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Maui is more than an island of beautiful beaches and oceanfront eternity pools. It's also a playground for environmentalists thanks to Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment (AOTE) program in residence at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. The cultural and environmental education center offers naturalist-led excursions through the rugged rainforest, introducing guests to the rich flora and fauna that the island nurtures.
What's fascinating about these jungle treks is seeing the origin of many of our most utilized ingredients. You read the list of botanicals on your favorite shampoo and you love the scent of awapuhi or neroli, but what is it really-- aside from a sweet smelling ingredient said to enhance your hair's shine?
What is Awapuhi?
Turns out, Awapuhi, a favorite ingredient in hair care products (it's also eaten to ease a stomachache), is a wild white ginger abundant in the Maui jungle. Sometimes called opuhi, or its botanical name of Zingiber zerumbet, the plant that originated in India was brought to the islands on canoes by early settlers. It quickly found infamy on the Hawaiian island designated as one of the Kinolau, one of the multiple forms of the deity Kane.
When the head of a mature Awapuhi is squeezed, a clear slimy liquid shoots out. Somehow someone discovered that the sudsy stuff is perfect when put to use as a shine-imparting conditioning shampoo and historically has been squeezed directly on the hair.
Mass Market Attraction
When Paul Mitchell was introduced to the foraged plant he was immediately sold on the idea and incorporated it into a line of products that has since made the local secret a mass consumer's favorite ingredient. Other companies including Nature's Gate have since joined in on the Awapuhi love affair, integrating the ingredient into some of their best-selling hair care products.
Locals to this day pick the prolific plant and wash their hair in nearby pools and waterfalls. It's also cultivated and grown in home gardens, picked fresh before bathing, using the remnant flowers as scented accents in the home.
See Awapuhi in Action
More Content on Green Hair Care:
How to Go Green: Women's Personal Care
5 Free Green Ways to Reverse Summer Skin and Hair Damage
Condition Your Hair with Coconut Oil, and How
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