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Lavender can grow in Hawaii, but it depends on where you are and how you care for it.
Yes, you read that right.
If you’ve been wondering “does lavender grow in Hawaii,” the short answer is absolutely, with a few important caveats.
Lavender thrives in cool, dry, high-elevation areas of the islands, but it struggles in the hot, humid coastal lowlands.
So whether lavender grows in Hawaii for you really comes down to location, elevation, and a little gardening know-how.
In this post, we’ll explore where lavender grows best in Hawaii, which varieties actually survive here, and how to keep your plants thriving in tropical conditions.
Let’s dig in.
Does Lavender Grow in Hawaii? Here’s the Real Answer
Lavender does grow in Hawaii, and farmers on Maui and the Big Island have proven it time and again.
But here’s the catch: lavender is a Mediterranean plant that loves cool, dry summers and well-drained, rocky soil.
Hawaii’s tropical climate is the opposite of that in most places.
The islands are humid, warm, and often rainy, especially at lower elevations.
That combination of heat and moisture is lavender’s worst enemy because it leads to root rot and fungal disease.
Despite that, lavender still grows in Hawaii wherever gardeners can mimic its native conditions.
The secret is elevation.
Upcountry Maui, the slopes of Haleakala, and the higher regions of the Big Island offer cooler temperatures and better drainage.
That’s where you’ll find the famous lavender farms that have made lavender in Hawaii a real success story.
Where Does Lavender Grow Best in Hawaii?
If you want to know where lavender grows in Hawaii without a fight, elevation is your best friend.
Here’s where lavender actually thrives on the islands:
1. Upcountry Maui
Upcountry Maui sits around 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level.
Temperatures there are cooler, the air is drier, and the soil drains well, which is exactly what lavender needs.
This is why Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm became famous for growing lavender in Hawaii.
2. The Big Island’s Higher Elevations
The Big Island has areas like Waimea and Volcano that sit at higher elevations with cooler weather.
Lavender grows in Hawaii in these spots because the climate feels more like Provence than the tropics.
You’ll find small farms and backyard growers successfully cultivating lavender there.
3. Kula and Other Highland Regions
Kula is another upcountry area where lavender grows beautifully.
The well-drained volcanic soil and cool nights give lavender the conditions it craves.
If you’re at sea level in Honolulu or Kona, though, growing lavender in Hawaii will be an uphill battle.
4. Cool, Dry Microclimates
Any spot in Hawaii with cool nights, low humidity, and sandy or rocky soil can support lavender.
The key is avoiding the wet, muggy lowlands where lavender simply can’t survive for long.
Which Lavender Varieties Grow Best in Hawaii?
Not all lavender is created equal, and choosing the right variety matters when you’re growing lavender in Hawaii.
1. Lavandula dentata (French Lavender)
French lavender handles heat and humidity better than most types.
It’s one of the best choices for growing lavender in Hawaii because it tolerates tropical conditions more gracefully.
2. Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender)
Spanish lavender also loves warmth and blooms well in mild climates.
It’s a solid pick for lower elevations where other lavenders might struggle.
3. Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin)
Lavandin is a hybrid that produces lots of fragrant flowers.
It grows well in Hawaii at higher elevations where the air stays cool and dry.
4. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is the classic culinary and aromatic type.
It can grow in Hawaii, but only in the coolest, highest spots, since it hates humidity the most.
Tips for Growing Lavender in Hawaii
Getting lavender to grow in Hawaii takes a bit of strategy, but it’s totally doable.
1. Plant in Well-Drained Soil
Lavender hates wet feet, so mix in plenty of sand, perlite, or cinder to improve drainage.
Raised beds work wonders for lavender in Hawaii.
2. Choose the Right Spot
Pick a sunny location with good airflow to keep humidity from lingering around the plant.
Afternoon shade in hotter areas can help lavender survive the tropical heat.
3. Don’t Overwater
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Overwatering is the number one killer of lavender in Hawaii.
4. Prune Regularly
Trim your lavender after blooming to keep it bushy and prevent woody growth.
Good pruning also improves airflow, which fights the humidity that threatens lavender in Hawaii.
So, Does Lavender Grow in Hawaii?
Lavender does grow in Hawaii, especially in cool, high-elevation areas with well-drained soil.
It struggles in hot, humid coastal regions, but with the right variety and care, you can absolutely grow lavender in Hawaii.
Whether you’re upcountry on Maui or gardening in Waimea, lavender can thrive if you give it the dry, cool conditions it loves.
So go ahead and give it a try, because lavender in Hawaii is more possible than most people think.