The Legend of Naupaka: Love Lost, Beauty Found

In Hawai‘i, even the flowers tell stories. Among the most beloved is the legend of the Naupaka — a bittersweet tale of forbidden love, told through a bloom that appears forever incomplete.

As the story goes, Naupaka was a beautiful princess who fell deeply in love with a commoner named Kaui. Their love, though true, was forbidden by custom. In desperation, they sought guidance from a wise kahuna (priest). But the verdict was heartbreaking — they could never be together.

Overcome with sorrow, Naupaka tore a flower from her hair, split it in half, and gave one part to Kaui. With heavy hearts, they parted ways — she returned to the mountains, and he to the sea. From their sorrow bloomed two unique flowers: Naupaka kuahiwi, growing in the uplands, and Naupaka kahakai, blooming by the ocean. Each one bears only half a blossom.

Yet when these half-flowers are brought together, they create a perfect whole — a quiet symbol of a love that could not be, yet endures in spirit.

At Lanikai Bath and Body, our Naupaka Collection captures the essence of this timeless legend. Clean, light, and elegant, the fragrance reflects the harmony between mountain rain and ocean breeze — the same connection that lives in the Naupaka’s petals.