There are two main species of Naupaka--one found near the beach called naupaka kahakai and the other found in the mountains called naupaka kuahiwi. Each plant appears to have but half a flower, the separation explained in a legend about lovers who were unable to marry.

Naupaka can grow from 3-5 feet tall and has succulent thick green leaves and fruit which protects the plant from the heat of the sun. The berries on the plant are as white as huahekili (the hawaiian name for hailstones), waxy and could float often distributed by ocean tides. The coastline variety was pounded with salt for pain and sores and the berries sometimes eaten. The berries of the mountain variety were used for making dye.