The Best Cabinets for Hawaii’s Climate: What You Need to Know

Dec 5

Renovating a kitchen in Hawaii comes with unique challenges. The islands’ beauty is matched by year-round humidity, salty air, intense sun, and the risk of termites. All of these can shorten the lifespan of poorly chosen cabinets.

So, what type of cabinets really hold up best in Hawaii? Let’s look at the most common cabinet materials: what works, what doesn’t, and what to consider before you remodel.

The Challenges of Hawaii’s Climate

Humidity & Moisture: Particleboard and low-end MDF swell or warp quickly.

Heat & Sunlight: UV rays fade certain stains or paints over time.
Salt Air: Near the ocean, salt can corrode metal hardware and finishes.
Termites: Certain softer woods are more vulnerable if untreated.

With these factors in mind, the material you choose matters as much as the design.

Cabinet Materials Compared

Particleboard / MDF

Pros: Affordable, widely available, smooth surfaces for painting.
Cons: Easily swells with humidity, weak in screw holding, prone to delamination.
Verdict: Not recommended for Hawaii. Works short-term in low-moisture areas but won’t last in kitchens or bathrooms.

Solid Wood

Pros: Beautiful, natural look; strong and durable when properly sealed.
Cons: Can expand/contract with humidity, and more expensive.
Verdict: Good choice for door fronts and visible panels when hardwood and well-finished.

Plywood

Pros: Cross-layered construction makes it resistant to warping and stronger than particleboard. Holds screws and hardware well.
Cons: Quality varies, cheap plywood delaminates just like particleboard.
Verdict: Excellent material for cabinet boxes, but not recommended for doors or drawer fronts.

Bamboo

Pros: Durable and eco-friendly; resists swelling; naturally modern look.
Cons: High-quality bamboo cabinets can be pricey.
Verdict: One of the best options for Hawaii’s climate.

Laminate

Pros: Budget-friendly; wide range of colors and easy to clean.
Cons: Heat and humidity can cause peeling
Verdict: If the cabinets are well-sealed at the edges and you have proper airflow in the kitchen/bathroom, laminate can last quite a while.

Where Arcade Green Fits In

Arcade Green focuses on materials that already perform well in Hawaii:

Plywood cabinet boxes for strength and moisture resistance.
Solid wood and bamboo doors that are durable and timeless.
Semi-custom options over 120 sizes available in-stock within 3 business days on Oahu.
Custom Finish line for clients who want any paint or stain, sealed for island conditions.

Key Takeaways

Best overall for Hawaii: Plywood boxes + solid wood or bamboo doors.
Avoid: Particleboard and Laminate for high-humidity or coastal areas.
Good for design flexibility: Solid wood and bamboo.

Final Word

Choosing the right cabinets in Hawaii isn’t just about looks, it’s about making sure your investment holds up to the climate. Whether you choose solid wood, bamboo, or semi-custom plywood, prioritize durability over the lowest price.

Bogdan Voicu