Strawberries do grow in Hawaii, though commercial cultivation is a highly specialized endeavor localized to specific microclimates, unlike the large-scale field operations found on the mainland. The plant prefers temperate conditions, requiring farmers to actively seek out and manage environmental factors that mimic a cooler environment. Growing strawberries successfully in this tropical setting depends entirely on accessing the few areas with suitable natural conditions.
The Simple Answer: Altitude Farming Requirements
The primary challenge for growing strawberries in Hawaii is managing the high temperatures and humidity that dominate low-elevation coastal areas. The common garden strawberry requires a period of cool weather, often called vernalization, to initiate flowering and fruit production. Without this cold stress, tropical sea-level areas are too consistently warm, causing the plants to produce foliage instead of berries.
To overcome this climatic hurdle, farmers rely on elevation to provide the required lower temperatures. For commercial viability, strawberries are typically grown at altitudes between 800 and 4,000 feet above sea level. This elevation range ensures cooler daytime temperatures and consistently cool nights, which are essential for the plant’s reproductive cycle, while specific site selection and specialized growing structures prevent fungal diseases caused by excessive moisture.
Specific Growing Regions and Methods
Strawberry cultivation is concentrated in two primary high-altitude agricultural zones: Upcountry Maui, particularly in the Kula area on the slopes of Haleakalā, and the high-elevation areas of the Big Island, such as Waimea. These regions offer the necessary cool, sunny conditions and well-draining, nutrient-rich volcanic soil. The farming methods used are adapted to maximize production in these unique environments.
Farmers often employ the plasticulture system, growing plants in raised beds covered with plastic mulch to suppress weeds and conserve water. In areas with high rainfall, specialized hoop houses or open-sided greenhouses protect the delicate plants and fruit from damage and moisture-related diseases. Some operations, especially on the Big Island, utilize vertical hydroponic or “Verti-gro” systems. These systems allow for a higher density of plants in a smaller footprint while closely controlling nutrient delivery.
Characteristics of Hawaiian Strawberry Cultivars
The strawberries grown in Hawaii, often marketed as “Kula Strawberries,” develop distinct characteristics influenced by the intense sun, cooler temperatures, and volcanic soil. The fruit tends to be notably smaller than the large varieties typically imported from California, yet they possess a highly concentrated and intense flavor. This heightened sweetness and aroma are often attributed to the environmental stress of the high-altitude growing conditions.
The cultivars selected are typically ever-bearing or day-neutral varieties, such as ‘Seascape,’ ‘Eversweet,’ or ‘Chandler,’ which do not rely on a specific short day length to produce fruit. These varieties are better adapted to the year-round growing season facilitated by the stable temperatures of the mid-elevation slopes. The combination of intense sunlight and cool night temperatures leads to a higher accumulation of sugars and volatile flavor compounds. Unfortunately, these locally grown strawberries typically have a shorter shelf life than their imported, firmer counterparts.
Market Presence and Consumer Availability
While locally grown strawberries are highly prized, they represent only a small fraction of the total strawberry market in Hawaii. The vast majority of strawberries available in grocery stores are imported from the mainland, primarily due to the high cost of local production and the limited arable land at suitable elevations. Consequently, the locally grown fruit is considered a niche, premium product with a significantly higher price point than imported berries.
Consumers typically find these specialty strawberries at local farmers markets, farm stands like the one in Kula, or select upscale grocery stores across the islands. Availability can be somewhat seasonal, with peak production often occurring from late winter through early summer. For many residents and visitors, purchasing Hawaiian-grown strawberries is a treat, reflecting their status as a specialized, locally-sourced delicacy rather than a commodity staple.