Shrub to 2.5 m high (taller in cultivation). Young stems with scattered to numerous, but not densely contiguous, fine stellate hairs. Leaves with lamina ovate, (2–) 3–5 cm long, (1.5–) 2–4 cm wide, acute to subtruncate at base, irregularly crenate margin, obtuse to rounded at apex, subcoriaceous, with scattered small stellate hairs above and below; juvenile leaves deeply lobed. Flowers solitary; pedicels 0.7–1 cm long, shorter than leaves. Epicalyx lobes 5, broadly ovate, c. 10 mm long, rounded to broadly acute. Calyx campanulate, c. 2 cm long; lobes triangular, c. ⅓ length of tube, acute. Petals 6–7 cm long, pale yellow with a greenish tinge, deep purple at base, turning purple on fading. Capsule ovoid-globose, c. 1.5 cm long, glabrous.
Cultivated on Norfolk Island as a garden plant. Hibiscus insularis is illustrated on a Norfolk Island postage stamp in a series of stamps featuring Phillip Island flowers issued in 2002. It also features on a 35c Norfolk Island postage stamp issued in 1983, a 60c Norfolk Island postage stamp issued 24 June 2011 as part of a commemorative series for the 25th anniversary of Norfolk Island National Park, and on a $1 postage stamp issued 18 July 2017 (https://australiapostcollectables.com.au/stamp-issues/norfolk-island-flowers).
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