Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Tomatoes in Hawaii

America's favorite garden vegetable (technically a fruit). Nothing beats a sun-warmed tomato straight off the vine.

The Short Answer

In Hawaii, tomatoes planting dates vary by region. In Coastal Hawaii, your average last frost is around None, while Upcountry/Mountain sees its last frost around Rare. Since tomatoes are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 2 weeks after frost danger has passed. Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and...

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

Tomatoes Planting Schedule for Hawaii

Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)

Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Tomatoes in Hawaii

Tomatoes in Hawaii's Climate

Tomato growing in subtropical zones follows an inverted calendar. Plant from September through February for winter-spring harvest. Summer's extreme heat, humidity, and pest pressure overwhelm tomatoes in these zones. Choose heat-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties — Florida 91, Solar Fire, and Everglades are bred for your conditions. This timing feels backward but works beautifully — your January tomatoes will be the envy of the nation.

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 tomatoes outside.

Hawaii Climate & Growing Season

Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. Tomatoes 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 tomatoes — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

Growing Tips

Pinch off suckers for indeterminate varieties. Stake or cage for best results. Water at the base, not overhead, to prevent blight.

Companion Planting

Plant tomatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Basil Carrots Peppers Marigolds

Keep tomatoes away from:

Brassicas Fennel Dill

The Bottom Line

Tomatoes can be grown successfully across Hawaii, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Coastal Hawaii gardeners should plan around a None last frost, while those in Upcountry/Mountain can typically plant later. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Tomatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Hawaii Planting Calendar All plants for Hawaii Tomatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Tomatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Tomatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Tomatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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