Protecting Kaua‘i from invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle

Grove Farm cares deeply about protecting Kaua‘i from invasive species.

One of the most serious threats right now is the coconut rhinoceros beetle, which was first detected in May 2023 on Kaua‘i.

“The [coconut rhinoceros beetle] is a destructive pest that has the potential to cause devastating impacts to many palm species that are foundational to Kaua‘i’s agriculture, native ecosystems, local economy and cultural heritage,” said Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee Manager Tiffani Keanini in Grove Farm’s April 2025 newsletter.

Keanini explained that the invasive adult beetles feed on coconut, royal and date palms, as well as native loulu, or fan palms. They also will seek out secondary food sources such as hala, sugar cane and banana.

Coconut rhinoceros beetles breed in decomposing plant materials such as compost, garden soil, mulch and green waste.

Keanini advised the best step to prevent the further spread of the invasive scarab on the Garden Isle is to eliminate their breeding sites by managing green waste.

“Remove dead palms, remove your green waste and don’t stockpile green waste, mulch or compost for more than 4 months,” she said.

Allowing the Coconut rhinoceros beetle to proliferate could be devastating to the island’s agricultural industry. If you spot the beetle or suspect your palm trees are being attacked, contact Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee immediately via email at kisc@hawaii.edu.

Find something special at Grove Farm Spring Craft Fair

Support local artisans and find something special at the Grove Farm Spring Craft Fair.

The fair starts at 9:30 a.m. April 5 at Grove Farm Park in Puhi, next to the weekly Grove Farm Market.

Shop handmade items, home decor, jewelry, pet products and more from talented Kaua‘i makers. Participating vendors are:

• Akialoa Wellness.
• Aloha Edible Souvenirs and Gifts.
• Aloha Paws Kaua‘i.
• Aloha Wear on Kaua‘i.
• Anela + Malie.
• Sarah’s Cash Stash.
• Apple’s Stuff.
• Brooke Rosas.
• Chan B Design.
• Creations By Tracey.
• Earring Diva.
• Elena’s Gourmet Pretzels.
• High Vizion.
• Janath Collection.
• Jules From Da ʻĀina.
• Kahealani Gemz.
• Valley Girl.
• Kaipo‘i Designs.
• Katherine Smiles.
• Kaua‘i Candle Co.
• Kilohana Clothing.
• Kiyomi’s Sweet Treats.
• Kōco Soap Co.
• Kulea Kaua‘i.
• Lea Kaua‘i.
• Leialoha Tropicals.
• Lickety Louie’s Homemade Dog Treats.
• Little McKfarm.
• Lovely Charms by Kay.
• Malielani’s.
• Miko.
• Nonaka Island Delights.
• Nyla + Co.
• Obsessed 808.
• Outter Reef Jewelry.
• Pokauai.
• Risa’s Rainbow.
• Sandra’s Crafts & Baby Creations.
• Sisters Goodies Crystals.
• Soulscape Jewelry.
• Swttreats Creations.
• TallowCoco.
• Tiki Pet Collars.
• XO, MAMA Bakehouse.