About the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, part of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), provides research-based education and outreach programs throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Serving one of the most geographically isolated and biologically unique regions in the world, the Extension Service supports agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, pest management, environmental stewardship, family development, and community resilience.
Official Website
https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ce/
Hawaii’s tropical climate, volcanic soils, diverse ecosystems, and island geography create both opportunities and challenges unlike those found elsewhere in the United States. The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service develops programs specifically tailored to the needs of Hawaii’s farmers, homeowners, landscapers, businesses, and local communities.
Core Services Offered
The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service provides educational programs and technical assistance that support sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and economic development throughout the islands.
Tropical Agriculture
Hawaii’s agricultural industry includes tropical fruits, vegetables, coffee, macadamia nuts, cacao, flowers, and specialty crops. Extension specialists help growers improve production while addressing the challenges of farming in tropical environments.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil fertility programs
- Irrigation management
- Sustainable farming practices
- Agricultural business development
Research and educational programs help producers maintain productivity while protecting Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems.
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Residents throughout Hawaii rely on Extension resources to maintain productive gardens and attractive landscapes.
- Vegetable gardening
- Tropical fruit production
- Landscape management
- Plant selection
- Plant disease diagnosis
- Garden pest identification
Urban Forestry and Landscape Management
Extension specialists assist homeowners, businesses, and municipalities with maintaining healthy landscapes in Hawaii’s tropical climate.
- Tree health management
- Landscape pest control
- Water-efficient landscaping
- Invasive species prevention
- Native plant conservation
- Sustainable landscape practices
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
Hawaii’s unique ecosystems require ongoing protection and management. Extension programs support conservation efforts throughout the islands.
- Watershed protection
- Forest conservation
- Coastal resource management
- Wildlife habitat protection
- Invasive species education
- Environmental sustainability programs
Family and Community Programs
The Extension Service provides educational opportunities that strengthen families and communities throughout Hawaii.
- Nutrition education
- Food safety training
- Health and wellness programs
- Community development initiatives
- Financial literacy education
- Disaster preparedness resources
4-H Youth Development
The Hawaii 4-H program provides young people with hands-on learning experiences that encourage leadership and lifelong learning.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental stewardship
- Leadership development
- Animal science projects
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Hawaii
Hawaii faces some of the most significant invasive species challenges in the United States. Its tropical climate allows many pests to remain active year-round, while the islands’ isolation makes native ecosystems particularly vulnerable to invasive organisms.
Invasive Insects
Invasive insects pose a major threat to Hawaii’s agriculture, forests, and native ecosystems.
Important invasive pests include:
- Coffee Berry Borers
- Little Fire Ants
- Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles
- Oriental Fruit Flies
- Mediterranean Fruit Flies
- Spotted Wing Drosophila
Extension specialists work closely with state and federal agencies to monitor, detect, and manage these pests.
Termites
Termites are among the most destructive structural pests in Hawaii due to the state’s warm temperatures and favorable environmental conditions.
Common termite species include:
- Formosan Subterranean Termites
- West Indian Drywood Termites
- Subterranean Termite Species
Extension publications help homeowners understand termite prevention, inspections, and management strategies.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are widespread throughout Hawaii and present both nuisance and public health concerns.
Extension resources provide guidance on:
- Mosquito identification
- Breeding habitat reduction
- Disease prevention
- Integrated mosquito management
- Community control efforts
Mosquitoes also threaten native Hawaiian bird populations by spreading avian diseases.
Fruit and Crop Pests
Many of Hawaii’s agricultural crops face pressure from insects that affect fruit quality and crop yields.
Common agricultural pests include:
- Fruit Flies
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Thrips
- Scale Insects
- Spider Mites
Extension specialists publish management recommendations designed specifically for Hawaii’s tropical production systems.
Coffee Pests
Coffee is one of Hawaii’s most valuable specialty crops and faces several significant pest threats.
Important coffee pests include:
- Coffee Berry Borers
- Green Scale Insects
- Ant Species Associated with Scale Insects
- Leaf-feeding Caterpillars
Extension programs help growers implement integrated pest management practices that protect coffee quality and profitability.
Landscape and Garden Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes are frequently affected by tropical insect pests.
Common landscape pests include:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Mealybugs
- Scale Insects
- Leafminers
- Caterpillars
Extension educators provide guidance on environmentally responsible pest management techniques.
Little Fire Ants
The Little Fire Ant has become one of Hawaii’s most serious invasive pests. These ants can infest residential properties, agricultural operations, and natural habitats.
Problems associated with little fire ants include:
- Painful stings
- Impacts on pets and livestock
- Reduced agricultural productivity
- Disruption of native ecosystems
- Infestations in homes and landscapes
Extension specialists provide educational resources on detection and management strategies.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a central component of Hawaii Extension’s pest management programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Regular monitoring
- Biological control methods
- Preventive cultural practices
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These programs help reduce pest impacts while protecting Hawaii’s sensitive natural environments.
Research and Invasive Species Programs
The University of Hawaii conducts extensive research on invasive species, tropical agriculture, and sustainable pest management.
Research areas include:
- Biological control
- Invasive insect management
- Plant disease prevention
- Tropical crop protection
- Forest health monitoring
- Ecosystem conservation
Extension specialists work to translate scientific research into practical recommendations for Hawaii residents and businesses.
Educational Publications and Resources
The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service publishes a wide range of educational materials covering agriculture, pest management, gardening, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Tropical crop production manuals
- Fruit pest management publications
- Landscape care resources
- Invasive species alerts
- Plant disease fact sheets
Many resources are available online and are updated regularly to reflect current research findings and emerging pest threats.
Contact the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a tropical crop, improving a landscape, protecting natural resources, or addressing invasive species concerns, the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service website to access educational publications, pest management resources, and professional guidance.