Naupaka kahakai (Scaevola taccada) is a small shrub and is one of the most widely used landscaping shrubs across Hawaiʻi. This plant thrives in almost any environment. Naupaka doesn’t require much maintenance, but it will grow best if planted in an area with full sun and well-draining soil and does not require much water. It does well in a pot or as ground cover to help prevent erosion and produces small, fragrant, white flowers year-round.

The fruit produced by naupaka has been eaten as refreshments during long journeys or times of famine in Hawaiʻi. Naupaka is said to represent the sad story of lovers who were separated, one banished to the mountains, the other to the beach. Both the flowers and fruits of naupaka are used in lei making while the fruits and roots have been mixed with salt to apply to cuts, skin diseases, or wounds. Local divers sometimes use the fruit, flowers or leaves of naupaka by rubbing them inside of their masks to prevent fogging (instead of using their saliva).