When to Plant Beans (Green/Snap) in Hawaii
Easy, productive, and they even improve your soil by fixing nitrogen. A perfect crop for beginners.
The Short Answer
Hawaii Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Hawaii you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Hawaii | 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a | None | None |
| Upcountry/Mountain | 10a, 10b, 11a | Rare | Rare |
Beans (Green/Snap) Planting Schedule for Hawaii
Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)
Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None
Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)
Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare
Growing Beans (Green/Snap) in Hawaii
Beans (Green/Snap) in Hawaii's Climate
In subtropical zones, beans are a cool-season crop — plant from October through March. Florida and south Texas summer heat overwhelms most bean varieties. Southern peas (cowpeas) are the warm-season alternative, producing prolifically through heat that would kill snap beans.
Soil Considerations for Hawaii
Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting beans (green/snap) outside.
Hawaii Climate & Growing Season
Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. Beans (Green/Snap) cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. This difference matters for beans (green/snap) — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Direct sow only — beans don't transplant well. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for better nitrogen fixation.
Companion Planting
Plant beans (green/snap) alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep beans (green/snap) away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026