5b reporting in here. We are planning on getting a kiwi that is native (i.e. before the Europeans arrived in North America). Small, smooth skin. I can dig into our research notes if you want more info, but we aren't growing them yet, so I don't think we'll have any answers for you.

Just wanted to let you know that you are not the only one out there interested in this. And we have solinatia planned for the back patio next year and kiwi the year after (because, crop rotation).