Hala

Hala is also known as Lauhala, Pu hala or the Walking Tree since the aerial roots (ulehala) make the tree look as if it is about to walk around the garden. In the Hawaiian language, hala is used as a noun or verb intransitive meaning "offense" or "failure." Other common names include: Fala (Samoa), Kipar (Pohnpei), Fach (Chuuk), Mweng (Kosrae), Choy (Yap), Dua tro (Vietnam), Lu dou shu (China), and Vacquois (France).

Hala can grow to 30' tall and 40' wide. Hala leaves are tough and very durable. They are usually 3' - 5' in length and about 2" in width. The leaves and the aerial roots have spines along the edges. There is a species without spines that has yellow-green leaves. Hala fruits (called keys) grow in a cluster that looks like a pineapple. The different varieties of Hala are recognized according to the color and size of their fruit which range from yellow to red. Only a small portion of the fibrous fruit is edible. Male trees have a white flower called hinano.

Hala are found in lowland forests, but are particularly abundant from sea level to 2,000 feet on windward coasts. They thrive in salty, windy coastal conditions.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Leaves can be woven into hats, baskets, jewelry and mats
• Fruit strung into a lei was traditionally presented at the beginning of a new phase in someone’s life
• Pollen of the male flower was used as an aphrodisiac
• Wood was burned to make charcoal used to dye and waterproof canoes
• Beaten aerial root tips and fruit (keys) were used as paint brushes
• Different parts of Hala were used in childbirth and to treat skin disorders and chest pains

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Note: The Lauhala tree in the Oval was removed in 2018 due to infestation by the Hala Scale.