Best Peas to Grow in Hawaii
Hawaii spans USDA Zones 10–13, typically Zone 10. We've broken out 35 pea varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
35
for Hawaii
USDA
Zones 10–13
320–365 days season
Beginner
20
easy to grow
Heirloom
24
heritage varieties
Hawaii in USDA Zones 10–13
Hawaii spans Zones 10–13. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Peas in Hawaii
Zone 10 gardeners have a unique advantage when growing peas – your exceptionally long growing season and mild winters create perfect conditions for cool-season crops that struggle in hotter climates. While most gardeners battle short growing windows, you can enjoy fresh peas for months by taking advantage of your cool winter period from December through February. The key challenge you'll face is timing your plantings to avoid the intense heat that arrives earlier than in northern zones, which can cause peas to bolt prematurely or develop tough, starchy pods.
When selecting pea varieties for Zone 10, prioritize heat tolerance and quick maturity over cold hardiness. Look for varieties that can handle temperature swings and produce quality pods before the mercury climbs too high. Sugar snap varieties like Sugar Ann and Cascadia excel here because they're bred for consistent pod quality even under stress. Shell peas such as Green Arrow and Progress No. 9 are excellent choices since they mature quickly and don't require the extended cool period that some heirloom varieties demand. These selections will give you the best chance of harvesting sweet, tender peas before your growing window closes.
Zone 10 Peas for Hawaii★ Most of HI
35 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 11 Peas for Hawaii
35 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 12 Peas for Hawaii
35 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 13 Peas for Hawaii
35 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 10 Growing Tips for Hawaii
Start your pea seeds directly in the garden from mid-November through early February for best results in Zone 10. Your average last frost of January 31st means you can plant cold-tolerant varieties like Thomas Laxton and Wando in December without worry, while heat-sensitive varieties should go in the ground by mid-January at the latest. Skip transplanting entirely – peas hate root disturbance and direct seeding eliminates transplant shock that can set plants back weeks in your climate.
The biggest challenge you'll face is the rapid temperature increase as spring progresses. Combat this by providing afternoon shade once daytime temperatures consistently hit the mid-70s, usually around March. Mulch heavily to keep soil cool and maintain consistent moisture – pea plants stressed by heat and drought produce tough, fibrous pods. Consider succession planting every two weeks from December through January to extend your harvest, but avoid planting after February 15th as the heat will likely ruin pod quality before harvest time.