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Can You Grow Taro (Arbi / Colocasia) in Hawaii?

US · USDA Zone 12b · zones 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b

Grow indoors

Start in a large pot and keep consistently moist — move outdoors in summer for best growth.

Plant zones

7a–11b

Hawaii last frost

no frost

Hawaii first frost

no frost

Days to harvest

150–200 days

When to plant Taro (Arbi / Colocasia)s in Hawaii

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 1

Harvest

May 31 – Jul 20

Dates are approximate, based on Hawaii's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Taro (Arbi / Colocasia)

Taro (arbi) is a staple starchy corm used across Indian, Caribbean, Hawaiian, and African cuisines. The large decorative leaves make it a striking ornamental too. Grow from corms — never eat raw (the raw plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that must be destroyed by cooking).

Start corms indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Loves warmth, humidity, and consistently moist soil. Can grow in water or very wet soil. Harvest corms in fall when leaves yellow. Always cook thoroughly before eating. Can overwinter indoors as a houseplant.

Full taro (arbi / colocasia) growing guide →

Gardening in Hawaii

Hawaii is tropical with year-round warmth. Zone varies dramatically by elevation — coastal areas are Zone 11-12 while Mauna Kea slopes reach Zone 9. Year-round growing throughout.