this wood apart. (1) Beautiful ribbon figure is common in this species. I just used some figured ohai on a knife after I stabilized it & it is gorgeous! Used for heating. polymorphaM. In various stories, the plant is a kinolau, or physical manifestation, of several Hawaiian gods and goddesses including Ku, Hiiaka, Kane, Kapo as well as, some say, Laka, the goddess of hula. But Ohia had eyes for another woman: Lehua. YVONNE JARAMILLO AHEARN (B) - Oahu Real Estate. The nectar of its flowers helped to feed Hawaiis menagerie of native birds, such as theapapane(Hawaiian honeycreeper) and the now-extinctmamo(black Hawaiian honeycreeper), whose colorful feathers were often used for creatinghulaadornments. If youd like to learn more about our business, our inventory, or how we can help you transform your space, contact a member of our staff today at. Unfortunately for Pele, hia had his eyes set on a woman named Lehua, who also happened to fancy hia. Metrosideros kermadecensis, from the Kermadec Islands north of New Zealand, has recently become naturalized on Maui and may become a pest species. Temple image figure made of 'hia wood, probably represents Kukailimoku, the god of war. https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/key-threatening-processes, http://www.apbsf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Myrtle-rust-action-plan_accessible.pdf, https://www.fisheries.govt.nz/dmsdocument/37290/direct, A baseline analysis of the distribution, host-range, and severity of the rust, https://www.myrtlerust.org.nz/assets/news/NZ-Garden-Journal-Dec-2019-p5-10.pdf, Virulence and Impact of Brazilian Strains of, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/11/25/2019-25439/plants-for-planting-whose-importation-is-not-authorized-pending-pest-risk-analysis-notice-of, WEBINAR: Meet the Dont Move Firewood Team for NISAW, WEBINAR: Meet the Dont Move Firewood Team. FOLLOW @oahu_real_estate_life ON INSTAGRAM. Traditionally, the wood of the hia was used for the construction of weapons, kapa beaters, papa kui ai (poi pounding boards), kii (statues), and for. (available by using search engines/retrieval services at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html). Clear finishes tend to make light colored woods look good. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. . Typically, halau collect their adornments from the forest and return them after the competition. 2019. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. As such, the abundant plant had many uses for early Hawaiians: Ohia's sturdy wood was used to create weapons, kapa cloth beaters, boards for pounding poi, enclosures and statues; its leaves were used as a medicinal tea; and its flowers and its seeds fed native birds like the apapane and the now-extinct mamo, whose How do you pronounce ohia wood? Using a shovel, metal rake, or gardening tool, break up the red-glowing wood into chunks. See more ideas about hawaiian house, hawaiian homes, hawaii homes. All inhaled wood dust is hazardous to your long-term health. And, indeed, there is a well-known Hawaiian story that tells the tale of their intertwined fates. Wood | Properties, Production, Uses, & Facts | Britannica Our products include logs, live edge boards, lumber, guitar parts, veneer, flooring and much more. This beautiful Ohia wood has been kiln dried and surfaced on two sides. Avoid injuring hia. Leishman. 47-745 Kamehameha Hwy #C - hicentral.com Produced prior to 1822. How to pronounce ohia | HowToPronounce.com Perfect Hawaiian wedding bands for men and women; the Ohia is the tree that blooms Hawaii's state flower, the Lehua, and is used to make important leis. [14] Other versions say that Pele felt remorseful but was unable to reverse the change, so she turned Lehua into a flower herself. A log will sink when placed in water, and this means was used to store and season the material. There is of course no obligation, but if youd like to give back and ensure that the project continues to grow, consider supporting me on Patreon. Grain/Texture: Grain is interlocked, with a medium uniform texture and moderate natural luster. This dense and beautiful Hawaiian hardwood takes a wonderfully high polish! Common Uses: Furniture, flooring, and turned objects. JJ Ahuna shares the process of them doing the Kalua Pork, Keaukaha Style, once again!! Ohia Lehua Special : The Steel Guitar Forum Our exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff coupled with our vast selection of in-stock inventory make it easy for you to find exactly what you need for your next home or business renovation project. Instagram.com/mattoxknives, As far as finishing outdoor railing and so forth cital is about the only thing that has any sort of durability in the salt air. Ohi'a 'ai (Hawaii Mountain Apples) - The Spruce Eats Just because the hia lehua flower looks dainty and delicate, the plant itself is incredibly durable and can grow in rugged, barren environments. We stock a premium selection of specialty hardwood options as well as the supplies you need to tackle any home or business construction project. There are knots present in this piece, please see pictures. Ohi'a 'ai trees (scientific name Syzygium malaccense) were brought to the islands by Polynesian settlers from Malaysia. Scrub off all dirt and spray boot soles and tools with 70% rubbing alcohol, and wash your clothes in hot water. incanaM. In drier areas, M. polymorpha has to compete with silk oak (Grevillea robusta) and fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum). They are found in the tropical areas of the Hawaiian islands. Ohia Lehua Wood - Etsy Code of Federal Regulations. This is a report of tests conducted to determine its suitability for this use. The trees are in the myrtle family, related to guava and eucalyptus. Wood is a good source of energy when used with fuel. [6] In native Hawaiian society, it is used in house and heiau construction, as well as to make papa kui ai (poi boards), weapons, tool handles, hohoa (round kapa beaters), and kii (statues and idols). 8 Best Varnish for Wood- Reviews & Buyer's Guide The specific epithet polymorpha, meaning 'many forms', is very appropriate, since individuals of this species exhibit many different morphologies and inhabit a broad range of ecological situations. The plant is self-fertile. In ancient times, indigenous Hawaiians farmed fish by building rock walls along the edge of the river and creating several gates with 'Ohia wood that allowed the small fish to enter the calm waters and grow larger, where-upon they were too big to fit through the narrow vertical openings of the gate. (2), A possible cause of the sacredness attributed to the hia lehuamay have been the redness of the wood, which when freshly cut has an appearance strickingly like that of raw meat, thus reinforcing the idea of life and possibly correlating with human sacrifice, which in special cases preceded the carving of an image. I imagine varnish and other treatments would find it hard to adhere to this wood. Small pin holes may be present only in sapwood areas. Pictured below is a feather cape belonging to King Kamehameha I. Trees growing in forests often have stilt roots, having germinated on logs or the stems of fallen hpuu (Cibotium tree ferns), which have long decayed away when the tree has reached maturity. TWP 1500 Series . (2). Comments: Ohia is a very common species in Hawaii. 'hi'a - Uses | Ulana For instance, the flex of the ohia wood is different from the flex of the imported and invasive albizia. Pacific Science 68(1):47-56.doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2984/68.1.4, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 4-70, Subchapter 15: Introduction of Myrtaceae. Terms An occasional end or surface check may be present. It is very expensive and beautiful as flooring, but is not that commonly used in Oahu real estate. Specimens reaching 30m (98ft) high are on record. Look for them at the Merrie Monarch, televised in March. Metrosideros polymorpha may occur as a tall tree or a prostrate shrub, and everything in between. Ohia trees grow to heights of 60-100 ft. with diameters of 2-3 ft.;some can reach as large as 4 ft. in diameter. Pegg, A.J. In a sort of compromise, they decided the lovers should be forever united and so transformed Lehua into an adornment on the Ohia tree, the lehua blossom. Once there was an attractive man named Ohia, and Pele liked him. OUR NATURAL FIREWOOD INFUSES GRILLED FOODS WITH THE RICH TASTE OF REAL HAWAIIAN SMOKEY FLAVORS AND AROMA. [15] It is said that when a lehua flower is plucked from an hia tree, the sky will fill with rain representing the separated lovers' tears. Top Oil-Based Stain Ratings 1. Hundreds of thousands of trees have already been killed across 34,000 acres of forest. TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series 4. An occasional end or surface check may be present. Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad - Wikipedia Ohia is an ideal hardwood for flooring, woodturning, boxes, cabinets, furniture, and other fine woodworking applications. All rights reserved. Although most types of wood used for building of furniture are non-toxic, the glues, stains, and pesticides furniture wood is treated with can be harmful if inhaled. Im also interested in getting photos of completed wood projectsespecially of obscure or lesser known woods. Warm, rich colors set this wood apart. [4], The derivation of the word lehua is more obscure, and while there are many opinions regarding its origin, there has been, to date, no historical linguistic study of the word to provide convincing evidence for any particular etymology. Boards over 36" may have a slight 1/8" bow or twist but most do not. Top Water-Based Stain Ratings 1. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. The flowers appear in clusters on the terminal ends of the branches. Austropuccinia psidii is unusual among rusts in having a wide host range. SEE ALSO:5 Pretty Ways to Wear Your hia Lehua Love on Your Sleeve, An apapane, a Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, in an hia lehua tree at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.Photo: Getty Images/Gerald Corsi. When listening to traditional Hawaiian moolelo (stories), mele (songs) and oli (chants) about the land or the Gods, its almost impossible to avoid some mention of ohia or its lehua flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped and round, from 2 to 12 inches in diameter. Some trees have fibrous aerial roots to gather moisture.