Potatoes

Irish potatoes are attempted in higher elevations on Hawaiʻi Island, where temperatures are somewhat cooler. Production remains small and specialized.

Most farmers face challenges with soil-borne diseases and intense heat, which can hamper tuber development. Some success emerges when short-season varieties are used, or when planting is timed to cooler months. Local potatoes often appear at farmers’ markets as a novelty, with chefs occasionally featuring them in seasonal menus. The market, however, is overshadowed by large-scale mainland imports. While there’s niche appeal for locally grown potatoes, the high input costs and climatic constraints limit any significant expansion.