The Weather And Climate Of The Hawaiian Islands

With a diverse, spectacular, climate, Hawaii enjoys nearly perfect weather year round. Its daytime temperatures along the coasts generally range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s most of the year. Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that has never recorded a sub-zero temperature.

Since Hawaii has only 2 seasons—Summer (May through October) and Winter (November through April), you will experience more temperature variation from elevations and windward-leeward coasts, than you will due to the seasons. If you’re curious what the weather is like right now, check out the Hawaii Weather 10 Day Forecast.

Hawaii’s Geography

Located between 19 and 23 degrees north latitude, the populated Hawaiian Islands lie only twelve- to sixteen-hundred miles north of the equator. This fortuitous circumstance of geography means the sun is high in the sky year round, providing temperatures that warm both the land and the immediate ocean. The temperature varies from only about 75 degrees to 83 degrees between Winter and Summer.

The balmy ocean temperatures help to keep Hawaii’s atmosphere at ease. There are other contributors to Hawaii’s delightful, tropical climate, besides the ocean and its proximity to the equator: trade winds and numerous volcanic mountains.

Hawaii Volcanic Mountains

Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions from the Pacific Ocean floor formed the mountains of Hawaii. The resulting diverse ranges of height are a major source of the diversity of weather on the Hawaiian Islands.

When moist, warm air meets mountain slopes along windy coasts, the air is forced to rise, expand and cool (this is known as orographic lift). This forms heavy clouds and causes precipitation along the windy slopes. When this air reaches the leeward slopes, it moves down, condenses, and warms, making leeward coasts generally sunnier, warmer and drier.

The Trade Winds of Hawaii

In Hawaii, the northeast trade winds, averaging 12 mph, occur about 90% of the time in the summer and about 50% of the time in the winter. They keep humidity at a minimum and ensure pleasant temperatures, especially on the northeastern coast of Hawaii.

These cooling winds are created when warm air rises near the equator, flows northward through the upper atmosphere, then cools. Becoming denser as it loses heat, it falls back to the earth’s surface at about 30 degrees latitude, where it flows back toward the equator to replace more rising, warm air. This creates cool northeasterly breezes moving along the ocean’s surface, and over the Hawaiian Islands.

Climate and Weather of Oahu

Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Oahu’s tropical climate is affected more by the ranges of elevation and geographic location than it is by the seasons. Oahu’s two parallel mountain ranges, Ko’olau and Wai’anae, block its rain-bearing trade winds.

Becacuse of this, Honolulu, Waikiki, and Ko Olina on the southern and western sides of the island are dry and warm. Conversely, Kailua and Aeia on the windward side, and The North Shore, near Haleiwa (a popular surf town), are cooler and wetter.

Very rough sea conditions are usually brought by Winter to Oahu’s world-renowned surfing beaches along the north shore. The surf is perfect for big-wave competitions, but hazardous for the inexperienced. Check out the current Oahu Weather Forecast 5day.

Climate and Weather of Maui

On Maui, with its 2 volcanic mountains, and separated by the central valley, you’ll encounter everything from barren lunar-like desert atop 10,320-foot Mt. Haleakala, to lush tropical creepers and wild ginger east toward the Hana coast, to bamboo forests, eucalyptus and pines moving upcountry. In 1982, Pu‘u Kukui, the summit of the West Maui Mountains, had 739 inches of rainfall, which is the U.S. rainfall record. Have a look at some of the variations in Maui’s climate ccoming up: Maui Weather Forecast 5day.

Paia and Haiku, located near Maui’s north shore, are world-class kite boarding and windsurfing destinations, and they have excellent trade winds and beach access. Many great resort areas, such as Makena, Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua, experience the island’s year-round sunshine, dry weather and fantastic beaches as they are along the southwest coast.

Climate and Weather of Big Island

The Big Island, composed of 5 shield volcanoes, has the most diverse climate in Hawaii, containing ten of worlds fifteen climate zones. Located on the windward side of the island, Hilo has the highest rainfall in the U.S., averaging more than 130 inches of rain annually.

The leeward coast is usually sunny and warm, averaging as little as 5 inches annually. Kailua, Kona, and Kohala include resort areas on these dry coasts. Snow, not usually associated with the tropics, falls at Mauna Kea (Hawaii’s highest point at 13,796 feet) and Mauna Loa (location of the U.S.’s only active volcano), Kilauea, in some winter months.

Kauai Weather and Climate

The small, circular island of Kauai is formed by one eroded volcano, whose highest peak reaches 5,243 feet at Mount Wai‘ale‘ale near its center. With more than 460 inches of rain per year, this peak is thought of as the wettest place on the planet. The Kekaha coastal area, in its rain shadow only 20 miles southwest, averages less than a 20 inches per year.

The spectacular Na Pali Coast, Princeville, and idyllic Hanalei, with their lush, tropical environs on the north shore provide unparalleled opportunities for nature adventure. Poipu and Koloa on the drier, warmer south shore are the primary resort areas of Kauai.