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Regional Calendars, Climate & DataHawaii Planting Calendar
Hawaii does not have a frost calendar at low elevations, so planting dates follow rainfall, wind, elevation and the crop itself.
Key points
- Planting dates follow rainfall, elevation and wind, not frost, at low elevations.
- Match varieties to your island, side and elevation.
- Use succession planting and rotation for year-round production.
- Check state rules before moving plants between islands.
How is the Hawaii calendar different?
At low and middle elevations, frost is not part of the planning, and many crops can be planted year-round. Instead, timing follows rainfall, temperature, wind, day length and pest cycles. Higher elevations on the larger islands can see cool nights, and the highest areas can see frost or snow.
Because there is no single Hawaii climate, begin with your island, your side of the island and your elevation. Leeward and windward sides can differ dramatically in rainfall and sun.
Local knowledge is especially valuable here. Neighbors and farmers on your island often know which months bring the heaviest rain, which varieties perform best and when pest numbers surge. Combine that knowledge with extension variety trials and your own records.
What do wet and dry sides mean for planting?
Windward sides receive more rain and trade wind cloud cover. Leeward sides are sunnier and drier, and often need irrigation for most crops. Wet sites favor crops that tolerate moisture and need good drainage, while dry sites call for irrigation planning and mulch.
Plan around the wetter and drier parts of the year. Many areas have a drier summer and a wetter winter, though patterns vary by location. Ask your extension office for the rainfall pattern in your area.
- Windward: more rain, more cloud, more disease pressure
- Leeward: more sun, more irrigation needed
- High elevation: cooler nights and slower growth
How does elevation shape crop choice?
Warm lowlands suit tropical and subtropical crops. Cooler upland sites suit crops that need cooler nights, such as some temperate vegetables, coffee and certain fruits. Altitude changes growth rate and harvest timing, so a planting guide for one elevation should not be applied to another.
Check variety recommendations for your elevation with the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) extension. Local variety trials are the best guide.
Can you plant year-round?
Many crops can be planted any month, but year-round growing does not mean all crops do equally well in all months. Heat, heavy rain, strong wind and pest populations vary through the year. Some leafy crops struggle in hot, wet weather, and fruiting crops may set better in certain months.
Succession planting every couple of weeks gives a steady harvest. Rotate crops by family and give beds a rest or a cover crop between plantings to reduce pest and disease buildup.
Soil tends to be low in some nutrients and high in others depending on the island and parent material. A soil test and local recommendations guide fertilizer and lime decisions. Nutrient management rules vary by state, and Hawaii has its own guidance, so check with CTAHR.
How do pests and invasive species affect planting?
Warm, humid conditions allow insects, nematodes and diseases to persist all year. Hawaii also has strict agricultural quarantine rules on moving plants, soil and produce between islands and into the state. Check the Hawaii Department of Agriculture before moving plant material.
For pest and disease problems, ask extension for current recommendations. Any pesticide use must follow the label, observe pre-harvest intervals and protect pollinators, and applicator licensing is set at the state level.
How does wind and storm season fit in?
Strong trade winds can desiccate and damage crops, and storms can bring heavy rain and flooding. Windbreaks, trellis design and drainage all matter. Plan fruit trees and tall crops with wind in mind.
Keep an eye on National Weather Service forecasts, and secure structures and covers before storms. Crop insurance and disaster assistance are handled through USDA RMA and FSA, so ask them about programs and deadlines.
How do you build your own Hawaii calendar?
For example, on a leeward lowland site you might plan most vegetable crops for the cooler, drier months and use shade for the hottest weeks, while on a wet windward site you might plan for raised beds and drainage during the rainiest months. These are worked examples of the method and not recommendations for your site.
Record rainfall, temperature, planting and harvest dates, and pest problems. After a year or two you will see patterns that fit your own microclimate, and your extension office can help you interpret them.
Share records with neighboring growers when you can. Planting calendars in Hawaii are built from many small observations, and a few seasons of shared notes often reveal timing patterns that no single grower would spot alone.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.