Hawaii Planting Guide & Growing Season
Hawaii is in USDA hardiness zone 10a-13a with a growing season of 365 days. The average last spring frost is Jan 1 and the average first fall frost is Dec 31. Climate data based on Honolulu.
Growing Conditions in Hawaii
How Hawaii Compares
Compare Hawaii's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (HI) | 10a-13a | Jan 1 | Dec 31 | 365 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Hawaii
When should I start seeds indoors in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the average last frost date is Jan 1. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Hawaii is 10a-13a, with a growing season of approximately 365 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Hawaii?
Hawaii falls in USDA hardiness zones 10a-13a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Hawaii?
The average first frost date in Hawaii is Dec 31. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Hawaii?
Hawaii has an average growing season of 365 days, from the last frost (Jan 1) to first frost (Dec 31). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.