Naupaka kahakai

Naupaka kahakai (the naupaka by the sea, or beach naupaka), is a shrub often grown as a hedge or in a mass of plants. It is differentiated from its other variety Naupaka kauihiwa that grows in the mountain. Other names include: Konnat (Marshallese), Pō‘utukava Ngānga‘u / ‘Utukava Ngānga‘u (Maori), Ngahu (Tongan), Balak-balak (Philippines), Cao hai tong (Chinese).

In one version of a Hawaiian legend, it is said that the beautiful Princess Naupaka had fallen in love with a commoner named Kaui. Unfortunately, it was forbidden that they be together. Princess Naupaka took the flower in her hair and tore it in half giving Kaui one half. She grew into the plant Naupaka kahakai and he grew into the plant Naupaka kauihiwa. It is only when the two half-flowers, one from the mountain and one from the sea are brought together, that they can be rejoined.

Naupaka kahakai is an upright spreading evergreen shrub with succulent pithy stems. The leaves are about 2 to 9 inches long and are oval-shaped with silky white hairs on the axil (between the leaf stem and a petiole or branch). The light green leaves are moderately succulent. The flowers are half-shaped (like a fan) and creamy white with or without purple streaks. The white fruit is oval and marble sized.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• The fruits are useful as a sunscreen
• Mixed with salt, the fruit or root bark of Naupaka kahakai was used for cuts and skin diseases
• Currently, the naupaka kahakai leaves are used by snorkelers and divers to defog their face masks by breaking a leaf in half and smearing the sap on the inside of the glass
• In the Marshall islands, the leaves, flowers and berries are used in birthing to help the mother. Young leaves are used to treat infantile jaundice.