Change of skin color from dark-green to light-green with some yellow at the blossom end (color break). Papayas are usually harvested at color break to ¼ yellow for export or at ½ to ¾ yellow for local markets.

Flesh color changes from green to yellow or red (depending on cultivar) as the papayas ripen.

A minimum soluble solids of 11.5% is required by the Hawaiian grade standards.