Best Peppers to Grow in Hawaii
Hawaii spans USDA Zones 10–13, typically Zone 10. We've broken out 73 pepper varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
73
for Hawaii
USDA
Zones 10–13
320–365 days season
Beginner
41
easy to grow
Heirloom
35
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 Peppers in Hawaii
Zone 10's subtropical climate creates a pepper paradise, but it comes with unique challenges that many gardeners underestimate. While you'll enjoy an incredibly long growing season with minimal frost risk, the intense summer heat and humidity can stress plants and reduce flowering during peak summer months. The key is selecting varieties that can handle both the blazing heat and the occasional cool snap, while taking advantage of your extended growing windows.
When choosing peppers for Zone 10, prioritize heat-tolerant varieties with good disease resistance, especially to bacterial spot and fungal issues that thrive in humid conditions. Look for peppers that can set fruit in high temperatures – many standard varieties stop producing when nighttime temperatures stay above 75°F. The varieties listed here have proven themselves in Zone 10's challenging conditions, offering everything from mild sweet peppers to scorching superhots.
Your nearly 11-month growing season means you can actually grow two distinct pepper crops: a spring planting that produces heavily before summer's peak heat, and a fall planting that thrives as temperatures moderate. This double-season approach often yields better results than trying to push a single crop through the brutal summer months.
Zone 10 Peppers for Hawaii★ Most of HI
73 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 11 Peppers for Hawaii
73 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 12 Peppers for Hawaii
73 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 13 Peppers for Hawaii
73 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 10 Growing Tips for Hawaii
Start your spring pepper seeds indoors in late December or early January, timing transplants for mid to late February after your average last frost of January 31st. However, don't rush – a late cold snap can devastate young transplants, so have row covers ready or wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F. Your fall crop should be started from seed in late June or July, with transplants going out in August when the worst heat begins to break.
Summer heat management is critical in Zone 10. Provide afternoon shade during peak summer months using shade cloth (30-50%) or plant peppers where they'll get morning sun and afternoon protection from taller plants or structures. Mulch heavily to keep soil cool and maintain consistent moisture – peppers hate wet feet, but they also can't handle drought stress in your intense heat. Drip irrigation works better than overhead watering, which can promote disease in the humid conditions.
Watch for common Zone 10 pepper problems: bacterial spot thrives in your humidity, so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Whiteflies and aphids can explode in the warm conditions, while root-knot nematodes are persistent soil pests. Rotate your pepper beds yearly and consider soil solarization during the hottest part of summer to reduce nematode populations.