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Microclimates And Many Of Them: Hawaii's Diversity

Hawaii has a spectacular, diverse climate and enjoys nearly perfect weather. Most of the year, the coasts have relaxing daily temperatures between the mid-70s and mid-80s. Of all the states in the U.S.A, Hawaii is the only one with no sub-zero temperature in recorded history.

From May to October, Hawaii experiences Summer, and from November to April is what the locals call “Winter” (though much of the world might call it Spring). As such, with only 2 seasons, there are more temperature changes between elevations and coasts than there are between different times of the year. If you’re curious what the weather is like right now, check out the 10 Day Weather Forecast Hawaii.

Hawaii’s Geography

Located between 19 and 23 degrees north latitude, the populated Hawaiian Islands lie only 1,200 to 1,600 miles north of the equator. Because Hawaii is so close to the equator, the sun is high in the sky throughout the year, which warms the Hawaiian Islands and the ocean around them. Between Winter and Summer, temperatures only vary from 75 to 83 degrees.

Such a warm surrounding ocean maintains the air above the Hawaiian Islands relatively warm. There are other contributors to Hawaii’s delightful, tropical climate, besides the ocean and its proximity to the equator: trade winds and many volcanic mountains.

The Heights of Hawaii

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

When moist, warm air meets mountain slopes along breezy coasts, the air is forced to rise, expand and cool (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.

Hawaii Trade Winds

Trade winds coming from northeast of Hawaii average 12 mph. These winds occur around ninety percent of the time in the summer and around fifty percent of the time in the winter. They keep humidity at a minimum and ensure comfortable temperatures, especially on the northeastern coast of Hawaii.

Trade winds are created from the cooling of air that has moved north from the equator, where it originally was warmed and rose up. Becoming more dense as it cools, the wind falls back to the earth’s surface at about 30 degrees latitude, where it flows toward the equator to replace more rising, warm air. This cool movement of air creates a pleasant breeze that flows southwest along the surface of the ocean near and over the Hawaiian Islands.

Oahu Weather and Climate

Similar to other Hawaiian Islands, Oahu’s tropical climate is affected more by the ranges of elevation and geographic location than it is by the seasons. Its rain-bearing trade winds are blocked by Oahu’s two parallel mountain ranges - Ko‘olau (reaching 3,105 feet), and Wai‘anae (reaching 4,020 feet).

Hence the southern and western (leeward) parts of Oahu - Honolulu, Waikiki, and Ko Olina - are drier and warmer than the northeastern parts - Kailua and Aeia - and the North Shore near the surf town of Haleiwa.

The winter season usually brings dangerous conditions to the north shore’s world-famous surfing beaches, great for big wave competitions, but hazardous for novice surfers and swimmers. Check out the current Oahu Weather Forecast 5day.

Climate and Weather of Maui

With its 2 volcanic mountains separated by a central valley, Maui offers a very diverse climate despite its size. You’ll come across everything from a lunar-like desert on top of Mt. Haleakala, 10,320 feet high, to flourishing tropical wildlife toward the Hana coast. Wild ginger, bamboo, eucalyptus and pines are just a few examples of Maui’s beautiful plant life. Considering its lush forests, it is not much of a surprise that Pu’u Kukui (the summit of the West Maui Mountains) holds the U.S. rainfall record at 739 inches in 1982. Have a look at some of the diverse Maui’s climate ccoming up: Maui Weather 10day Forecast.

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 south and west shore.

Big Island Weather and Climate

On the Big Island, there are five shield volcanoes, contributing to the most diverse climate in Hawaii. The Big Island also contains ten of ten of the world’s fifteen climate zones. Hilo, on the windward side, is the wettest city in the U.S., averaging more than 130 inches of rain per year.

Kailua, Kona, and Kohala on the leeward coast, contain the resort areas because they are usually sunny and warm, averaging as little as five inches of rainfall annually. 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 1 eroded volcano, whose highest peak reaches 5,243 feet at Mount Wai‘ale‘ale near its center. This peak is regarded as the wettest, or second wettest place on the planet, with more than 460 inches of rain per year. The Kekaha coastal area, in its rain shadow only 20 miles southwest, averages less than a 20 inches per year.

With their lush tropical surroundings on the north shore, Na Pali Coast, Princeville, and tranquil Hanalei provide incomparable opportunities for nature adventures. The primary resort areas, Poipu and Koloa, are conveniently located on the warmer, drier south shore of Kauai.