Hawaii? The Perfect Growing climate?

desertlzbn · November 21, 2009

I just got back from my vacation to Oahu, Hawaii. The whole time I was there, I just could not stop thinking that it would be the perfect weather to grow tomatoes. Does anyone know anything about the Islands and if it is a good climate for tomatoes? I think we may be thinking about retiring there. (in 15 years or so).
SammieK.

rnewste · November 21, 2009

Sammie,

My son and daughter-in-law live in Honolulu and absolutely love the climate. Warm and humid many months of the year. A bit like Southern Florida but without the mosquitoes and other bugs (the Trade-winds blow them all out to sea).

As I am sure you know, Maui Onions, sugar cane, and many tropical fruits thrive there. The volcanic soil is not too conducive to growing many varieties of vegetables however like tomatoes, but with good soil amendments (or in Containers) you can get pretty good results with the constant sun and warmth.

We too are planning on retiring there in a few years to the Lani-Kai area, as they now had a 5 month old son, and Dear Wife has the typical need for a "Grandma fix", if you know what I mean.

Raybo

RJW · November 21, 2009

I have a semi-retired brother living on Maui and hope to join him some day, but at 48, I have a few more years to put in (10 my goal). Growing maters is such an enjoyable part of my lifestyle that I've done some research on growing in the islands and it's not good news. It may even deter my plans for San Diego (which I believe is truly perfect).

The Hawaiian climate is diverse and the Big Island alone claims 10 usda growing zones, but in general the weather itself is nearly ideal for growing year round. In the more populated areas the temps rarely exceed 90 and humidity comes in short spells never oppressive. You can grow year round at low elevations. Some higher elevations (Upcountry Maui and the Big Island volcanoes) have four seasons, somewhat mild, but enjoy nice cool mornings for stocky sprouts.

The biggest problem is fruit flies. TSWV is also a major concern. On the rainy sides tropical fungal problems are very serious too. In the end it's a very challenging place to grow tomatoes and most home gardeners stick with cherry types because the flies don't sting them much. There are some successful commercial operations doing heirlooms and larger types, but they grow mostly under cover and confess to quite heavy spraying and not that wimpy organic stuff.

I have a very old friend, going back to Kindergarten, who has a rental with a little land on Maui and his tenants have completely given up on tomatoes after three years of effort including having the University of Hawaii test the soil, make recommendations and provide the seed. The papayas, spinach and asparagus are incredible though.

I'm still not convinced, but it does seem daunting, and I'm fond of cherry tomatoes anyway. There are reports in other forums of paste type Roma tomatoes being resilient to Med Fly and robust enough to produce respectfully.

RJW · November 21, 2009

Also, I'll be out there twice this coming holiday season and do some further investigating.

rnewste · November 21, 2009

Sammie,

This is the view from the balcony of their condo on the 23 floor:

The only way I would attempt to grow tomatoes in Hawaii would be in SWC's like the EarthTainer. In-ground planting would be a real challenge.

We will be there a month from now, for the Holiday season.

Raybo

desertlzbn · November 21, 2009

I think that is wonderful, Raybo have a great trip!

barkeater · November 24, 2009

Sammi,

The best tomato growing climate and soil is where there is NJ sandy loams. Seeing how bad tomato pests are in Hawaii you may want to consider retiring in the Garden State!;-)

desertlzbn · November 25, 2009

But see the problem there is that it is COLD there, I live in a desert now, I need warmth. My parents are from MO, and I don't even go back there after October. Way too cold for me.

desertlzbn · November 25, 2009

Ok, you vacationing TVille fellows, please tell me if it is a good idea to visit north shore Oahu in the summer. Is it good for snorkeling? That is really what I want to do spend about 8 hrs a day in the water, unfortunately that is not what my wife wants to do. She wants to go "see stuff" We just got back and it was rainy and windy most of the time we were there. I did manage to spend at least part of everyday in the water though. We stayed at the Outrigger on the Reef Waikiki. The hotel is great. I would love to go and spend some time somewhere QUIET and not in Honolulu.

RJW · November 25, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertlzbn

I would love to go and spend some time somewhere QUIET and not in Honolulu.

I haven't gone to Oahu since the early 90s, but Hanama Bay was the snorkel spot back then. Too touristy for me. Check out the guidebood Oahu Revealed for great ideas. The 'Revealed" series covers every island and practically every inch of every island. I've used them on Maui and Hawaii and feel like an expert on both islands now.

As for getting away from it all. I'll be 10 miles from Hana on Maui deep in the rain forest for three days after Christmas. Very exotic black and red sand beaches, pig hunting, off shore fishing, very few tourists and the only sounds come from nature. The house is a ten minute walk to here:

link

Mt.Imagine · November 27, 2009

I live in one of Hawaii's high (3600ft), dry microclimates (on one of the outer islands, not Oahu), where we don't have fruit-flies, fungus, or any other significant obstacle, and I have great luck with growing tomatoes organically year round. The Russian heirlooms do wonderfully, but also the heat-loving brandywines, even in january.

RJW · November 27, 2009

Mt. Imagine! That's music to my ears. How come I cannot find any information like that scanning page after page of google hits? Anyway, it's none of my business, but by outer islands are you referring to a less populated place like Molokai or Lanai? And, do your conditions (no fruit fly) exist in areas like Kula where they grow all those Maui onions? Upcountry Maui would be ideal, imo.

rnewste · November 27, 2009

Imagine,

May we ask where specifically in Hawaii you are located? Sounds like an excellent growing area.

Also, Welcome to Tomatoville!!

Mahalo,

Raybo

Mt.Imagine · November 28, 2009

Hey guys. I live on the southern tip of the Big Island, in the windswept lava hills of Kau--a much more rural place than Maui or Oahu. The conditions are quite good for growing vegetables and some of the tropical and pome fruits, but we have to make or buy our own soil. I'm not totally sure where to find similar conditions, but maybe dry upcountry Maui could also be good for growing tomatoes outside without protection.

November 21, 2009	#1
desertlzbn Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson Posts: 659	Hawaii? The Perfect Growing climate? I just got back from my vacation to Oahu, Hawaii. The whole time I was there, I just could not stop thinking that it would be the perfect weather to grow tomatoes. Does anyone know anything about the Islands and if it is a good climate for tomatoes? I think we may be thinking about retiring there. (in 15 years or so). SammieK.

November 28, 2009	#14
Mt.Imagine Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hawaii Posts: 34	Hey guys. I live on the southern tip of the Big Island, in the windswept lava hills of Kau--a much more rural place than Maui or Oahu. The conditions are quite good for growing vegetables and some of the tropical and pome fruits, but we have to make or buy our own soil. I'm not totally sure where to find similar conditions, but maybe dry upcountry Maui could also be good for growing tomatoes outside without protection. Last edited by Mt.Imagine; November 28, 2009 at 08:28 PM.

November 21, 2009	#2
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	Sammie, My son and daughter-in-law live in Honolulu and absolutely love the climate. Warm and humid many months of the year. A bit like Southern Florida but without the mosquitoes and other bugs (the Trade-winds blow them all out to sea). As I am sure you know, Maui Onions, sugar cane, and many tropical fruits thrive there. The volcanic soil is not too conducive to growing many varieties of vegetables however like tomatoes, but with good soil amendments (or in Containers) you can get pretty good results with the constant sun and warmth. We too are planning on retiring there in a few years to the Lani-Kai area, as they now had a 5 month old son, and Dear Wife has the typical need for a "Grandma fix", if you know what I mean. Raybo

November 21, 2009	#3
RJW Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California desert Posts: 31	I have a semi-retired brother living on Maui and hope to join him some day, but at 48, I have a few more years to put in (10 my goal). Growing maters is such an enjoyable part of my lifestyle that I've done some research on growing in the islands and it's not good news. It may even deter my plans for San Diego (which I believe is truly perfect). The Hawaiian climate is diverse and the Big Island alone claims 10 usda growing zones, but in general the weather itself is nearly ideal for growing year round. In the more populated areas the temps rarely exceed 90 and humidity comes in short spells never oppressive. You can grow year round at low elevations. Some higher elevations (Upcountry Maui and the Big Island volcanoes) have four seasons, somewhat mild, but enjoy nice cool mornings for stocky sprouts. The biggest problem is fruit flies. TSWV is also a major concern. On the rainy sides tropical fungal problems are very serious too. In the end it's a very challenging place to grow tomatoes and most home gardeners stick with cherry types because the flies don't sting them much. There are some successful commercial operations doing heirlooms and larger types, but they grow mostly under cover and confess to quite heavy spraying and not that wimpy organic stuff. I have a very old friend, going back to Kindergarten, who has a rental with a little land on Maui and his tenants have completely given up on tomatoes after three years of effort including having the University of Hawaii test the soil, make recommendations and provide the seed. The papayas, spinach and asparagus are incredible though. I'm still not convinced, but it does seem daunting, and I'm fond of cherry tomatoes anyway. There are reports in other forums of paste type Roma tomatoes being resilient to Med Fly and robust enough to produce respectfully.

November 24, 2009	#7
barkeater Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NE Kingdom, VT - Zone 3b Posts: 1,439	Sammi, The best tomato growing climate and soil is where there is NJ sandy loams. Seeing how bad tomato pests are in Hawaii you may want to consider retiring in the Garden State!;-)

November 25, 2009	#8
desertlzbn Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson Posts: 659	But see the problem there is that it is COLD there, I live in a desert now, I need warmth. My parents are from MO, and I don't even go back there after October. Way too cold for me.

November 27, 2009	#11
Mt.Imagine Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hawaii Posts: 34	I live in one of Hawaii's high (3600ft), dry microclimates (on one of the outer islands, not Oahu), where we don't have fruit-flies, fungus, or any other significant obstacle, and I have great luck with growing tomatoes organically year round. The Russian heirlooms do wonderfully, but also the heat-loving brandywines, even in january.