In this paper, we present a new technique for the optimal local decomposition of convex structuring elements on a hexagonal grid, which are used as templates for morphological image processing. Each basis structuring element in a local decomposition is a local convex structuring element, which can be contained in hexagonal window centered at the origin. Generally, local decomposition of a structuring element results in great savings in the processing time for computing morphological operations. First, we define a convex structuring element on a hexagonal grid and formulate the necessary and sufficient conditions to decompose a convex structuring element into the set of basis convex structuring elements. Further, a cost function was defined to represent the amount of computation or execution time required for performing dilations on different computing environments and by different implementation methods. Then the decomposition condition and the cost function are applied to find the optimal local decomposition of convex structuring elements, which guarantees the minimal amount of computation for morphological operation. Simulation shows that optimal local decomposition results in great reduction in the amount of computation for morphological operations. Our technique is general and flexible since different cost functions could be used to achieve optimal local decomposition for different computing environments and implementation methods.