Visitors who take advantage of the big island golf course at Waikoloa Village Golf Club in Waikoloa Village, HI, often inquire about the flower in our logo. This particularly beautiful blossom belongs to the wiliwili tree, an intriguing species that once grew in abundance in the Waikoloa Village area.   

The wiliwili tree can be found throughout Waikoloa Village and is surprisingly part of the pea family. This hardy tree is known for growing on lava plains, and blooms mainly in the Hawaiian dry season from April to July. 

 Wiliwili means "repeatedly twisted" to Hawaii’s natives, and refers to the seedpods that twist open to reveal the seeds of the plant. According to the Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database, the wiliwili tree is sometimes referred to as the "Hawaiian Coral Tree" or "Tiger's Claw" because of its appearance. The trees bloom after their leaves fall, leaving behind curved, claw-shaped flowers approximately one to two inches long at the ends of their branches. 

The flowers of the wiliwili tree are usually orange but can also appear as white, red, salmon, light green, yellow, or peach. The trees can grow to heights of up to 30ft, branching out only upward instead of laterally like other species. 

Visitors driving from the Kohala Coast resorts can see a grand example of the wiliwili tree perched on an outcropping of rock, just below the entrance to Waikoloa Village.  Located at approximately 700 feet of elevation, Waikoloa Village Golf Club also features stunning views of the Kohala coastline and five volcanoes. 

Waikoloa Village Golf Club’s arid location offers ideal playing conditions every day of the year. No matter what level of golfer you are, you’ll find flexible tee times and experience the beauty of Big Island golf on this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed classic. Call (808) 883-9621 for tee times or to schedule a lesson. You can also find rates and other information about the course online.