Floriculture & Nursery
Floriculture and nursery production on Hawai'i Island is characterized by its diversity and the ability to grow tropical species that are in high demand globally. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2020, Hawai'i Island accounted for approximately 66% of the state's total floriculture and nursery sales, with a value of $62.7 million. The island's varied microclimates allow for the cultivation of a wide range of products. Key floriculture crops include tropical cut flowers such as anthuriums, orchids (particularly dendrobiums), and tropical foliage. The following table shows key metrics for the industry over the past decade.
Nursery production includes a variety of potted plants, landscaping plants, and starter materials. The island is also known for its production of exotic plants like vireya rhododendrons and cacao seedlings for the emerging chocolate industry. A significant challenge in production is pest and disease management. The banana bunchy top virus, for instance, has affected the production of ti leaves, an important cultural and ornamental plant. Similarly, the orchid industry has faced challenges with pests like thrips and various fungal diseases. Labor costs and availability remain ongoing issues, particularly for operations requiring skilled workers for tasks like propagation and grading. Many operations rely on family labor or a small core of skilled employees supplemented by seasonal workers.
Coffee
Coffee production on Hawai'i Island is primarily concentrated in two regions: the Kona District on the western side and the Ka'u District in the south. The Kona coffee belt, situated on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes, spans approximately 20 miles long and 2 miles wide at elevations between 700 and 2,500 feet. In North and South Kona, approximately 650-700 independent coffee estates cultivate Kona coffee trees. These small family farms, typically 2-7 acres in size, produce about 20,000 to 40,000 pounds of Kona cherries per 3-5 acre farm. After milling, 10,000 pounds of cherries yield about 2,000 pounds of viable coffee beans. Many Kona coffee farmers proudly represent 5th generation descendants of the original farmers, continuing this tradition (Kona Coffee, 2020). The unique microclimate of these regions, characterized by sunny mornings, cloudy or rainy afternoons, mild nights, and volcanic soils, contributes to the distinctive flavor profile of Hawai'i Island coffees. The primary variety grown is Kona Typica, although some farms have begun experimenting with other varieties.
Utilized production in Hawaii for 2023-2024 totaled 19.2 million pounds (cherry basis) down 17 percent from 2022. Bearing acreage was estimated at 7,400, down 1 percent from the previous year. The average yield was 3,150 pounds per acre, unchanged from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $48.2 million, a decrease of 11 percent from the previous season, with an average annual price of $2.51 per pound.
Hawaii’s coffee growers experienced significant crop losses. The growing season came with many challenges, from unprecedented weather events to invasive pests and diseases, wildfires, and labor shortages. Harvest began earlier than usual due to the unpredictable weather, impacting the crop. Production declined in 2023 due to the destructive fungus known as Coffee Leaf Rust and the plagued fields of the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB), which caused long-term reduced plant and berry growth. Farmers have implemented integrated pest management strategies, including the use of Beauveria bassiana, a fungus that kills the borer, which has shown some success in controlling the pest.
Drought, which can occur during the coffee's flowering peak periods or stages, was another factor contributing to production loss. In August 2023, the Maui region of Hawaii experienced wind-fueled wildfires that destroyed agricultural land and produced crop-damaging smoke. Labor costs and availability remain ongoing issues as well, particularly during the harvest season which typically runs from August to January. Many farms rely on seasonal workers, often from outside the island, which can create logistical and housing challenges.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nut production on Hawai'i Island has a rich history dating back to the 1880s when the trees were first introduced from Australia. The island's volcanic soils and diverse microclimates provide ideal growing conditions for macadamia trees, contributing to the unique flavor profile that has made Hawaiian macadamias world-renowned.
According to recent agricultural surveys, macadamia nut orchards occupy a significant portion of the island's cultivated land. The 2020 State Agricultural Land Use Baseline update reported that macadamia nut production on Hawai'i Island increased by 5%, or 1,137 acres, between 2015 and 2020, indicating steady growth in the sector. Production is characterized by a mix of large commercial orchards and smaller family-owned operations. Many orchards are located in the southern and eastern parts of the island, particularly in the districts of Ka'u and Hilo. The table below provides details of Hawaiʻi’s macadamia nut acreage, yields and prices using statewide data.
Utilized production in Hawaii for 2022 was down 29 percent from the previous year. Bearing acreage decreased by 5 percent from the previous year. The average yield was 2,330 pounds per acre, down 780 pounds from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $33.2 million, down 49 percent from the previous season, with an average annual price of $0.88 per pound. Disease, insects, and feral hog damage to macadamia nut orchards were reported during the growing season. Additionally, during 2022, macadamia nut farmers experienced higher production costs, marketing challenges, and the lowest price since 2015. The longer-term trends of utilized production over the last decade are shown in the graph below.
The USDA 2022 Agriculture Census offers limited data on macadamia nuts for the County of Hawaiʻi with a number of measures hidden because of such limited sample sizes and response rates. Data identifies the number of Producers in 2022 for Hawai'i County as 526, declining from 751 in 2012. Acres bearing for the County are unavailable for 2022, with the last recorded figure showing 17,504 acres bearing and non-bearing in 2017.
Papayas
According to the USDA 2022 Agriculture Census, there were 156 farms operating 532 acres bearing and non-bearing on Hawai'i Island. While the number of producers decreased by only 3 since 2012, the number of acres bearing and non-bearing dropped 1,154, more than two thirds its 2012 acreage.
The estimated value of utilized production for Hawaii’s papayas was $6.5 million in 2023, reflecting a four percent improvement from $6.3 million in 2022. However, total production decreased by twelve percent to 10.25 million pounds compared to the previous year, with utilized production falling three percent to 9.54 million pounds. Statewide, papaya bearing acreage dropped by 50 acres and yield per acre declined five percent to 15,800 pounds per acre in 2023. The volume of papayas harvested but not sold decreased by 62 percent to 710 thousand pounds. Papaya growers received a record average price of 68 cents per pound, up by four cents in 2022. From 2017 to 2023, the value of utilized production of papayas decreased 31 percent while utilized production saw a staggering drop of 57 percent. Despite these downtrends, 2023 showed a slight improvement in the value of production compared to the previous year, following a peak in 2021.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture production on Hawai'i Island is diverse, encompassing both freshwater and marine species. According to the USDA 2022 Agriculture Census, the island's aquaculture production from 19 producers was valued at approximately $69.4 million, representing 80% of the state's total aquaculture value.
Hawai'i State's 2022 aquaculture sales totaled a record $89.6 million, up 12% from 2021, according to USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Algae contributed $45.4 million and accounted for 51% of the total sales. Ornamentals accounted for $3.89 million of total sales. The “Other” category comprised the remaining 45% of total sales at $40.3 million. The peak number of hired workers on the payroll was 416 for 2022, as reported by the producers.
A comparison of Hawai'i Island aquaculture with the other counties in the state can be found in the USDA 2022 Agriculture Census.
