[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4. 16″ module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|60px|60px|60px” custom_padding=”||60px|” custom_css_main_element=”box-shadow: 0px 20px 100px #3d4149;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4. 16″ max_width=”715″ module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”|40px||40px” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”715″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4. 16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4. 16″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_text_align=”justify” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”].
**2019 Hours: The “Sunflowers in the Country” tours will run from noon to 2 p. m. weekdays, and from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. on weekends. **.
As a tropical destination, Hawaii may not be the first place you think of when it comes to sunflowers. But remarkably, the Aloha State has a vibrant sunflower season each winter on the north shore of Oahu. If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation between November and January, you’re in luck to catch these glorious golden blooms. Keep reading to learn all about Hawaii’s unique sunflower season and the best places to see the flowers in their full glory.
When Does Sunflower Season Occur in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s sunflower season happens in the winter months, unlike most other places where sunflowers bloom in the summer and fall The season typically runs from late November through January, peaking in December
Sunflowers were first planted commercially in Hawaii in the 1980s on the north shore of Oahu Farmers found the temperate winter climate perfect for growing sunflowers. Today, visitors flock to see Hawai’i’s flowers during this special time of year
Why Does Hawaii Have a Winter Sunflower Season?
Hawaii’s winter sunflower season seems unusual compared to most places. But it makes sense considering the tropical climate. Here are some reasons why Hawaii’s prime sunflower season occurs in the winter:
-
Sunflowers require consistent daytime temperatures around 70-80°F to thrive. Hawaii’s north shore experiences highs in this ideal range in the winter months.
-
Sunflowers need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Hawaii’s sunny winter days provide plentiful sunlight.
-
Cooler winter nights below 55°F induce flowering in sunflowers The north shore’s temperatures dip lower at night in winter,
-
Less rainfall occurs in Hawaii during the winter dry season, allowing for optimal sunflower growth.
So while most associate sunflowers with summer, the winter climate in Hawaii creates the perfect conditions for these bright blooms to flourish.
Where to See Sunflowers in Hawaii
The north shore of Oahu is the epicenter of sunflower viewing during the season. Here are the top two places to spot these iconic flowers:
Waimānalo Country Farms
This family-owned farm in Waimānalo has gorgeous fields filled with sunflowers every winter. Their Sunflower Spring and Summer Event runs from late November through early January. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
Admission starts at $5 for kids and $10 for adults. The entrance fee lets you walk through the fields and take photos. Expect crowds on weekends.
Sunflowers in the Country
Also located on Oahu’s north shore near Waialua, this sunflower field operated by DuPont Pioneer is open to the public in December. Free reservations are required via their Facebook page.
The blooms here are part of an active research field, so be respectful by staying on marked paths. Photography is allowed.
Sunflower Season Photography Tips
Part of the appeal of Hawaii’s sunflower season is capturing that perfect social media-worthy photo. Here are some tips for taking great pics among the flowers:
-
Arrive early before crowds for the best access. Late afternoon light is ideal too.
-
Shoot on an overcast day to avoid harsh shadows.
-
Get creative with poses and perspectives. Shoot close-ups of just a single bloom.
-
Use props like hats or sunglasses to add interest. Vibrant colors pair nicely.
-
Play with lighting. Backlight creates a glow around the flower petals.
-
Experiment with depth of field. A wide aperture blurs the background nicely.
-
Don’t trample flowers! Stay on marked paths when moving between spots.
Sunflower Blooming Stages in Hawaii
Sunflowers go through distinct growth phases during Hawaii’s season:
Early Season: Flowers are just starting to bloom fully. Fields have a mix of buds on stems and early blooms.
Peak Season: Majority of the flowers are in full bloom. Fields appear completely golden.
Late Season: Blooms start to fade and die off. Flower heads droop downward when done blooming.
Time your visit for peak season in December if you want the most brilliant yellow fields. But the early and late season have their own unique charm too.
Sunflower Etiquette & Rules in Hawaii
When visiting Hawaii’s sunflower fields, be respectful so everyone can enjoy the natural beauty:
-
Stay on marked paths and don’t trample flowers.
-
Do not pick or cut any of the blooms.
-
Be patient if others are taking photos and wait your turn.
-
Keep noise levels down and leave no trash behind.
-
Follow all instructions from staff members.
-
No professional photography equipment allowed during public hours.
Six Shameless Things You Could Do at the Sunflower Field Oahu on the North Shore
If you want to get away from the blues of the Pacific and see some greens, go to the Waialua Sunflower Field, which is the sunniest place on Northern Oahu. You may have seen a lot of sunflower fields before, so you asked your touristy self, “What makes this field so special?” You can’t answer that question without going, can you? It might not be one of your usual things to do in Oahu, but it should be on your list if you want to see some of nature’s beauty. In order to enjoy the sun and take pictures, you should leave the rainy days behind and pack your bags. The Sunflower Field Oahu is a bit hidden. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_ src=”https://lyahawaii. com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ultimate-guide-to-visiting-oahu-north-shore-sunflower-fields. jpg” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4. 16″ custom_margin=”|0px|50px|0px” custom_padding=”|0px||0px” custom_css_main_element=”box-shadow: 20px 20px 20px #3d4149;” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4. 16″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” header_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_text_align=”justify” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”].
Wait, where’s Waialua?
Don’t be ashamed to ask. Even some locals can’t pinpoint the exact location of Waialua without the help of Google Maps. We promise that the secret location makes it more special, since not everyone can say with pride that Waialua took their breath away. That’s more points for you!
Because Honolulu and Waialua are on opposite ends of Oahu, you might think they are from two different dimensions. So which closet should you go into to get to Waialua? Fortunately, that was a bit exaggerated. Indeed, this website calculated the exact number of miles (along with the amount of gas used and the cost of it!) that you would need to drive from Hawaii’s busy capital to that location. Still feeling lost? Then take that goddamn bus, taxi or plane, and be done with it!.
When you get out of your car, Waialua seems like a tropical ghost town because there aren’t any cars, people, or commercialized hubs. Even the producers of the controversial TV show Lost agree that the creepy setting is perfect for mystery and suspense. This was shown in four episodes of Seasons 1 and 2. Do not give up and run away. Instead, go see some sights for Instagram’s sake! Waialua may be too cute for tourists and locals who are too happy to be bored, but the area is actually a treasure trove of agricultural wealth! It used to be a famous Sugar Town, and now it grows a lot of delicious foods like coffee and bananas. But it’s clear that you don’t care about those at all. You want to be where the action is! And by action, we mean weaving through a field of gold while avoiding angry bees and hoping you don’t trip over any snakes. You should go to Sunflower Field Oahu right away if that sounds like a great weekend to you.
