Coconuts in Hawaii

[www.dadluvsu.com]

At what elevation do Cocos fail to grow prolifically in the HI state? Will they fruit above that magical 600' elevation mark?

[Zeeth]

I think I remember Dean telling me that they grow at least as high as 2,000'

[JASON M]

I've seen cocos all around with Hawaii, but since it was the start of my addiction I didn't pay that much attention

[bgl]

Bill,

We are at 880 ft, and while there are plenty of Cocos nucifera in this area, it seems to be a hit-and-miss proposition if they're going to flower or not. Without any research, or scientific backing for this, I'll make an educated guess that up to 600 ft or so, they probably all flower, and then between 600 and 1000 ft there's a gradual, and increasing, reduction in the number of individuals that will flower, and above 1,000 ft my guess is that none, or VERY few will produce fruit.

Bo-Göran

[Zeeth]

Bill,

We are at 880 ft, and while there are plenty of Cocos nucifera in this area, it seems to be a hit-and-miss proposition if they're going to flower or not. Without any research, or scientific backing for this, I'll make an educated guess that up to 600 ft or so, they probably all flower, and then between 600 and 1000 ft there's a gradual, and increasing, reduction in the number of individuals that will flower, and above 1,000 ft my guess is that none, or VERY few will produce fruit.

Bo-Göran

Thanks for the input. Do you think that they would still grow above 1,000', just not produce nuts?

[jdapalms]

Bill,

I am at about 900-1000 feet elevation and my Coconut produces viable fruit.

Jerry

[Al in Kona]

At our up-slope Kona side place which is at about 381 m or 1,250 ft. elevation, our coconuts produce fruit easily. Our neighbors who are higher yet at about 457 m or 1,500 ft. also get fruit on their coconut trees. The Kona (Leeward) side tends to be a bit warmer and therefore it's possible that coconuts will fruit at a higher elevation here than say on the Windward Hilo side, is my guess. I see Coconuts planted and growing quite well at 610+m or 2000+ft. but have not noticed if they ever set fruit or not.

[bgl]

Al is bringing up an excellent point - the difference between the windward (Hilo) side and leeward (Kona) side of the Big Island. With less rain and less cloudcover on the Kona side, there's also more heat, which undoubtedly is a major factor, so I should add that my comments really only reflect on the conditions on this side of the island.

[Really full garden]

Al is bringing up an excellent point - the difference between the windward (Hilo) side and leeward (Kona) side of the Big Island. With less rain and less cloudcover on the Kona side, there's also more heat, which undoubtedly is a major factor, so I should add that my comments really only reflect on the conditions on this side of the island.

I have fruiting Panama Tall cocos at 800m .In Guatemala

[palmsOrl]

I've been to Hawaii before, and it seems surprising that temperatures at 600-800 ft. (or even 1000 ft.) would be that much cooler than at sea level. Especially, to such a degree as to inhibit a Cocos from fruiting.

-Michael

[Al in Kona]

I've been to Hawaii before, and it seems surprising that temperatures at 600-800 ft. (or even 1000 ft.) would be that much cooler than at sea level. Especially, to such a degree as to inhibit a Cocos from fruiting.

-Michael

Yes Michael, this is the standard to go by:

Actually, the temperature drop with height (called lapse rate

by meteorologists) is 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters (not feet)

or, in English units, it is 3.57 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet.

Good to remember this when choosing a home site property or even when traveling.

[bgl]

Adding to Al's post above I should point out that this is assuming everything else is equal. That is generally not the case on the Hilo side of the Big Island. At sea level, close to the ocean, a typical day may be 75% sunny, meaning quite a bit of heat. When you get to the 1,000 ft elevation, a typical day may be only 40% sunny. In other words, much more cloud cover at the higher elevation, which will involve a temperature difference that is greater than the average 3.57 degree difference per 1,000 ft. Once you get up to 2,000 ft elevation, a typical day may only be 20-25% sunny. Lots of clouds and much less heat. With less cloud cover on the leeward (Kona) side, this is generally not as much of an issue.

And Scottgt, you're a bit closer to the equator = more heat.

[Dr. George]

And Hawaii is well noted for multiple micro climates within a very small geographical area. As Al can attest (he is 10 miles south of us) our farm starts at 1100 ft elevation and goes 1/2 mile up the mountain to the 1600 ft elevation. We have at least 4 micro climates on the property - cooler with cloud cover and sometimes even fog at the very top where we have coffee with it much sunnier, dryer and warmer at the bottom where we grow dragon fruit.

gmp

[cagary]

Any difference in the ability to fruit at elevation between the various varieties like Samoan Dwarf, Malay Dwarf, Tall kinds etc.?

[www.dadluvsu.com]

With absolute certainty Cagary.

I am noticing different coco varieties handling their rebounds from cold at different strengths. Malayans are taking a bit longer that varieties that are native to our area.