04/14/2026
Aloha ka Mahina Lāʻau Kamaʻāina!
In celebration of Native Hawaiian Plant Month, today’s Feature is ʻŪlei (Osteomeles anthyllidifolia).
Also known as uʻulei and eluehe (Molokaʻi), ʻūlei is a beloved kamaʻāina lāʻau and a member of the Hawaiian Hawthorn rose ʻohana. Thriving in dryland ecosystems, this drought-resistant plant is known for its strong and flexible wood-making it an essential resource for Kānaka Maoli.
ʻŪlei in cultural practice:
• ʻŌʻō (digging sticks)
• Ihe / pāheʻe (fishing & hunting spears)
• Kākā lāʻau (spear sport & fencing)
• Kua lāʻau (wooden anvil)
• ʻAuamo (carrying poles)
• Iʻe kuku & hōhoa (kapa beaters)
• Waihoʻoluʻu (lavender dye for kapa)
• ʻUpena (net frames from young branches)
• Wahie (for heating the ʻimu)
Flat strips of ʻūlei were crafted into ʻukēkē, a unique Hawaiian string instrument held between the lips and played while chanting.
In times of scarcity, the fruit of ʻūlei sustained the people. Today, its fruit, leaves, and flowers continue to be woven into lei.
As a lāʻau lapaʻau:
• Berries for sore throat & thrush
• Seeds & buds as a laxative
• Bark, pounded with leaves & paʻakai, to treat open wounds
At Uluhaimalama, Queen Liliʻuokalani’s royal garden, ʻūlei carries deep kaona. Planted by Princess Poʻomaikelani, this māla pua reminds future generations to remain vibrant and to continue growing as Kānaka.
“He ʻūlei kolo!”
Strong. Resilient. Unyielding.
“ ʻŪlei creeping low” -a poetic expression for one who endures with strength.”
—ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #956, Mary Kawena Pukui
