Cabbage
Includes traditional head cabbages and Chinese cabbages like won bok, all of which are staples in Hawaiʻi cuisine. Grown across various zones, cabbage is widely consumed and relatively well-established.
Head cabbages thrive in areas with moderate temperatures, allowing for firm heads that store well. Chinese cabbage finds a consistent place in local dishes from stir-fries to pickling traditions. Farmers often battle pests such as the diamondback moth and loopers, but effective pest control regimens, coupled with disease-resistant cultivars, help keep yields stable. Demand for cabbage remains robust, anchored by plate lunches, cultural recipes, and health-conscious shoppers. Since it’s regarded as an affordable, versatile vegetable, cabbage’s market outlook on Hawaiʻi Island is steady, with growers rotating plantings to maintain year-round availability.