There are many fruits that grow in Hawaii. There are tropical fruits, and then there are ones that can be grown as a decorative plant but also eaten. The climate of this beautiful state makes it possible to grow tropical fruits, as well as non-tropical fruits successfully. Below is a list of fruits that could be found on any island in this state.
The list of fruits that grow in Hawaii is long, and it’s not just about the tropical mangoes, bananas and pineapples. In fact, there are over 6,000 types of fruits that grow in Hawaii. Many of these are native to the state or have been introduced to it by humans. When it comes to the exotic fruits that grow in Hawaii, there’s no shortage of options. If you want something sweet and juicy, try a lychee or a pineapple. If you’re looking for something more tart, look no further than a passionfruit or a kiwi.
Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather, and exotic fruits. While pineapple and banana are the most popular types of fruit that grow in Hawaii, there are many others too. Here’s a list of some of the most common fruits that grow in Hawaii: Banana, Coconut, Papaya, Pineapple and Guava.
Fruits That Grow In Hawaii
Hawaii is a tropical paradise, so it’s no surprise that there are an abundance of fruits that grow in Hawaii. Here’s a list of some of the most popular and best-known fruits that grow in Hawaii: Sugarloaf Pineapple, Mango, Lychee.
Because of the tropical climate that Hawaii is famous for, a wide range of fruits may be grown there. Hawaii is known for producing an incredible variety of fruits, so this is not surprising.
The grocery shop is always one of our first stops after leaving the airport when our family travels to Hawaii. So that we may fill up on scrumptious Hawaii fruit for breakfast the following morning.
I don’t want to miss out on any of the delicious Hawaiian fruit!
The Farmers Market schedule is then usually checked to determine where to go each day to purchase farm-fresh Hawaiian fruits. In Hawaii, we adore supporting regional farmers and shopping locally.
When fresh produce is in season and there are any new sorts of fruits or veggies we should sample, we like to visit with the farmers to learn more about them. One of Hawaii’s best places to buy fruit is there.
What fruits grow in Hawaii, you may be asking yourself at this point? Numerous is the answer.
I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite fruits that can be found in Hawaii so that everyone can sample them.
Additionally, you earn extra points for gathering them yourself from Hawaiian fruit trees!
1. Sugarloaf Pineapple
You probably envision Waikiki Beach, palm trees, surfers, and pineapples when you think of Hawaii. In the past, Hawaii produced the most pineapples worldwide.
Although there are 37 different kinds of pineapple, Sugarloaf Pineapple is by far my favorite. It is particularly wonderful to eat in Hawaii because it is grown there and doesn’t frequently ship to the Mainland.
Its fruit has more of a white tint and is the sweetest variety. Since the acidity is constantly mild, I can eat an entire pineapple without experiencing any discomfort. In Hawaii, it’s one of my favorite fruits.
2. Mango
Mango is one of my favorite fruits that are grown in Hawaii. Every member of my family can eat at least one by themselves since they are so delicious and juicy.
I discover that those tiny roadside booths have the sweetest mangoes. I believe it is because they are made at home rather than in a factory. But it could simply be the novelty of finding them by the side of the road!
Mango trees can be found in abundance in Hawaii. In fact, you can book Airbnbs that are next to mango trees.
Mangoes are palatable either cold from the refrigerator or at room temperature. It is one of my favorite foods when it is split up and sprinkled with li hing mui powder. So tasty!
In addition, the organic shave ice stands provide fresh mango as a topping.
And if you want to make a fantastic mango dessert, try this delicious mango sticky rice recipe!
3. Apple Bananas
Bananas aren’t really my favorite fruit. They are bland and stodgy in my opinion. Apple Bananas, however, have me addicted!
They are “kid-size,” yet they are tasty. They are the perfect size to pack for hiking in Hawaii or seeing the island by car, and you can find them at supermarkets or farmers markets.
If you’ve traveled the Road to Hana and sampled some of the delicious banana bread along the route, you know that it’s typically made with apple bananas. Because of this, it tastes SO GOOD!
Additionally, one of the few Hawaiian fruits that aren’t exported to the mainland is apple bananas.
4. Lychee
Lychee is definitely one of the most exotic fruits in Hawaii worth trying.
I first tried Lychee when I was a kid visiting Hawaii. We bought a bag of them from the back of someone’s truck. They showed us how to pop the skin with our teeth and peel it to unveil a sweet little fruit. I’ve been hooked ever since!
It was years later that I realized it’s a popular Asian fruit.
It has the consistency of a more muscle-y grape and there’s a big pit on the inside. It’s one of those fruits from Hawaii that is perfect to eat while sipping wine on a lanai overlooking the ocean.
If you can’t find the fresh fruit grown in Hawaii (it’s seasonal), you can also order Lychee green tea with Lychee jelly at bubble tea shops around the world. It’s my favorite combination!
5. Guava
Guava is another Hawaiian fruit. It is a key component of the well-known Passion-Orange-Guava (POG) juice.
Guavas can be picked yourself or purchased at farmers markets. You’re likely to come across Strawberry Guava on the route if you’re trekking in Hawaii’s mountains.
The little fruit known as guava can be consumed on its own or added to other foods. It can be found in guava juice, jelly, syrup, and many baked items.
6. Passion Fruit
Passion Fruit (called Lilikoi in Hawaii) is also found in POG juice.
It’s also a small fruit of Hawaii that can be sliced in half and scooped with a spoon to get the fruit. You can eat it by itself, but you can also find it in lots of Hawaiian desserts, syrups, jams, juice, and baked goods.
It’s also a popular ingredient in acai bowls, Hawaiian fruit smoothies, and in shave ice.
One of my favorite things to eat in the morning is toast slathered in Lilikoi butter. OMG is it tasty and it makes for a great Hawaii souvenir to bring home!
7. Mountain Apples
Hawaiian Mountain Apples are very different from mainland Mountain Apples, despite their name. Mountain apples aren’t round, to start. They resemble a bell more.
These Hawaiian fruits have a rose-like flavor and are incredibly juicy and sweet. Like an average apple, the fruit can be eaten whole or sliced into snacks.
They are also useful for cooking. Applesauce is the simplest food to prepare. All you need to do is combine the cooked apples with fresh ginger, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
8. Coconut
Although technically a nut, coconut meat is regarded by many as a fruit, which is why I’ve included it on this list.
It’s a fruit that is quite adaptable. You can scrape out the coconut meat to eat fresh and sip the water from the coconut. The flesh may also be squeezed to create coconut milk. The majority of grocery stores and farmers markets also sell dried coconut.
In practically every luau in Hawaii, coconut is also a key component of the Hawaiian dessert Haupia.
9. Papaya
Papaya is again another of my favorite Hawaiian fruits. You may eat it on its own, but to truly enhance the flavor, I prefer to squeeze some lime juice on top.
Compared to the Mexican papayas you typically get on the Mainland, the Hawaiian variety is more pear-shaped. The fruit inside can be either a vivid reddish-orange or a golden yellow color.
Due to papayas’ abundance in protein-digesting enzymes, which aid in digestion, it also makes for the ideal after-dinner treat.
10. Rambutan
One of the more exotic-looking Hawaiian fruits is unquestionably this one. It has a hairy red and green shell, after all! It is hence my choice for the fruit that looks best on Instagram.
During the months of February and March, Hawaii residents can purchase this Asian fruit at local farmers markets. It has a flavor somewhat like to lychee but is a little tarter.
Simply use a knife to slit open the skin to get the meat. They are a favorite afternoon snack of ours.
Exotic Fruits In Hawaii
Hawaii is the perfect place to go if you want to experience exotic fruits in hawaii. The tropical climate makes it an ideal place for growing these fruits, which are not typically found anywhere else in the world.
Please double-check things like opening hours before you go, and follow local guidelines to stay safe. Also, we use affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you understand there isn’t anything much fresher than the islands’ fruit. The fruit in Hawaii is exotic, nutritious and downright yummy!
When we visit Kauai, Maui or the other Hawaiian islands on a winter vacay, enjoying that tropical Hawaii fruit for breakfast is worth waking up for!
It’s also nice to pick up some of the same fruits at grocery stores when we’re home.
Eating a juicy mango or pineapple on a cold winter day back in Canada makes us relive (even if only briefly) our sunny Hawaiian holiday.
Check out the following 10 most delicious fruits of Hawaii.
You’ll find many exotic fruits. If this is your first visit to Hawaii, you might not have tried some of these before!
1) Pineapple
mention Hawaii Consider pineapples Even the name “pineapple island” refers to the island of Lanai.
Of all Hawaiian fruits, pineapple must be the most well-known.
So, if you think pineapples are a native of Hawaii, we’re sorry to disappoint you. However, one of the many fascinating facts about Hawaii is that South America is where pineapples actually got their start.
In the early 1900s, James Dole founded the pineapple business in Hawaii. In 1922, he acquired the island of Lanai and developed it into the world’s largest pineapple plantation.
In the 1960s, Hawaii supplied more than 80% of all canned pineapples, making it the largest pineapple exporter in the world.
Today, Hawaii is devoid of canneries. However, pineapples continue to be farmed on the islands, where they are now a common fruit. When we travel to Hawaii, we always have these for breakfast.
And the only fruit from Hawaii that can be brought to the U.S. mainland is pineapples (in your carry-on).
2) Breadfruit
This starchy green fruit has the consistency of a potato and is nothing like bread.
This unusual fruit doesn’t appeal to many tourists.
But its potential to be a staple food to reduce global hunger makes it a significant Hawaiian fruit.
The breadfruit is rich in carbs and a good source of vitamins, and breadfruit trees are relatively simple to grow and quite fruitful. (And there is no fat in it.)
Interestingly, breadfruit isn’t technically a native Hawaiian fruit, though it’s been growing in Hawaii for so long that you could say it’s indigenous and not really be wrong.
Breadfruit was actually brought to Hawaii by the ancient Polynesians around 300 AD as a “canoe plant.”
The bark and wood of the breadfruit tree is lightweight and perfect for making traditional outrigger canoes (and today, surfboards and drums). The sap also makes an excellent sealant.
3) Papaya
With a unique flavor, papaya is another fruit that people either love or hate.
It’s a common Mexican fruit that was introduced to Hawaii just over a century ago.
It now grows very well in the Hawaiian islands, mostly on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Pear-shaped, with dark yellow flesh inside, papayas are one of the healthiest fresh fruits to eat – rich in nutrients, low in fat and a good source of fiber.
4) Lilikoi (passion fruit)
The passion of passion fruit is its tart juicy taste. The seeds are edible.
And here’s an interesting factoid: Many people swear passion fruit tea makes you drowsy because it contains Harmala alkaloids.
5) Mango
Mangos are some of the juiciest, sweetest Hawaiian fruits!
If you’re used to eating everyday ho-hum mangos, this exotic fruit in Hawaii is totally different.
There are over 60 different kinds of mangos on the Hawaiian islands. You’ll see tons of mango trees growing everywhere.
Some of the best tasting and most popular varieties are the Haden, Pirie and Rapoza mangos.
Most of the commercially grown mangos in Hawaii are the Haden. When ripe, its skin takes on hues of red, yellow and green.
Mangos are a summer fruit.
If you can’t find the fresh fruit grown in Hawaii (the mango season is May to September), you can buy frozen mango – it works almost as well in those margs.
6) Lychee
Lychee was introduced from southeast China in 1873 and has a scary-looking prickly exterior.
However, it’s a fantastic Hawaiian fruit due to its high nutritional content, particularly Vitamin C and Vitamin B-Complex.
From May to August, lychee fruit is available in Hawaii. If you recently got married (congrats! ), you might find lychee offered with other fruits at breakfast if you are staying in a honeymoon hotel in Maui (ask if you don’t see it).
7) Longan
The longan has a rough brown exterior that doesn’t look as pretty as other fruits.
But while it may be an unusual Hawaiian fruit, it’s great to eat! The chewy interior tastes slightly sweet with an interesting flavor twist of tart.
They call it the “dragon’s eye” in Chinese because a longan looks like a big eye staring at you.
8) Egg fruit
The Hawaiian fruit known as egg fruit (or canistel) is not an egg that has been passed off as a fruit.
Okay, it does resemble a hard-boiled egg yolk in texture. And the color is a vivid yellow-orange.
The interior, however, is both dry and sweet and has a flavor akin to sweet potatoes or perhaps chestnuts.
Some people add egg fruit to ice cream, custard, and yogurt.
9) Noni
If you like the taste of blue cheese, you might like noni.
But to tell the truth, not many people enjoy the taste of this tart fruit. It has a fishy aftertaste.
The reason you’d eat this unique fruit is because of the potential health benefits of noni – said to include pain relief and improve arthritis.
10) Soursop
Soursop is a pretty strange name for a native Hawaiian fruit, but don’t let its name fool you.
It tastes like a fruit explosion of apples, kiwis, and strawberries. Besides the flavor, you get a big punch of antioxidants too.
The Best 10 Hawaiian Fruit To Try
The Hawaiian islands are known for their lush, tropical scenery and rich culture. While Hawaii may be most famous for its beaches and surfing, there is also a wide variety of delicious fruit that can be found throughout the islands. Here are some of the best 10 Hawaiian fruit to try: Hawaiian pineapple, Hawaiian mango, Hawaiian avocado, Coconut,.
You can find most of these tropical fruits from Hawaii sold in different venues around the island when they are in season. Check for Hawaii fruit in season at your local farmers markets, grocery stores and even street fruit vendors selling what is in season locally.
if you’re adventurous and bold and see some gorgeous tree loaded with fruit in someone’s yard – try knocking on the door say hello with a smile. See if they will allow you to pick a few fruits to take home and sample. These will probably be the best fruit in Hawaii that you’ll ever taste.
1. Hawaiian pineapple
Always known as a symbol of Hawaii and Hawaiian hospitality, pineapples are the most popular and iconic fruit of Hawaii.
Pineapple plantations where big on the islands with large exports of the fruit to the mainland and many places abroad of canned pineapples or fresh fruit. Now pineapple production tends to be grown on smaller farms selling to the local markets and some shipments to the mainland. The main two types of pineapple are the yellow and white pineapples which are both sweet, juicy and delicious to eat raw or served in salads, smoothies, baked goods and as an ingredient to many prepared dishes. You’ll know when pineapples are ready to eat when you touch the skin and it starts to give, the colors start changing to a yellow orange on the skin and you can smell the sweetness of the fruit coming out.
When is Pineapple season in Hawaii?
Typically pineapple season is fairly long and starting from April until September year year.
Check out my post of Hawaiian pineapples in season here for more fascinating details and images and information about this spectacular fruit grown in Hawaii.
2. Hawaiian mango
With over 60 different varieties of mangoes grown in Hawaii, you’ll have fun tasting all of the different mangoes in season all around the islands. The most common mangoes grown in Hawaii are the are the Hayden, Pirie, Manila, and Raposa mangoes. Check for mango ripeness when they change from green to yellow and orange hues and start to get soft to the touch which indicates ripeness. When you also smell a mango with lots of heavy scents to almost overripe stage, you’ll know when it is ready to eat.
When is Mango season in Hawaii?
Mangoes come into season starting May and run to late July timeframe which offers a long season for eating fresh mangoes or used into delicious dishes like sour mango pickles, salads, smoothies, mango bread and as a delicious side dish to an entrée.
Check out my post on Mango season in Hawaii for more details about this delicious fruit.
3. Hawaiian avocado
Hawaiian avocados have a long season in Hawaii with over 200 varieties grown on the island and starting from November until Mid-Spring with some varieties giving fruit twice yearly. That makes for some delicious avocados you can eat for a long time on the islands. Loaded with 20 nutrients, healthy minerals, and rich in anti-oxidants, this fruit keeps you healthy, with younger skin, anti-aging properties and so many health benefits. When soft to the touch and ready to eat avocados are great eaten raw, in salads, smoothies, sides to entrees and so many other wonderful recipes using this delicious fruit.
When is avocado season in Hawaii?
Avocados in Hawaii produce all year but the main production season starts from October to May timeframe.
4. Coconut
It’s not easy getting fresh coconuts that can grow on trees that can top at 100 feet. But when you get a fresh coconut for it’s refreshing water and meat, then there’s nothing that compares to eating coconuts on a hot day in Hawaii. Coconut is eaten raw, cooked or dried shaved coconut. The milk and meat are used in a variety of traditional Hawaiian dishes sweet and savory along with coconut oil which is processed and used for cooking healthy balanced dishes. The meal, oil and milk of the coconut has many health benefits with for hair treatment, reduce heart problems and obesity and keeping the skin moist and younger looking.
5. Apple Bananas
What’s fantastic about bananas in Hawaii is that this is a year-round producing fruit that has over 70 varieties of bananas including Apple, Ice Cream, Cavendish, Red, Lady Fingers, Ae Ae, Praying hands and Plantains. The most abundant type grown on the islands is the apple banana varieties which you can find at all the fruit stands, farmers markets and grocery stores on the islands. Packed with potassium, B6 and rich in fiber, this healthy fruit can be eaten raw or used as an ingredient in baked goods, smoothies to savory dishes incorporating the fruit. Bananas can be harvested raw in their bunches and left to ripen and ready to eat or use in making a sweet or savory dish.
6. Hawaiian Papaya
Another year found tropical fruit found on the islands, papayas are so diverse in use and health benefits to eating. Found in every Hawaiian backyard, easy to grow papayas are a fantastic fruit can be eaten raw or used in sweet to savory dishes. Loaded with healthy nutrients along with vitamins A, C, E and K, beta carotene and anti-oxidants papayas are the perfect healthy food alternative on the islands. Papayas are ripe when the skin color changes from green to yellow and orange and starts to become soft to the touch and you can smell some sweet aromas. Eaten raw, mixed into smoothies, cooked green in savory dishes or into sweet desserts, this fruit is so well used into a variety of dishes that add a sweet note to any meal.
7. Guavas
A small tree with oval shaped fruit that can be pinkish, light green to creamy yellow fruit inside with edible seeds. When the guava fruit is ripe and soft to the touch you can eat the entire fruit including the skin and seeds and tastes like a cross of strawberry, kiwi and peach flavor. Popular as a weight reduction fruit with only 37 calories per fruit, guavas are packed with minerals and vitamins that make this a great low-calorie fruit, cancer prevention and blood sugar reduction along with diabetes prevention. Typically, Guava is eaten raw, pulped for smoothies, sauces, drinks, jams and the leaves used for suppressing blood sugar spikes.
8. Passion fruit or Hawaiian lilikoi
Lilikoi or passion fruit came originally from South American and a few different varieties are grown on the islands. With a sweet to tart taste, the seeds and pulp are just scooped out of the pod and eaten fresh. Or lilikoi is used for many things like smoothies, jams, drinks, dressings and so many other ingredients to food dishes or baked goods.
9. Rambutan in Hawaii
This exotic red and hairy type of fruit originates from Southeast Asia and has the flavors of Lychee, grapes and longan fruit but dryer and thicker in taste. The skin is various shades of red and softer when ripe and easy peel off to reveal a whitish golf ball sized fruit with a large seed in the middle. Another healthy fruit packed with Vitamin C, Manganese, Iron, Calcium Potassium and other minerals packed o each healthy bite of fruit. When the fruit turns browner and smells rancid, then it is already overripe and should not be eaten. This weird Hawaiian fruit is definitely one to try if you find it for sale anywhere in the markets.
10. Hawaiian Lychees
An Asian fruit tree introduced to Hawaii and is now local favorite fruit when it is in season, the bright red fruit is easy to peel and pop into your mouth and just spit out the seed. The bright red smell, softer skin and fruit smell will tell you that the fruit is ready to harvest and eat. Ovoid shaped with fleshy white to translucent flesh with a flowery scent and tastes like a combination of Longan, rambutan fruit and grapes. Low fat and rich in vitamin C and various minerals and nutrients, lychees are 82% water and the rest in pulp meat. Lychees are best eaten fresh, canned, salads, smoothies, drinks or used in various dessert dishes.
Benefits Of Papaya For Health
Papaya is a tropical fruit that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Its benefits of papaya for health are numerous, and include the ability to improve digestion, prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and promote weight loss.
Papaya is ranked in the top five of the healthiest fruits. Papaya is a succulent tropical fruit that offers a sweet taste and soft texture. When looking for ways to boost overall health Hawaiian papaya is a great choice as it provides many nutrients and health benefits.
1. Papaya nutrition profile
The Center for Science in the Public Interest ranks papaya as a top five fantastic fruit, alongside watermelon, guava, kiwi, and grapefruit. Due to its high level of important nutrients papaya is also ranked higher than more common fruits like oranges, apples, and bananas. CSPI scores each fruit by adding its percentage of daily value for 6 key nutrients including, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and fiber.
When comparing papaya with apples and oranges, the sweet fruit continues ranking higher in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Along with the many nutrients’ papaya provides, it is a healthy treat due to its low-fat content.
2. Improves digestion
Hawaiian papaya is rich in proteolytic enzymes like caricain, chymopapain, papain and glycyl endopeptidase all of which help aid in the digestion process. These enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. When proteins go undigested, they may lead to gastrointestinal problems that can cause bacteria to grow in the colon.
The proteolytic enzymes found in papaya are so powerful in breaking down proteins they are often found in meat tenderizers.
3. Aids the eyes
Papaya contains high levels of beta-carotene the body converts into vitamin A during the digestion process. Vitamin A is a beneficial nutrient for those who suffer from vision loss or impairment.
Two compounds, zeaxanthin and lutein are also present in papaya. The macular region of the eyes contains these phytonutrients where they help protect against ultra-violet light given off by the sun.
Research shows that digesting these phytonutrients may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults. The intake of high levels of zeaxanthin and lutein helps protect against cataracts and glaucoma. These phytonutrients also help improve visual activity and color perception.
4. Protects the skin
Vitamin C, beta carotene, lycopene, and vitamin E, found in papaya may help protect the skin against ultra-violet light from the sun. Over exposure to sun light can lead to signs of aging such as wrinkling and sunspots.
Papayas are also high in papain. This nutrient helps break down dead skin cells and promotes skin rejuvenation when applied topically. Papaya face and body treatments are a healthy way to improve the skin’s appearance and elasticity.
FAQ
1. When is tropical fruit season in Hawaii?
What are the tropical fruits of Hawaii and when do they come into season you ask? Many of the typical fruits like bananas, citrus, coconut, papaya and pineapple have year-round production but a few like avocados and citrus plants have full production in the winter to spring time frames in Hawaii. Many of the exotic fruits in Hawaii bear fruit in the later spring to summer season when there is a bounty of tropical fruit available at farmers markets, fruit stands and mom and pop grocery stores around the islands.
2. What popular fruit is Hawaii known for?
The most popular fruit in Hawaii is the pineapple which was established as a commercial crop started in Hawaii in the late 1890s and eventually became a very popular fruit exported next to sugar as an agricultural crop sold whole or canned. Most fruits now are grown in small production gardens and sold in farmers markets, grocery stores or street side vendors selling fresh fruit. Everyone has their favorite Hawaiian fruit, but pineapple is the best when it is fresh, ripe and ready to eat.