When Is Mango Season in Hawaii? (Plus 6 Mango Varieties to Try)

Ask any Hawaii local when their favorite time of year is. A lot of them will say "mango season." For about three months a year, the islands taste like nothing else. ## The short answer **Hawaii mango season runs May through September**, peaking **June and July**. Some varieties extend the window — late mangoes can crop into October. ## Varieties to know Hawaii grows dozens of varieties; these are the ones you'll actually see at markets: ### 1. Haden The classic. Yellow-red blush, smooth fibrous flesh, sweet and slightly sour. Originated in Florida but adopted into Hawaiian backyards everywhere. **Peaks: June.** ### 2. Pirie Smaller, oblong, intensely sweet, almost no fiber. The connoisseur's pick. Often the most expensive at farmers markets. **Peaks: July.** ### 3. Rapoza Big, fat, yellow-green. Slightly tart, holds well unripe. Common in Hawaii backyards. **Peaks: July.** ### 4. Common (a.k.a. "Hawaiian") The wild-seedling roadside variety. Smaller, stringier. Free if you know which neighbor's tree drops into the street. ### 5. Brooks Late-season. October. Sweet, less fiber than Rapoza. ### 6. White Pirie Pale flesh, distinct floral flavor. Rare. If you see one at a farmers market, buy it. ## Where to find them ### Farmers markets - **KCC Saturday Market** (Diamond Head, Oʻahu) — biggest mango selection, 7:30–11am - **Kakaʻako Saturday Market** (Honolulu) — multiple mango vendors - **Hilo Farmers Market** (Big Island, Wed + Sat) — best Big Island selection - **Maui Swap Meet** (Wailuku, Saturday) - **Kauaʻi Community Market** (Kapaʻa, Saturday) ### Backyards If you have a local friend, just mention you like mangoes in late June. You will receive a bag. ### Roadside stands Drive Kāneʻohe Bay Drive, Kahaluʻu, or Hāʻena in season. Honor-system stands ($5/bag) appear and disappear. ## Mango Jam — the annual festival **Mango Jam Honolulu** — usually a Sunday in mid-July at Honolulu Hale courtyard. Free admission. Mango cooking contest, food vendors, cocktail demos. The single best mango event on the island. [See current Hawaii food events →](/blog/hawaii-food-festivals-2026) ## How to eat a Hawaiian mango (locally) 1. **Just slice it.** Don't put anything on it. 2. **Mango with li hing mui** (salty-sweet plum powder). Local snack everywhere. 3. **Green mango with shoyu + sugar + Hawaiian salt.** Common in pickup-truck-tailgate setups. 4. **Mango bread.** Family recipes vary; everyone has one. 5. **Frozen with cream + sugar = sorbet.** Done. ## Other tropical fruit timing (bonus calendar) - **Lychee:** Late May through mid-July (overlaps mango) - **Soursop:** Year-round; peaks summer - **Avocado:** Heavy crop August–November - **Mountain apple (ʻōhiʻa ʻai):** July–September - **Rambutan:** July–October ## See current Hawaii food festivals + farmers market events **[Browse all Hawaii food events →](/events)** **[Hawaii Food Festivals 2026 →](/blog/hawaii-food-festivals-2026)** **[Free Things to Do in Honolulu →](/blog/free-things-to-do-in-honolulu)**