Fire-Resistant and Fire-Prone Plants Growing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

3/18/2025 (Permalink)

We have been restoring fire damage in Hawaii and Maui for more than 20 years!

Aloha! Our local teams in Hawaii and Maui witness firsthand how quickly a fire can destroy a home in Kailua Kona. Hawaii's stunning landscapes are home to diverse vegetation, but when residential fire damage strikes, the type of plants surrounding your home can make a significant difference. Understanding which native Hawaiian plants are fire-resistant versus fire-prone is key to protecting your Kailua-Kona property.

Fire-resistant plants are typically those with high moisture content and non-oily leaves. Examples include kou (Cordia subcordata), kalo (taro), and ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha). These plants act as natural barriers, reducing the spread of fire and providing one level of protection to homes.

On the other hand, fire-prone plants include dry, oil-rich vegetation that ignites easily. Examples include fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and kiawe trees (Prosopis pallida). These species can fuel wildfires, spreading flames rapidly across dry areas.

To minimize fire risks, homeowners on the Big Island should create defensible spaces by landscaping with fire-resistant plants, clearing dry grasses, and maintaining at least 30 feet of separation between vegetation and structures. Incorporating these strategies can reduce the likelihood of fire damage while enhancing the safety of your property.

Proactive landscaping combined with fire safety practices can help protect your home from Hawaii's fire hazards.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Kailua-Kona needs fire damage restoration services, our local teams in Hawaii and Maui are always Here to Help. ® Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

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