HAWAIIAN
STYLE QUILTS® LEHUA COLLECTION
HSQ
DIRECTORY DESIGN PAGES
MAIN BED INDEX INVENTORY
PRICES & MEASUREMENTS
email us
at quilt-people@hsq.net
or call us in Hawaii at (808) 487-3700 Hawaiian time
Lehua
(Madam Pele's Flower)
Lehua
is the flower of the ‘ohi’a tree (Metrosideros
collina), one of the most common plants found in Polynesia that grows from
sea level to the mountains. The lehua is recognized by its bright scarlet (or sometimes yellow)
clusters of flowers bearing numerous long stamens. According to Hawaiian legend, this delicate flower is sacred
to Pele, goddess of fire and volcano, who resides on Mount Kilauea. Islanders
say when one goes to the mountains to gather flowers, lehua should be picked only on the return journey, otherwise an
offended Pele will envelope that person in rain and mist.
A garland or lei made of lehua
is said to be Pele’s favorite. The
combination of red and yellow may be intended as a reference to the colors of
the ancient Hawaiian feather capes and cloaks which were symbols of monarchy.
The lehua can be used in every stage
of bloom and growth in the making of a lei.
![]() larger version of quilting |
||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||
|
![]() |
![]() |