Types Of Drought-Tolerant Turf And Groundcovers For Hawaii Lawns

Hawaii landscapes present a mix of unique challenges and opportunities for choosing drought-tolerant turf and groundcovers. Microclimates vary across the islands from wet windward slopes to dry leeward plains, from coastal salt spray to interior elevations. The right plant choice reduces irrigation, improves resilience during dry spells, and lowers maintenance. This article outlines proven drought-tolerant turfgrasses and groundcovers suitable for Hawaii, with practical planting, maintenance, and selection guidelines.

Why choose drought-tolerant plants in Hawaii

Hawaii homeowners face seasonal dry periods, water use restrictions, and landscapes exposed to salt, wind, and heat. Drought-tolerant species:

Require less irrigation once established.
Recover faster from water stress.
Often demand fewer inputs like fertilizer and pesticides.
Provide better performance on slopes and poor soils.

Selecting the right species for the specific island location and intended use (play, ornamental lawn, erosion control) is critical. Below are the most reliable turf and groundcover choices, with pros, cons, and care tips.

Drought-tolerant turfgrasses suited to Hawaii

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)

Bermudagrass is one of the most drought-tolerant warm-season turfgrasses.

Pros: Excellent heat and drought tolerance, fast recovery from wear, tolerates close mowing, good for play areas and sports fields.
Cons: Can be invasive into flower beds; seed production can lead to weediness; may brown back in severe drought.
Planting and maintenance: Establish with sod or sprigs; irrigate frequently while establishing, then switch to deep, infrequent watering. Mow at 0.5 to 1.5 inches depending on variety. Fertilize moderately in the growing season.

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.)

Zoysia forms a dense, carpetlike lawn and is a popular choice for ornamental lawns.

Pros: Good drought tolerance, dense growth suppresses weeds, low maintenance after establishment, tolerates moderate shade.
Cons: Slow to establish from seed; some varieties can thatch. Recovery from wear is slower than Bermuda.
Planting and maintenance: Best established with sod or plugs. Mow at 1 to 2 inches. Reduce irrigation in cooler months; deep watering every 7 to 14 days is often sufficient once mature.

Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)

Seashore paspalum is especially suited to coastal sites and saline soils.

Pros: Tolerant of salt spray and irrigation with brackish water; good drought tolerance once established.
Cons: Can be expensive if using hybrid cultivars; some types prefer moderate moisture for best appearance.
Planting and maintenance: Establish with sod or sprigs. Apply irrigation deeply and infrequently after establishment. Mow at 0.5 to 1.5 inches depending on variety.

Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)

Kikuyu is aggressive and drought-tolerant, commonly used in warmer, sunnier locations.

Pros: Fast establishment, excellent drought resilience, great erosion control on slopes.
Cons: Highly invasive into beds and neighboring plots; aggressive growth can require frequent edge control.
Planting and maintenance: Use for utility lawns and slopes where containment is manageable. Mow at 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Control spread with edging and regular trimming.

St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

St. Augustine is more shade tolerant than many warm-season grasses, with moderate drought tolerance.

Pros: Tolerates shade and coastal conditions; establishes well from sod.
Cons: Less drought resistant than Bermuda or Zoysia; can be susceptible to some pests and diseases.
Planting and maintenance: Mow at 2 to 3.5 inches for best drought resistance. Water deeply when needed but avoid overwatering which promotes disease.

Drought-tolerant groundcovers for Hawaiian yards

Groundcovers can replace turf in difficult-to-water or shaded areas, on slopes, and around plantings. They often require less mowing and lower irrigation.

Phyla nodiflora (Frogfruit / Turkey Tangle)

A native-appearing groundcover that spreads by runners and tolerates drought once established.

Pros: Low growing, forms a dense mat, attracts pollinators, handles foot traffic moderately well.
Cons: Can be weedy in high rainfall areas; needs trimming for neat edges.
Planting and maintenance: Plant plugs 12 to 18 inches apart for quick coverage. Water regularly until established, then reduce.

Aptenia cordifolia (Baby Sun Rose, Red Apple)

A succulent groundcover with glossy leaves and bright flowers.

Pros: Excellent drought tolerance, low maintenance, attractive flowers, tolerates coastal exposure.
Cons: Can become invasive in some settings; not tolerant of heavy foot traffic.
Planting and maintenance: Use on slopes and dry embankments. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart. Minimal irrigation after establishment.

Liriope and Ophiopogon (Lilyturf and Mondo Grass)

Suitable for shaded or partly shaded areas where drought tolerance with some moisture retention is needed.

Pros: Tough, evergreen clumps, low mowing, handles urban conditions.
Cons: Not ideal for high sun and extreme drought; will need supplemental water in hot exposed sites.
Planting and maintenance: Space 8 to 12 inches apart. Mulch to conserve moisture; water during prolonged dry periods.

Sedum and Succulent Mixes

For rock gardens, planters, or decorative borders, sedums and other succulents offer great drought resilience.

Pros: Minimal water needs, low maintenance, attractive textures and colors.
Cons: Not suitable for heavy foot traffic or large lawn replacements.
Planting and maintenance: Use gritty, fast-draining soil; plant in groups for coverage; water sparingly.

Native and Low-Input Options

Consider native or regionally adapted species where available. These often offer the best long-term drought resilience and ecological benefits. Examples include native violets and select native groundcovers adapted to local rainfall zones.

Selecting the right species for your site

Match plant choice to microclimate, soil, use, and maintenance tolerance.

For high-traffic lawns and play areas: Bermuda or Zoysia.
For coastal or saline exposure: Seashore paspalum or salt-tolerant groundcovers like Aptenia.
For shaded yards: St. Augustine, Zoysia (shade-tolerant varieties), or Liriope/ Mondo grass.
For slopes or erosion control: Kikuyu, deep-rooted groundcovers, or dense Zoysia.
For low-maintenance ornamental areas: Succulents, sedums, and Aptenia.

Establishment and irrigation strategies

Proper establishment determines long-term drought performance.

Soil preparation: Loosen compacted soil, correct severe pH imbalances if needed, and incorporate organic matter to improve water retention and root development.
Sod vs seed vs plugs: Sod gives instant cover but is costlier. Plugs are slower but effective for Zoysia and many groundcovers. Seed is economical for some grasses but slower to establish and can be vulnerable to weeds.
Initial irrigation: Water new turf or groundcovers frequently and lightly for the first 2 to 4 weeks to encourage surface rooting, then switch to deeper, less frequent watering to promote deep roots.
Long-term irrigation: Move to deep, infrequent irrigation that saturates the root zone. A typical mature warm-season lawn in Hawaii will tolerate watering every 7 to 14 days in the dry season, depending on soil and exposure.
Mulch: Use mulch around plantings to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Maintenance practices to reduce water demand

Proper cultural practices enhance drought tolerance.

Mowing height: Maintain recommended mowing heights; taller grass develops deeper roots and tolerates drought better.
Fertilization: Avoid excessive nitrogen which increases leaf growth and water demand. Use slow-release fertilizers according to soil test recommendations.
Aeration: Core aerate compacted soils once or twice a year to improve infiltration and root development.
Weed control: Remove competing weeds early; a dense turf or groundcover reduces weed invasions.
Overseeding and repair: For high-wear areas, consider overseeding with more tolerant varieties or installing durable turf sections.

Environmental and practical considerations

Water restrictions: Design landscapes to comply with local restrictions. Drought-tolerant species reduce the chance of violations.
Invasiveness: Some drought-tolerant species like Kikuyu and certain groundcovers spread aggressively. Plan containment and consider native alternatives where invasiveness is a concern.
Salt and wind exposure: Choose salt-tolerant species near the coast and use windbreaks where feasible.
Cost and availability: Sod of hybrid varieties can be expensive. Consider a mixed approach: durable turf in play areas and low-water groundcovers elsewhere.

Practical checklist for transitioning to drought-tolerant landscaping

Assess microclimates on your property: sun, shade, wind, salt, slope, and soil type.
Choose species matched to each microclimate and use area.
Prepare soil and correct compaction and severe nutrient deficiencies.
Decide on installation method: sod for instant cover, plugs or sprigs for moderate cost, seed where feasible.
Establish with regular watering, then phase into deep, infrequent irrigation.
Implement maintenance practices: proper mowing height, aeration, and conservative fertilization.
Monitor for invasive spread and control edges or runners as needed.
Replace high-water-use turf areas with groundcovers or mulched beds where appropriate.

Final takeaways

Hawaii offers many suitable drought-tolerant turf and groundcover options. The best choice depends on location, intended use, and acceptable maintenance level. For lawns that need to handle wear and sun, Bermuda and Zoysia are reliable. For coastal tolerance and saline water, seashore paspalum is a strong candidate. For low-maintenance areas, succulent groundcovers, Aptenia, and native frogfruit offer attractive, water-wise solutions. Thoughtful species selection combined with proper soil preparation, establishment watering, and long-term cultural practices will significantly reduce water use while preserving a healthy, functional landscape.