Naupaka is found Mauka (Naupaka Kuahiwi ) and Makai (Naupaka Kahakai)
Naupaka Kahakai is indigenous and can be found on most Hawaiian beaches. Its seeds are buoyant and it probably arrived in the Hawaiian Islands via the ocean. Naupaka Kuahiwi (Mountain Naupaka) evolved from it and all of these species are endemic and can only be found in Hawaiʻi.
Legend tells of lovers separated and reunited when the flowers are brought together.