PES Hawaiian psilocybe cubensis spore print

The PES Hawaiian is a powerful and prolific Psilocybe cubensis strain with a name that has caused more confusion than almost any other variety in the cubensis world. Despite carrying "Hawaiian" in its title, this strain is not native to Hawaii and — crucially — it is a completely different species from the Panaeolus cyanescens (Copelandia) that is also commonly sold under the name "Hawaiian." If you're looking for the Panaeolus cyanescens, you can find it here . The PES Hawaiian is a true Psilocybe cubensis: large, robust, forgiving, and built for generous harvests.

The Name Behind the Strain: Pacifica Exotica Spora

The "PES" in PES Hawaiian stands for Pacifica Exotica Spora (also referred to as Pacific Exotica Spora), a now-defunct spore company that operated from Hawaii. PES was one of the early commercial spore vendors and was responsible for introducing several notable cubensis strains to the wider mycology community, including the PES Amazonian. The PES Hawaiian strain was marketed under the Hawaiian name purely because of the company's location — not because the mushroom was ever found growing wild on the islands. Psilocybe cubensis is not indigenous to Hawaii. The exact genetic origins of the PES Hawaiian remain somewhat mysterious: some accounts suggest it may be a hybrid of Southeast Asian and South American genetics, while others believe it was simply a particularly vigorous cubensis isolate that PES selected and stabilised in their lab.

Not to Be Confused with Panaeolus Cyanescens ("Hawaiian")

This is one of the most common mix-ups in the mushroom world, so it's worth being clear:

• PES Hawaiian (this strain): A Psilocybe cubensis — the same species as Golden Teacher, B+, Mazatapec and all other cubensis varieties. It produces large, fleshy fruits with broad golden-brown caps and dark purple-brown spores. Average to above-average potency.
• Hawaiian (Panaeolus cyanescens): A completely different species from a different genus and family. Produces small, slender, pale-capped mushrooms with jet-black spores. Two to four times more potent than any cubensis strain.

They share a name, but that is where the similarities end. If you are looking for the Panaeolus cyanescens, check our Copelandia spore print. If you want a large, reliable and forgiving cubensis with tropical flair, the PES Hawaiian is the one.

Visual Characteristics of PES Hawaiian

• Cap: 25–75+ mm in diameter. Broad and convex, flattening at maturity, often with a pronounced central bump (umbo). Dark orange-brown to golden-brown in the centre, lightening to a warm golden-yellow towards the edges. Surface may develop fine white flakes as the mushroom ages.
• Stem: 40–125+ mm, thick and fleshy, white to yellowish-white. Sturdy and dense compared to many other cubensis strains. Bruises blue when handled.
• Overall appearance: Big, meaty and impressive. PES Hawaiian is one of the larger-fruiting cubensis varieties, producing dense, heavy mushrooms with a warm, tropical colour palette.

Vigorous, Forgiving and Built for Big Flushes

The PES Hawaiian has earned a loyal following for one simple reason: it performs. The strain colonises substrates quickly with aggressive, healthy mycelium and shows a high natural resistance to contamination — making it one of the more forgiving cubensis lines to work with. It thrives on a wide range of substrates including brown rice flour (PF Tek), rye grain, manure-based blends and coir mixtures. Flushes are typically abundant, producing multiple waves of large, well-formed fruits. The warm growing conditions it favours reflect its tropical commercial origins, and it rewards collectors with dense, dark purple-brown spore deposits that result in rich, clearly defined prints.

How to Use a Spore Print

Not sure where to start once your spore print arrives? We have put together a detailed guide that walks you through the entire process, from scraping spores off the print to preparing them for microscopy or long-term storage. Read our step-by-step instructions here: How to Use a Spore Print.

Why Add PES Hawaiian to Your Collection

If you are building a diverse Psilocybe cubensis collection, the PES Hawaiian fills the role of the tropical workhorse. It combines impressive fruit size, reliable yields and excellent contamination resistance with a warm, golden appearance and a fascinating backstory rooted in one of the earliest commercial spore companies. For collectors who also own our Panaeolus cyanescens ("Hawaiian") print, the PES Hawaiian offers a perfect side-by-side comparison: same name, completely different species, entirely different morphology. Whether you appreciate its generous growth profile, its connection to the pioneering days of commercial spore trading, or simply want a big, beautiful cubensis that delivers consistently, the PES Hawaiian is a rewarding addition to any spore library.