Last Updated On February 18th, 2023: Back in 2000, the State of Hawaii legalized marijuana for medical use but it took almost 20 years for cannabis to be decriminalized throughout the state. In 2020, recreational use of marijuana was decriminalized (under three grams) and the change is thought to be a precursor for full legalization in coming years, with the Hawaii Senate approving bills for cannabis legalization earlier this year.
Best Strains To Grow Outdoors In Hawaii – Quick Look
| Strain | THC % | Indica/Sativa | Yield | Flowering Time |
| Super Skunk | 14% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
| Blue Cheese | 19% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
| White Widow | 19% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 10-14 Weeks |
| Durban Poison | 20% | Sativa | 19 Oz Per Plant | 9 Weeks |
| Northern Lights | 18% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
Hawaiian Weed Strains
Hawaii is unique when it comes to growing seasons – even outdoor grows can take place all year round – the longest day in Hawaii has only 2.5 more hours of sunlight than its shortest. Outdoor growers on the islands can enjoy two growing seasons every year – the long season (spring to fall) and the short season (harvest in winter, spring, and early summer).
Whilst the extra growing season makes for a happy grower – outdoor growing in Hawaii isn’t without problems, for example, mold and mildew, low nitrogen and calcium soil and invasive species, so some experience is recommended.
If you’re thinking of an outdoor grow in Hawaii, you’ll want a grow area with plenty of sunlight, access to water and a light breeze and ensure you pick the best seeds and plants for the environment in Hawaii.
1. Hawaiian Skunk Auto-Flower
- Eight-to-nine-week flowering time
- 14-17 oz per 3ft * 3 ft area (more outdoors)
- Short plant size
- Beginner friendly grow
- 15-20% THC
- Grows well in warm climates
- Indica dominant
- Outdoor grow friendly
An obvious choice for Hawaii is of course Hawaii Skunk, a strain created through breeding Skunk #1 with the native plant Hawaiian Indicia. The strain is known around the world for its great flavor and is one of the best strains for relaxation and aiding insomnia for medical marijuana users.
Hawaiian Skunk is an Indica dominant strain, providing a heavy body high and feelings of euphoria, and producing large and potent buds. The CBD level is low at 1% – that said, the heavy high produced is popular with people suffering from stress, insomnia, and anxiety.
Hawaii Skunk has a sweet and earthy taste, with woody notes and many smokers note the strong skunky aftertaste. The plant is great for the Hawaiian climate – whether you’re looking at growing in the long or short season – as it’s bred from an island strain and the plant thrives in warmer climates.
The popular strain is a very easy grow, perfect for new growers or growers who haven’t grown outside before.
You Can Buy Hawaiian Skunk Seeds From Crop King Seeds.
2. Purple Kush Auto-Flower
- Ten-to-fourteen-week flowering time
- 4-6 oz per 3ft * 3ft area
- Compact plant size
- Moderate growing experience required
- Up to 22% THC
- Mold-resistant
- 100% indica
- Outdoor grow friendly
Purple Kush is often considered one of the best plants for home grows and is an exotic purple strain. Despite the small and compact plants – the THC levels are extremely high at 22%. Purple Kush, like many of the best strains, originated in Northern California through combining Hindu Kush with Purple Afghani.
The bud is technically 100% indicia, but many people claim sativa inspired effects when smoked – making it a good all-rounder. Auto-flowering Purple Kush does not require a change in the light cycle to start flowering, meaning you can easily manipulate bud stimulation with extra sunlight.
Purple Kush isn’t considered an easy grow and is best left to experienced growers to try. Like most Kush strains – the strain is very potent, causing relaxing and mood-enhancing effects. Many people consider the strain to be nighttime strain, as the heavy high sends a lot of smokers to sleep – well as other users report feelings of happiness and euphoria.
You Can Buy Purple Kush Seeds From ILGM.com.
3. Afghan Feminized
- Nine-week flowering time
- 16-21 oz per 3ft *3ft area
- Average plant size
- Beginner friendly grow
- Up to 20% THC
- Mold-resistant
- 100% indica
- Outdoor friendly grow
Originating in the Hindu Kush mountain range near the India-Pakistan border, the plant is native to both countries and was traditionally grown to produce hash. The strain has been redeveloped repeatedly over hundreds of years, producing a highly relaxing strain that is now enjoyed across the planet.
The plant produces large buds and flowers that can be smoked as they are and is often considered one of the best strains for creating hash and different cannabis oils. The strain is very easy to grow – even for beginners – due to its high resilience and ability to adapt to different environments.
Afghan Kush grows well in almost any climate, creating a bushy plant that needs pruning and trimming on a regular basis and they’re average size makes them a favorite for those growing at home. As a 100% indicia flower, Afghan has a heavy body high with euphoric effects. It’s a strain that will typically give smokers the munchies and is highly relaxing – it is also very potent, meaning its better for experienced stoners.
You Can Buy Afghan Seeds From ILGM.com.
4. Blue Dream Auto-Flower
- Ten to fourteen week growing time
- 4-6 oz per 3ft * 3ft area
- Small plant size
- Beginner friendly grow
- Up to 21% THC
- Grows well in warm climates
- 20% indica and 80% sativa
- Outdoor friendly grow
Blue Dream Auto-Flower is a hybrid between Ruderalis and Blue Dream that is derived from the Super Silver Haze and Blueberry strains. The strain is therapeutic, that can be enjoyed all day long thanks to being 80% sativa.
The strain is noted for its ability to grow year-round, thanks to the breeding with the Ruderalis plant that is native to Asia and Russia. Unlike other traditional sativa and indica strains, strains bred with Ruderalis will flower within a couple of weeks and can be harvested multiple times in one season – perfect for the year-round growing seasons in Hawaii.
The plants produced are very small compared to other cannabis plants and are perfect for discreet grows or those who wish to grow outdoors but have limited space. Blue Dream is often described as having a “West Coast Vibe”, helping users to relax but still function normally – perfect for social gatherings and events and new smokers.
You Can Buy Blue Dream Seeds From ILGM.com.
5. OG Kush Auto-Flower
- Eight week growing time
- 4-6 oz per 3ft * 3ft area
- Compact plant size
- Beginner friendly grow
- Up to 19% THC
- Grows well in temperate climates
- 75% indica and 25% sativa
- Outdoor friendly grow
This indica heavy strain is one of the most popular strains in the world – and its origin is heavily disputed. Some people claim the OG stands for “Over Grown” (one of the largest international grow sites before it was closed), others suggest it stands for “Ocean Grown” and many believe it stands for “Original Gangster”. Whatever the OG really stands for is unimportant – the strain is one of the best.
This easy grow is perfect for beginners and experienced growers, and the plant flourishes in temperate climates – perfect for growing on the Hawaiian Islands. The buds offer a lemony and citrus flavor that the plant is famous for and is used to treat anxiety, stress and depression for medical marijuana users.
OG Kush, like most Kush strains, produces a heavy body high and heavy use will leave you stuck to the sofa all night – its best used to relax or before bed, but in small amounts can be enjoyed socially. Expect to find yourself with your fingers in the cookie jar – OG Kush is great at giving you the munchies.
You Can Buy Purple Kush From ILGM.com.
Final Thoughts On Cannabis Strains To Grow In Hawaii:
If you’re looking into outdoor growing in Hawaii, make sure you have all the relevant permissions and paperwork before you start – and always get your seeds from a reputable seed bank!
Resources:
https://farmflavor.com/hawaii-agriculture/
Other Climates To Consider: