Agricultural production on Hawai'i Island is marked by diversity, innovation, and ongoing adaptation to economic and environmental conditions. Key crops include fruits, vegetables, livestock, dairy, macadamia nuts, coffee, floriculture, nursery products, and aquaculture, each facing unique opportunities and challenges.
Fruit production trends between 2012 and 2022 highlight declining acreage for traditional crops like bananas and papayas, contrasting with an increase in diversified fruit operations, notably avocados, mangoes, lychees, and citrus. Despite decreasing acreage, citrus operations rose significantly, reflecting a shift towards smaller, diversified farming methods. Production declines in bananas and avocados point to challenges such as disease, labor shortages, and market constraints, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions.
Vegetable and melon production shows remarkable adaptability across varied microclimates. The number of operations growing kale, squash, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes has grown significantly, despite persistent pest pressures and water scarcity. Farmers have adopted integrated pest management (IPM) and drought-tolerant varieties, demonstrating resilience and innovation within the sector.
The livestock and dairy sector remains stable in cattle production, although the number of operations has declined, indicating consolidation trends and ongoing economic pressures. Poultry, especially egg-laying hens, has shown significant growth. High imported feed costs, however, pose substantial challenges across the sector.
Macadamia nut production continues to be a significant agricultural presence, characterized by commercial and family-owned orchards primarily located in southern and eastern districts. Recent years have seen a decrease in production and prices due to pests, disease, and rising operational costs, underscoring the need for ongoing pest management and operational efficiencies.
Coffee production, particularly Kona and Ka'u coffees, represents a culturally and economically vital crop with global recognition. However, recent threats from coffee leaf rust, pests like the Coffee Berry Borer, droughts, and labor shortages have impacted yields, prompting farmers to adopt new management practices.
Floriculture and nursery products constitute a vibrant and economically valuable sector, accounting for a significant portion of state sales. Challenges such as pest management and labor availability persist, yet the sector continues to diversify and innovate, producing a variety of high-demand tropical flowers and nursery plants.
Aquaculture on Hawai'i Island leverages unique resources like deep seawater to cultivate diverse products, including finfish, shellfish, and microalgae. Despite facing high operational costs and regulatory challenges, this sector contributes significantly to the island's agricultural economy.