Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus species serve as one of the island’s most extensive commercial timber options. E. grandis and E. saligna are often grown for sawlogs and utility lumber due to their fast growth and relatively straight boles, while E. deglupta (Rainbow eucalyptus) is valued for its striking bark and is sometimes harvested for specialty wood or ornamental plantings. The wood’s natural durability varies among species, and many require proper drying to prevent splitting. Hawaiʻi’s foresters and private landowners have planted large stands, making Eucalyptus a cornerstone of local forestry.

Eucalyptus lumber can be used for flooring, construction, furniture, and biomass fuel. The Hawaiʻi forest industry has explored pulping and veneer applications in the past, though the market success depends on global competition and milling infrastructure. In recent years, some local mills and value-added producers have focused on niche, high-quality boards for cabinetry and decorative panels. Due to consistent reforestation efforts on former sugarcane lands, Eucalyptus remains among the top species in commercial harvest volumes on the island. With continuing interest in renewable resources, it plays a significant role in Hawaiʻi’s future timber economy.