The Polynesians who came to live in Hawaii found this plant growing here. They used it for many things, including medicine.

The flower was used to help childbirth. The slimy sap from a branch of hau was mixed with a little water, and then 4 lehua flowers were put into this liquid. The flowers were rubbed between the thumb and first finger until they were well mixed with the liquid. Then it was all strained through fine coconut fibers, and placed in a coconut shell. Each time the woman giving birth had severe pains, she would be given a mouthful of this liquid to drink.