King Protea

Protea are not native to Hawaiʻi, but the cool volcanic slopes of upcountry Maui suit them so perfectly that Kula has become one of the world's finest growing regions for them.

The king protea is enormous — a bloom can span the width of two hands — and it is really hundreds of tiny flowers packed into a silky dome, ringed by pointed pink bracts like a crown.

They dry beautifully, holding their shape and color for years, which is why upcountry farmers ship them all over the world. A flower that keeps its dignity long after the season is over.