Bamboo grows abundantly in Hawaii, where the tropical climate and high rainfall provide an ideal environment. Classified in the family Poaceae, this large member of the grass family shares characteristics with common lawn grasses despite its woody appearance and height. It is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, with some species capable of elongating by up to 35 inches (89 cm) in a single day. This rapid growth is a result of a unique rhizome-dependent system that allows new shoots to reach their full height and diameter within a few months.
Native and Introduced Status
The ecological history of bamboo in Hawaii involves a single native species and numerous introduced varieties. Only one species, Schizostachyum glaucifolium, is native to the Hawaiian Islands, known locally as ʻohe. The majority of bamboo found today consists of introduced species that have thrived in the favorable climate.
Polynesian settlers brought other bamboo species centuries ago as “canoe plants,” recognizing their practical value. This pre-contact introduction, including species like Bambusa vulgaris, established bamboo early in the Hawaiian landscape. However, the greatest diversification occurred later with post-contact introductions for ornamental and commercial purposes. These introduced species, particularly those with aggressive growth habits, pose ecological challenges to the island ecosystems.
Common Species and Growth Characteristics
The most commonly encountered bamboos in Hawaii are non-native species, often planted for landscaping or commercial timber production. A common ornamental species is the Hawaiian golden bamboo, a yellow variety of Bambusa vulgaris. This clumping bamboo can reach heights of 50 feet with culms up to four inches in diameter, making it a popular choice for screens and visual barriers. Other timber varieties grown on the islands include species from the genera Dendrocalamus and Guadua, valued for their size and strength.
A key distinction for managing bamboo is the difference between clumping and running types. Clumping bamboos, such as Bambusa species, expand slowly outward from the center, creating dense, manageable clusters. Running bamboos spread aggressively via underground stems called rhizomes, which quickly colonize large areas and are the primary source of invasive growth. While the tropical climate allows both types to flourish, running species require careful containment to prevent them from becoming an ecological problem.
Traditional Uses and Modern Applications
The native ʻohe (Schizostachyum glaucifolium) holds significant cultural value, historically serving practical and ceremonial purposes in traditional Hawaiian life. Its thin-walled culms and long internodes made it ideal for crafting musical instruments, such as the ʻohe hano ihu (nose flute). Bamboo was also used for practical items like water conduits, fishing poles, and construction materials for shelter. Additionally, ʻohe kāpala were bamboo stamps used to create intricate patterns on kapa (bark cloth).
In modern Hawaii, bamboo has found renewed use in sustainable construction and decorative applications. Tropical clumping timber bamboos are cultivated as a locally grown, renewable building product for flooring, furniture, and decorative trim. The rapid maturation of bamboo makes it an attractive alternative to slow-growing timber, providing a versatile material for contemporary homes and landscapes. For long-lasting applications, however, harvested bamboo must be properly treated to resist attack from wood-eating insects like termites and powder post beetles.
Management of Invasive Bamboo
While many bamboo species are beneficial, the aggressive growth of certain introduced varieties presents an ecological concern in Hawaii. Non-native, running bamboos quickly establish dense, nearly impenetrable stands, particularly in wet gulches and riparian areas. This rapid colonization creates monocultures that outcompete native Hawaiian flora, severely impacting biodiversity in forest and watershed areas. The massive root systems of these invasive species can also alter soil structure and water flow dynamics.
Controlling aggressive bamboo requires consistent and sometimes intensive strategies for homeowners and land managers. Installing a physical root barrier, typically made of high-density plastic or metal, is a common technique to prevent the lateral spread of running rhizomes. When removal is necessary, the process involves cutting the culms close to the ground and then treating the remaining rhizomes to prevent regrowth. Simply cutting the stalks will not eliminate the plant, as the extensive underground root network remains viable and will continue to produce new shoots.