USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Hawaii hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 9a-13a · most of Hawaii is zone 12b · Pacific region
HawaiiUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Hawaii spans zones 9a-13a. The map shades the state from the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Haleakala (zone 9a) through to the coastal lowlands of all islands (zone 13a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 12b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Hawaii. Hawaii is frost-free at sea level and tropical year-round. Elevation, rainfall, and microclimate matter far more than any cold zone.
| USDA zone range | Zones 9a-13a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 12b |
| Coldest area | the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Haleakala (zone 9a) |
| Warmest area | the coastal lowlands of all islands (zone 13a) |
| Average last spring frost | no frost |
| Average first fall frost | no frost |
Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (1991-2020 normals). Frost averages: NOAA/NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals. Local ZIP-level zones and frost dates can differ from these statewide figures.
Hawaii hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Hawaii with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | Zone 12b |
| Hilo | Zone 12a |
| Kailua-Kona | Zone 12b |
| Lihue | Zone 12b |
Need your exact zone? Run the ZIP-code zone finder for a precise half-zone and frost dates for your address.
ZIP-code zones in Hawaii
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Ewa Beach 96706 — Zone 12b
- Kapolei 96707 — Zone 12b
- Hilo 96720 — Zone 12a
- Kahului (Maui) 96732 — Zone 12b
- Kailua 96734 — Zone 12b
- Kailua-Kona 96740 — Zone 12a
- Kaneohe 96744 — Zone 12a
- Lihue 96766 — Zone 12b
- Wailuku (Maui) 96793 — Zone 12b
- Waipahu 96797 — Zone 12b
- Honolulu 96813 — Zone 12b
- Honolulu (Waikiki) 96815 — Zone 12b
- Honolulu (Salt Lake) 96818 — Zone 12b
- Honolulu (Manoa) 96822 — Zone 12a
What Hawaii's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Hawaii winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Hawaii spans 9a-13a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Hawaii that means at least zone 12b; gardeners in the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Haleakala (zone 9a) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. Hawaii is effectively frost-free at lower elevations, so timing is driven by summer heat and rainfall rather than a last-frost date.
- Adjust for your microclimate. Urban heat, a south-facing slope, or a cold valley pocket can shift your effective zone and frost dates by a half-zone or more from the statewide figure.
Find your exact zone in Hawaii
The 9a-13a range is statewide. Growli pins your hardiness zone and frost dates to your exact ZIP code and sends a push notification before any forecast frost night for your saved location.
Frequently asked questions
What hardiness zone is Hawaii?
Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 9a-13a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 12b. The coldest areas are the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Haleakala (zone 9a) and the warmest are the coastal lowlands of all islands (zone 13a).
Does Hawaii get frost?
Lower-elevation Hawaii is effectively frost-free year-round, which is why it sits in the warmest USDA zones. Higher elevations can see occasional cold, but for most gardeners the limiting factor is heat and rainfall, not frost.
What grows well in Hawaii?
Hawaii is frost-free at sea level and tropical year-round. Elevation, rainfall, and microclimate matter far more than any cold zone. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 9a-13a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 12b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 12 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Hawaii have more than one hardiness zone?
Hardiness zones track the average annual coldest temperature, which changes with latitude, elevation, distance from water, and urban heat. That is why Hawaii ranges from the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Haleakala (zone 9a) to the coastal lowlands of all islands (zone 13a) — a span of 9a-13a — even though it is a single state.
Did Hawaii's hardiness zone change in 2023?
The USDA updated the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in November 2023 using 1991-2020 climate data. About half the country, including parts of Hawaii, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 9a-13a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.