At Bayer Hawaii, we believe in the power of nature and the importance of preserving our biodiversity. In 2015, we made a heartfelt commitment to protect one of the most remarkable pollinators on our planet—the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). As their population continues to fluctuate worldwide, we recognize the need to restore their habitats and support conservation efforts.
To achieve this, we launched a dedicated program focused on planting crown flowers, or pua kalaunu, known for their vibrant beauty and significance in Hawaiian culture. These flowers were beloved by Queen Liliuokalani, who often wore them as lei.
Today, you can find hundreds of thriving crown flower plants flourishing at Bayer Hawaii farms across Oahu, Maui, and Molokai.
Crown flowers are essential to the Monarch Butterfly's life cycle, serving as the primary food source for their caterpillars. At our Maui sites, these crown flowers not only support the monarch butterfly but also contribute to our company lei-making demonstrations. This year our Maui team showcased their creativity by using crown flower to craft stunning lei for the Bayer Booth at the 56th Annual Barrio Fiesta. The event took place at the Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center in Kahului, and our beautiful lei added a special touch to our presence there.
Furthermore, we have donated other flower varieties, such as bougainvillea, to the community for various events. These initiatives help deepen our connections with the community.
On Oahu, the crown flower shines during Lei Day celebrations, symbolizing beauty and cultural significance. This year, participants honored Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by creating crown flower lei and placing them at the Honouliuli National Historic Site. The crown flowers were from plants on our Upper Kunia, Kunia Foundation, and Lower Kunia farms.
"From nurturing Monarch Butterflies with essential crown flowers on our Maui sites to sharing the art of lei-making, our work here connects nature and culture in meaningful ways,” said Becky Ryan, Hawaii Breeding and Maui Site Lead. “We're also proud to support our community through flower donations for local events. The significance of the crown flower during Lei Day, particularly this year's tribute at Honouliuli, highlights the beauty and cultural importance we aim to uphold and share."
Since 2018, Bayer Hawaii has partnered with Sharing the Butterfly Experience to distribute hundreds of free monarch butterfly STARTER kits across the state. This initiative provides a valuable educational opportunity for recipients and underscores the critical role pollinators play in our ecosystem.
Darlene Loo-McDowell, founder of Sharing the Butterfly Experience and the only Hawaii member of BOTH the International Butterfly Breeders Association and the Association for Butterflies, emphasizes the benefits of this program. She says, "Raising butterflies is such a rewarding and therapeutic process, and I encourage everyone to try it. By providing the fundamental elements of wildlife habitat—education, food, and shelter from predators—to raise young caterpillars into monarchs, we empower children and families in our community to be part of the solution."
Our efforts reflect Bayer Hawaii’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Bayer Hawaii's conservation and sustainability practices, please visit https://www.bayer.com/en/us/hawaii-sustainability
