pikake

Pikake is the Hawaiian name for the common jasmine (Jasminum sambac), also known as Arabian jasmine or sampaguita. This fragrant vine is renowned for its small, intensely perfumed white flowers. The blossoms are typically a waxy white, though some varieties can have a slight pinkish hue when the buds are forming. Pikake flowers are highly prized for their sweet, intoxicating scent, which is strongest in the evening and at night.

In Hawaiian culture, pikake holds significant importance. It is famously associated with Princess Kaʻiulani, a beloved member of the Hawaiian royal family. She had a particular fondness for the flower, and it is said that she would often wear pikake leis and give them to her friends and visitors. This association has cemented pikake's status as a symbol of beauty, grace, and a connection to Hawaiian royalty. The flowers are commonly used to create leis, intricate garlands worn for adornment and often gifted as a sign of welcome or affection. The perfume extracted from pikake is also used in cosmetics, perfumes, and aromatherapy. The plant itself is a vigorous climber, producing abundant flowers throughout much of the year in suitable tropical and subtropical climates.