You are lucky that you will live in a colder area of Hawaii! If I were you, I would plant Rambutan and Longan, my two favorite exotic tropical fruit trees. This two exotic trees need humid and cooler climate to thrive, and your area is perfect for it!

Try the Hawaii Cooperative Extension web site.

Hi Tracey,
Mango won't fruit at such a high elevation. "tomatoes, lettuce, onions, herbs, squash" all grow great, as do strawberries.

Waimea tomatoes are some of the best!! Gingers grow really good on the wet side.

Check your elevation and take a soil sample. and do as bboy says. There is a great plant sale at Mana road several times a year that is great for info. Also, if you go to the Farmer's market at Mana road on Saturday mornings you can talk to a lot of local farmers and find out what they are growing, and how. In Honoka'a there is a (or was! not sure, I've been gone a few years) great nursery on the side of Tex's. A man named Michael G. was instrumental in getting it started. He is a wealth of information!!!

Volunteer at farms, there are several, to learn the climate and plants.

You should have no trouble. The wet side of Waimea is a great place to grow just about anything!

Mahalo for the tips everyone! I can't wait to get over there and get started.

The Honokaa nursery next to Tex drivein closed just about a year ago...we miss it.

Oh jeez. Sorry to hear that LCG. The Hilo Farmers Market (used to be off of Mamo St. on Wed and Sat) is really great for plants/foods/crafts. There's a good one between Keaau and Pahoa by Ainaloa subdivision too.

Try a "grocery store" garden in one spot. Basically, plant what you can find at the grocery store! You'll be surprised at what grows.

Be carful not to introduce fire ants to your area, many people selling plants have ants in the pots they sell.