West Coast region
Tree removal and tree care in Hawaii
In Hawaii, the most common hazard tree is albizia, a fast-growing invasive with brittle wood that drops large limbs and blocks roads in storms. Coconut palms need regular trimming so fronds and nuts don't fall on people, and hurricanes and strong trade winds test every large tree. Oahu also protects designated exceptional trees.
Albizia can grow several feet a year and reach well over 100 feet, with wide, heavy limbs and weak wood. It's common along roads and streams on the Big Island, Oahu and Kauai, and it's behind many storm-related outages and road closures. Removing large albizia near homes is often a priority project.
Hurricane Iniki in 1992 showed how much damage a direct hit can do, and Kona storms and strong trade winds break limbs every year. On the Big Island and Kauai, Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, a fungal disease, is killing native ʻōhiʻa, and moving ʻōhiʻa wood between islands is restricted to slow it.
Reviewed and updated
Albizia: Hawaii's problem tree
Albizia was planted for reforestation in the last century and spread widely. It can grow several feet a year and reach heights well over 100 feet, with brittle wood that fails in ordinary trade winds. Large albizia near homes, roads and power lines are usually removed rather than pruned, because regrowth is fast and the wood stays weak.
Albizia, storms, palms and ʻōhiʻa disease
Albizia
Brittle, fast-growing invasive that drops huge limbs in wind.
Hurricanes and Kona storms
Rare direct hits are severe; Kona storms bring wind and heavy rain.
Coconut palms
Untrimmed fronds and nuts fall on people, cars and roofs.
Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death
Fungal disease killing native ʻōhiʻa on Hawaii Island and Kauai.
Hawaii services by need
For large albizia over homes.
For monkeypod and banyan outgrowing lots.
Regular coconut and palm trimming.
After Kona storms and hurricanes.
After albizia and palm removal.
Albizia, palms, monkeypod and banyan
- Albizia
- Invasive, brittle; top hazard tree
- Coconut palm
- Needs regular frond and nut removal
- Monkeypod
- Huge spreading crowns over yards
- Banyan
- Aerial roots; outgrows small lots
- ʻŌhiʻa
- Native; threatened by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death
Hawaii tree rules
- Honolulu designates exceptional trees that are protected on public and private property; removal or major work on one requires city review.
- Moving ʻōhiʻa plant material and wood between islands is restricted to slow Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.
Sources (checked 2026-10-04)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Preparing trees for hurricane season
- Remove coconuts and dead fronds; leave the green fronds.
- Reduce or remove albizia that can reach the house.
- Prune monkeypod and banyan limbs over roofs.
- Clear limbs away from service lines through the utility.
Hawaii's storm calendar
Central Pacific hurricanes are rare but serious, and Kona storms bring wind and heavy rain in winter. Palm trimming and albizia work happen year-round, ideally before the hurricane season starts in June.
- June–November
- Central Pacific hurricane season
- Winter
- Kona storms; heavy rain and southerly wind
- Year-round
- Palm trimming roughly every few months to a year
Hawaii tree questions
Why is albizia so dangerous in Hawaii?
It grows extremely fast with wide, heavy limbs and weak wood, so large branches break in ordinary wind and whole trees fall in storms.
How often should coconut palms be trimmed in Hawaii?
Usually every several months to a year, depending on the tree. Removing nuts and dead fronds keeps them from falling on people and roofs.
Can I remove an exceptional tree on Oahu?
Not without city review. Honolulu protects designated exceptional trees, even on private property.
Can I move ʻōhiʻa wood to another island?
No. Inter-island movement of ʻōhiʻa is restricted to slow Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.
When is hurricane season in Hawaii?
June through November. Trim palms and reduce albizia near the house before it starts.
How much does albizia removal cost?
Large albizia near homes often need climbing and rigging, which costs more. See the tree removal cost guide.
Need tree help in Hawaii?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.