Oahu’s tropical climate, with its warm temperatures and regular rainfall, provides an ideal environment for a diverse range of plants and trees. Whether you’re planting for beauty, shade, or sustainability, choosing the right plants and trees for Oahu’s unique environment can enhance your home, garden, or landscape while supporting the local ecosystem.
Best to Plant in Oahu
As a landscaper, we have planted and cared for so many different and exciting plants and trees. We will explore some of the best plants and trees to grow in Oahu, considering their adaptability to local conditions, aesthetic value, and environmental benefits.
Plumeria (Frangipani)
Plumeria is one of the most iconic and fragrant plants in Hawaii, known for its striking flowers, which are commonly used in traditional leis. The flowers come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red, and have a pleasant, sweet fragrance. Plumeria trees are hardy in the tropical climate of Oahu, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. These trees can be grown as ornamental trees or large shrubs and are an excellent choice for adding beauty and fragrance to gardens, along fences, or near entrances.
Benefits:
- Low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- The flowers are used for cultural practices and leis.
Pua Kenikeni (Fagraea berteriana)
Native to Hawaii, Pua Kenikeni is a small tree that produces clusters of fragrant, yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months. These flowers are highly prized for their sweet scent and are often used in leis as well. The Pua Kenikeni thrives in the tropical climate of Oahu, preferring partial shade and well-drained soil. As a native species, it offers additional benefits by supporting local wildlife and contributing to the preservation of Hawaii’s indigenous flora. Planting a tree like pua kenikeni will leave your yard smelling amazing!
Benefits:
- Attracts pollinators like honeybees.
- Grows well in Oahu’s tropical climate.
- Native to Hawaii, supporting local ecosystems.
Koa Tree (Acacia koa)
The Koa tree is one of Hawaii’s most famous and valuable native trees. Known for its beautiful, dense hardwood, Koa is prized for furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments. Koa trees are large, fast-growing trees that thrive in Oahu’s upper elevations, where the climate is cooler and rainfall is more abundant. They prefer well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of soil types, though they flourish in volcanic soils. While not typically used for landscaping, Koa trees are important for reforestation and conservation efforts in Hawaii.
Benefits:
- Native and crucial for Hawaii’s ecology.
- Fast-growing and provides excellent shade.
- Supports native wildlife and helps with soil stabilization.
Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
The Ti plant is a common ornamental plant in Hawaiian gardens, valued for its colorful foliage, which ranges from green to red, purple, and yellow. Ti plants grow well in Oahu’s tropical climate, and their versatility makes them suitable for borders, hedges, or container gardens. These plants thrive in partial to full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Historically, Ti leaves were used by Native Hawaiians for a variety of purposes, including for thatching and as protective charms.
Benefits:
- Easy to grow and low maintenance.
- Beautiful foliage adds color and texture to landscapes.
- Historically significant to Hawaiian culture.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Hibiscus, with its large and vibrant flowers, is a popular ornamental plant in Oahu. The species Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, with its red, pink, yellow, and orange blossoms, thrives in the island’s tropical climate. These plants grow well in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. Hibiscus plants are relatively low-maintenance but need regular watering to keep the soil moist. They are great for adding color to garden beds, fences, or containers.
Benefits:
- Provides vibrant flowers year-round.
- Can be used as a hedge or privacy screen.
- Attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.
Noni Tree (Morinda citrifolia)
The Noni tree is native to Southeast Asia and is widely found in Hawaii. It produces small, white flowers and large, bumpy fruit that turns yellowish-green when ripe. The fruit of the Noni tree is known for its health benefits and is used in traditional medicine, though its strong smell can be off-putting to some. Noni trees grow well in Oahu’s tropical environment, particularly in coastal areas with well-drained soil. These trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and are often used for shade, privacy, and ornamental purposes.
Benefits:
- Fruit and leaves have medicinal uses in traditional Hawaiian culture.
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
- Hardy and adaptable to various soil types.
Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
The Banyan tree is a large and majestic tree known for its wide-spreading canopy and aerial roots. Native to India, it has adapted well to Hawaii’s climate and is a common sight in urban parks and gardens across Oahu. The Banyan tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing rapidly to provide substantial shade. It can be an excellent shade tree for large yards or public spaces, offering a unique aesthetic with its twisting roots and expansive branches.
Benefits:
- Provides ample shade, making it ideal for large properties.
- Grows quickly and is visually stunning.
- Its unique structure adds a tropical, dramatic element to gardens.
Pohutukawa Tree (Metrosideros excelsa)
The Pohutukawa tree, often referred to as the “New Zealand Christmas tree,” is known for its vibrant red flowers that bloom in December, providing a festive atmosphere. While native to New Zealand, this tree is also well-suited for planting in Oahu’s tropical climate. It thrives in coastal areas and well-drained, slightly acidic soils. The tree grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 30 feet, making it ideal for larger gardens and public spaces.
Benefits:
- Produces stunning red flowers around the holiday season.
- Tolerates coastal conditions and salt air.
- Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Banana Tree (Musa spp.)
For a practical and visually appealing addition to any garden, banana trees are an excellent choice. These trees are tropical, fast-growing, and well-suited to Oahu’s climate. Banana trees require a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil and regular watering. While bananas are the primary yield, the large, broad leaves of the banana tree make it a great ornamental addition. Plus, growing your own bananas can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Benefits:
- Produces edible fruit that is widely enjoyed.
- Fast-growing with broad, lush leaves.
- Adds a tropical aesthetic to gardens and landscapes.
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
Sugarcane was historically one of Hawaii’s most important crops, and today it continues to thrive in Oahu’s tropical climate. Sugarcane grows best in warm, sunny areas with fertile, well-drained soil. While sugarcane requires regular watering and a fair amount of space to grow, it can be a unique and sustainable addition to gardens, especially in larger areas. Not only does it provide a visually striking presence with its tall, graceful stalks, but it also offers the potential for homegrown sugar production or syrup.
Benefits:
- Can be used for juicing or syrup production.
- Tolerates a variety of soil types and grows well in full sun.
- Adds a unique and historical element to your garden.
Choosing the right plants and trees for your Oahu garden can enhance the beauty, sustainability, and functionality of your landscape. Besides the benefits of growing trees and plants, it is easy to give you a fresh new landscape without a big budget. Whether you’re looking for shade, vibrant flowers, or native species that support local ecosystems, Oahu’s tropical climate offers a range of possibilities. From fragrant Plumeria and Pua Kenikeni to majestic Koa trees and hardy banana plants, Oahu’s diverse plant life can meet the needs of gardeners with different preferences and property sizes. By selecting plants that are suited to the local environment, you can ensure a thriving garden that reflects the natural beauty of the island.