OHELO
Vaccinium reticulatum—Heath Family (Ericaceae)

This member of the cranberry and huckleberry family is one of the most abundant shrubs in the vicinity of Kilauea. It grows also at Haleakala. The plant may be recognized by the small, rounded leaves, new leaves often red at the end of the branches, and fleshy berries of various shades of red, yellow, or blue. The presence of clusters of brilliant red flowers and a berry with many small seeds distinguish this plant from the poisonous akia, which has a similar fruit but with a single seed. Sacred to the volcano goddess Pele, the Hawaiians customarily made an offering of the berries to her before eating some themselves. These plants range from about 2,800 to about 10,000 feet on the slopes of Mauna Loa, and are among the few plants found at the higher elevations. This species of ohelo is found only on the island of Hawaii and on East Maui.

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OHELO KAULAAU OR TREE OHELO
Vaccinium calycinum—Heath Family (Ericaceae)

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The tree ohelo differs from the others in the Kilauea-Mauna Loa section by growing to a height of from 3 to 6 feet. It is common along the roadsides from the Thurston Lava Tube down the Chain of Craters and you can identify it by the large leaves, sparse and near the end of the branches, its sour berries, and green flowers. This plant is also found below the Koolau Gap of the Haleakala section.

At Kilauea in December 1824, Kapiolani, a high chieftess who had been converted by the missionaries, defied Pele and broke the kapu by eating ohelo berries on the rim above the swirling lavas. This is considered one of the greatest acts of moral courage ever performed.

From the Halemauu Trail the beautiful spectacle of Haleakala unfolds. STOY

BARBERRY-LEAVED OHELO
Vaccinium berberifolium—Health Family (Ericaceae)

Within Haleakala crater, particularly near the Koolau Gap, may be seen a small plant with leaves which are almost round, prominently veined, and with minute teeth around the entire outer edges. This plant is the barberry-leaved ohelo, which bears purplish, edible fruits. The flowers are small, purple, and hang from short stems. The plant grows only on Maui and on Hawaii, according to Degener, but has not been found on the latter island since it was collected by the U. S. Exploring Expedition in 1840.

Ohelo berries may be picked in Hawaii National Park under present regulations, but must be eaten where picked.

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Dense growths of aalii and pukiawe on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

PUKIAWE
Styphelia tameiameiae—Epacris Family (Epacridaceae)

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One of the most attractive plants in Hawaii National Park is the pukiawe. Although slightly resembling heather, this plant belongs to a different family. You can identify it by the small, stiff leaves, ranging in color from the dark green of the older leaves to silvery green on new growth. Berries, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, vary in color from white through pink to dark red. This shrub is common in habitats ranging from the rain forests to the drier slopes of Mauna Loa and Haleakala, and may grow 10 or more feet high. Hawaiians used the bright berries to add color to their leis.