Melia Akala - Second only to the palm, the Plumeria is one of the most iconic trees in Hawaii. Their exquisitely fragrant flowers are used in lei, which is the very symbol of affection in Hawaii. They were also the first trees I planted around my home here on the Big Island. “Melia Akala” translates to ‘pink Plumeria’ in Hawaiian. The original is a 12x16 oil painting on canvas.