Hawaii Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
Annual Rainfall
20-400 inches annually
Frost Window
None
Water Notes
Highly variable; trade winds influence rainfall
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Hawaii's unique climate and landscape
Lush tropical landscapes
Key Features:
- ā¢Tropical flowers
- ā¢Palms
- ā¢Ferns
- ā¢Year-round color
Seaside and salt-tolerant plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Wind-resistant plants
- ā¢Salt spray tolerance
- ā¢Sandy soil
- ā¢Beach plants
Higher elevation cooler plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Temperate plants
- ā¢Cloud forest species
- ā¢Ferns
- ā¢Cooler microclimates
Volcanic soil adapted plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Native species
- ā¢Succulents
- ā¢Rock gardens
- ā¢Volcanic features
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Hawaii's climate
Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
State flower; tropical blooms
Kukui Nut Tree
Aleurites moluccanus
State tree; candlenut tree
Ohia Lehua
Metrosideros polymorpha
Native tree with red flowers
Silversword
Argyroxiphium spp.
Endangered alpine plant
Plumeria
Plumeria spp.
Fragrant tropical flowers
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
Exotic orange flowers
Ti Plant
Cordyline fruticosa
Colorful foliage plant
Anthurium
Anthurium spp.
Heart-shaped flowers
Naupaka
Scaevola taccada
Salt-tolerant shrub
Pandanus
Pandanus tectorius
Screw pine for coastal areas
Beach Morning Glory
Ipomoea pes-caprae
Coastal groundcover
Sea Lettuce
Various species
Coastal seaweed gardens
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Hawaii garden
Plant tropical flowers
Plant vegetables
Prune and fertilize
Mulch and water regularly
Control pests
Harvest fruits
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Hawaii
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