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Hawaii · Local Gardening
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in Hawaii — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
Hawaii spans USDA zones 9b (upcountry Maui / Kula highlands) to 13a (coastal lowlands / Honolulu). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
9b (upcountry Maui / Kula highlands) to 13a (coastal lowlands / Honolulu)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Windward soils are naturally fertile — focus on drainage. Leeward dry soils need compost and irrigation. All Hawaii soils are low in phosphorus — add rock phosphate or bone meal. UH Cooperative Extension is the essential resource for Hawaii-specific soil and crop guidance.
Know your soil
Hawaii soils are among the most diverse on Earth — from highly fertile volcanic soils on the windward Big Island to nearly pure lava rock on recent flows. Oahu and Maui have productive red laterite soils that are low in phosphorus. Coastal soils are sandy and low in nutrients. Windward soils are deep and fertile with high rainfall. Leeward soils are thin, dry, and highly alkaline.
Map your soil type with USDA Web Soil Survey →Free soil testing
Free or low-cost soil testing available through your county Extension office
Results include specific lime and fertilizer recommendations
Most states offer testing April through fall — fees apply in winter
Results typically returned within 10 business days
Next steps
Preserve what you grow
Hawaii Extension offers food preservation workshops — and NWS has the full canning guides.
Food IndependenceGet the checklist
Spring prep, frost protection, soil test timing, and compost setup — timed to regional frost dates.
HI Checklists