Photoblog: The kibrahacha awakens

This photoblog is about the Kibrahacha (Tabebuia billbergii), a seemingly insignificant tree that is common on Bonaire. However, this tree holds a special place in the heart of the people of Bonaire. Once a year, after months of drought have taken a toll on the fresh greenery, and a heavy rain shower suddenly arrives, the island comes alive with excitement: “De kibrahacha goes into bloom.” A few days later, these otherwise plain trees bring color back to the once barren hills in the North. These trees with yellow flowers are a feast for the eyes.

Sharing Island Love

Thank you for your interest in our beautiful island in the Caribbean! We love sharing our passion for Bonaire with everyone — locals, visitors, and of course, with our guests during Our tours. Curious how we do that? You can find all the details in Sharing Island Love.

With Island Love,

A yellow crown of the blooming kibracha (Tabebuia billbergii) stands out against the green crowns of other trees on the hill in Bonaire. — Once a year, the tree blooms with yellow flowers.

The Kibrahacha

Kibra means “to break” in Papiamentu, and hacha means “axe.” As such, the wood of this tree is extremely hard. Like many other trees, the Kibrahacha loses its leaves and goes into a state of rest during the dry season. The tree is considered an emergency bloomer. Only when there is a sudden heavy rain shower after months of drought does it awaken to reproduce. In just three days, the tree develops beautiful yellow flowers. At that moment, the hills of the north light up with stunning yellow balls.

The spectacle lasts only for a short time because three days later, the yellow blossoms fall to the ground. From then on, the tree goes through a brief period of developing pods to ensure its offspring.

The flowers of a faded kibrahacha (Tabebuia billbergii) color the ground yellow. — After just three days, the spectacle is over.

Washington-Slagbaai National Park

The hills of Washington-Slagbaai are home to many kibrahacha trees. Some are even right along the road! The national park is therefore the perfect place to visit when these trees are in bloom.

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Bringer of Luck

On Bonaire, the blooming of the Kibrahacha is seen as a bringer of luck. Last week, it finally happened, and the patience of the islanders was rewarded. The hills in the north turned beautifully yellow once again, if only for a short while. Hopi dicha i prosperidat!

Tropical mockingbird (Mimus gilvus), a bird with various shades of gray, against a bright yellow background of kibrahacha flowers. — A tropical mockingbird under a Kibrahacha.

Photography Tour with HopiBonaire

This unique phenomenon can only be captured with the camera for about three days a year. Fortunately, Bonaire is an incredibly photogenic island for the other 362 days of the year. That’s why we offer special excursions for photography enthusiasts in our selection.

Scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa) nibbling on the yellow flowers of the kibrahacha on Bonaire. — A scaly-naped pigeon nibbling on the flowers.

Every photography tour is customized for you. Each photographer has their own preferences after all. We never rush at HopiBonaire, and especially not during a photography tour. We understand that capturing a great photo takes time. For more information, please take a look at our Photography Tour.

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