The trunk is stout and the branches grow at wide angles to it. Most varieties have spines along the edges and on the midribs of the leaves. Spineless and variegated forms are available. The leaves are spirally arranged towards the ends of the branches and leave a spiral pattern on the trunk when they fall. Pandanus tectorius trees are either male or female.
Female trees produce a large, segmented fruit somewhat resembling a pineapple.
Male trees produce large clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers surrounded by white to cream colored bracts. These clusters are about 1 foot long and are called hinano in Hawaiian. Currently, there is only one species of Pandanus formally recognized from the Hawaiian Islands - Pandanus tectorius. It is currently thought to be indigenous to Hawai'i, but there may have been additional introductions by the early Polynesians. Pandanus tectorius is found on all the main islands except Kaho'olawe.