Loulu, the only palms native to Hawaiʻi, are among the islands’ most iconic and remarkable plants. Of the 24 recognized species, several are rare or endangered, yet all are striking ornamentals well suited for gardens and landscapes, prized for their bold foliage, vibrant flower clusters, and prominent fruits. In this volume, Donald Hodel draws on extensive fieldwork across Hawaiʻi, sharing his deep knowledge of loulu through firsthand research and photography conducted in their natural habitats. His work also led to the identification and scientific naming of three previously unknown species.

Each of the 24 loulu species is examined in depth, accompanied by more than 200 high-quality color photographs that vividly document leaves, inflorescences, fruits, and native environments. Comprehensive chapters cover the history, botany, ecology, conservation, traditional uses, propagation, and cultivation of loulu, offering valuable context for readers at every level of experience. The appendices include a concise species overview, island-by-island listings, and an illustrated guide to introduced and naturalized palms in Hawaiʻi, as well as loulu relatives found throughout the South Pacific.

As interest in native Hawaiian plants continues to grow even as their populations and habitats face ongoing threats, Loulu: The Hawaiian Palm stands as one of the most complete and visually rich resources dedicated to these extraordinary trees.

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by Donald R. Hodel

Forewords by Paul R. Weissich and William S. Merwin

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paperback | 216 pages | 255 color illus. | 37 maps

University of Hawaiʻi Press