If amenities, urban life, and spectacular surf are your preferences, you may like Oahu. Summer on Hawaii Island. 2023. The other side of the island is called the downwind or leeward side. Without the trade winds, the heat and humidity can intense. In Kauais mountain ranges, like the Kokee State Park, which has Hawaiis Grand Canyon, temperatures are chilly with a record low of 29 degrees. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F, while in winter, the average daytime temperature is 78 degrees F. At night, these temperatures drop by about 10 degrees. Two-way roads, one-way bridges, small parking lots, and a small public transportation system the Kauai Bus make getting around Kauai a challenge. There is one K-12 public school and one hospital servicing the entire island. National Graphics Living in Hawaii: Is Hawaii Weather the Best on the Planet? So, what influence can a hurricane have on you, the visitor? While the effects of terrain on storm rainfall are not as great as on trade wind showers, large differences over small distances do occur, because of topography and location of the rain clouds. One of these, the Pacific High or anticyclone, is usually northeast of Hawaii. there can also be a lot of rain, especially during hurricane season! Climatol., 36(3), 1459-1470. doi: 10.1002/joc.4437. The climate and weather patterns on Hawaii can be a surprise to visitors. According to local Hawaiian legend, Lanai was once ruled by the god of nightmares for thousands of years. Hawaii's heaviest rains are come from winter storms between October and April. Image credit: Giambelluca, T.W., X. Shuai, M.L. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The weather on Maui varies across the island due to its proximity to coastline, varying elevations, and differing trade winds through the valleys and slopes. With lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Moloka'i is a great place to reconnect with nature, whether youre staying overnight at one of Moloka'is quiet oceanfront cottages or visiting on a day trip from one of the other Hawaiian Islands. Lanai has generally pleasant and dry weather year-round. The mean monthly relative humidity over the year in Honolulu (Hawaii), the United States of America. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-48827408', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hawaii ( which covers all of the islands). The oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known for its lush landscapes, sharp mountains on Na Pali Coast and cascading waterfalls. From January 2020 to the previous year, robberies were up 52 percent with 79 robberies reported to the Honolulu Police Department in a four-week period. The surface waters around Hawaii range between 77F (25C) and 83F (28C), all year round, which makes sure the air never cools down that much. However, Hawaii's tallest peaks do get their share of winter blizzards, ice, and snow. We were on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hawaii Costs in May. As well as looking at the top questions to the right of the main Hawaii forum page, http://www.gohawaii.com is a good resource for descriptions and pictures of the different islands. Final report submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersHonolulu District, and the Commission on Water Resource Management, State of Hawaii. To move to Lanai, there is an airport and a ferry from Maui. Uniform day lengths result in small seasonal variations in incoming solar radiation and, therefore, temperature. You probably need to read the FAQ's on the right hand column for general Hawaii visits. And the trade winds often keep humidity from becoming uncomfortable. The windward/east side of the island (Hilo) receives by far the most rain. Get a summary of the latest on Honolulu's Rail Transit Project. Temperatures here range from 26 to 30C throughout the year. Lanai. Current Hazards Sandals and sneakers will probably see you through unless you are doing serious hiking. Peles hair can be found around the Big Island. 2014. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Humidity and Wind. With Captain Cooks arrival in the Hawaiian Islands and an increase in sugar and pineapple plantations, the monarchy was increasingly dominated by foreign interests. In the early 1900s, pineapple found its way to Kapaa, along with people from all over the world Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany, China, and the Philippines coming to work on the plantations. The least humid month is August (61% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (66.4%). However, because the fall months are the beginning of Hawaii's hurricane season, the ocean may be a bit choppier compared to the summer. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-48789413', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hawaii forum, Hawaii for Dummies is a pretty good primer, despite the name. You can find more maps about the rainfall patterns in the Rainfall atlas of Hawaii. Determine how your current coverage works and what options to consider. Bring clothes made of breathable, lightweight fabrics. You can eat as cheaply or not as you want. Maui. We had excellent weather, with only brief rains. Just-in-case items to bring: a light raincoat (a must if you visit in rainy season) and a jacket in case temperatures drop. This doesn't necessarily mean that airfare on interisland flights in Hawaii is cheap (expect to pay $50-150 per one-way segment, not including luggage), but it does mean that you'll almost always be able to find available space. Iolani Palace was built, which is still the only palace in the United States. Hawaii County is the governing body of the Big Island. The storm tracks and the Pacific High follow the seasonal shift of the sun, moving north in summer and south in winter. There is a green sand beach on the Big Island. The least humid month is August (61% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (66.4%). September and October experience the warmest ocean temperatures in Hawaii, with water temps sitting around 80 degrees F each day.. So is it uncomfortably humid in Hawaii? In other words, do you want to stay somewhere more rural or more urban or in between. Final report submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersHonolulu District, and the Commission on Water Resource Management, State of Hawaii. Let's say that you land at 10:00 a.m. Tsunami Safety By the way humidity isn't usually too much of an issue given the prevailing trade winds. Few major violent crimes, like murder or armed robbery, occur. Niihau was once ruled by Hawaiian alii or chiefs, with a variety of battles and marriages marking its history and establishing its many rulers. Waikiki The highlands and eastern side, where Hilo is located, experience a lot of rain and mold. Molokai. Washington. With many longtime families and few visitors living on remote Molokai, it is one of the most secluded Hawaiian Islands. He has also built a new water filtration system and reopened a public pool in Lanai City, in addition to refurbishing and reopening the historic plantation movie theater. If you are Hawaii-bound for the very first time, it's natural to wonder what kind of weather to expect. The best time depends on your personal preferences and circumstances, and there is no one size fits all answer to this question. For a secluded, nature-centric escape, set your sights on Lanai. Int. He then lit a fire to signal that people from Maui could finally come to the island to inhabit it. The road to Hana is 45 miles long with 59 bridges and more than 600 hairpin turns as well as lush jungles and countless cascading waterfalls. Any storm with winds of force 12 and above on the Beaufort scale (wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 knots or 74 mph) is called a hurricane. Summer in Hawaii can get hot, hot, hot. The mean annual cloud frequency for the Island of Hawaii. The second largest and third most-populated island, Maui was once home to sugar cane and pineapple plantations but has now evolved into an ever-developing tourist-attracting island with a lot to do and beautiful beaches and scenery. Near the end of the eighteenth century, Captain James Cook, an English explorer sailed to Hawaii Island and called them the Sandwich Islands. After sharing of his discovery of the Hawaiian Islands with compatriots, he was later killed on the Big Island at Kealakekua Bay. However, these phenomena are usually less frequent and less severe than their counterparts in continental regions. The windiest month is June, followed by July and August. Image credit: Frazier, A. G., Giambelluca, T. W., Diaz, H. F. and Needham, H. L. (2016), Comparison of geostatistical approaches to spatially interpolate month-year rainfall for the Hawaiian Islands. The islands receive as much as 15 times that amount in some places and less than one third of it in others. You can find the average yearly cloud cover for the Big Island on the map below. It is called Papakolea, Mahana Beach. Hawaii. But Kauai is a small island, so there is not far to travel. The Big Island is fairly safe, with little room for criminals to hide. As well as looking at the top questions to the right of the main Hawaii forum page, http://www.gohawaii.com is a good resource for descriptions and pictures of the different islands. The islands drainage system leaves much to be desired, as there is no Drainage Master Plan for Kauai, which has resulted in some flooding and the lost of homes in the past decade. Therefore, winter in Hawaii is the season of more frequent clouds and rainstorms, as well as southerly and westerly winds. The sunniest skies and the best beach weather can be found on the Kohala coast. Polynesians from Tahiti and the Marquesas islands first arrived on Maui perhaps around 400 A.D., although there is no definitive date. Analyses/Forecast Charts Real estate on Kauai is competitive with single-family home prices comparable to Maui or Oahu and not much supply. These winds are called the trade winds because their stable and predictable patterns allowed intercontinental travel (trade) as early as in the 16th century. Other stories say the island is named after the realm of gods and goddesses, Hawaiki. Pele, the goddess of fire, spews lava, which in turn makes thin strands of volcanic glass. Marine One of Hawaiis least-developed islands, Moloka'i was made for travelers who dont mind going off the beaten path. Hawaiian hotel rates are ideal in May as they are sitting lower than the yearly average of $340/night. In 1922, James Dole bought the island and developed it as the worlds largest pineapple plantation, bringing workers from around the word. Day 3 "Rest" - Spend the day at the beach, in the spa or by the pool to recuperate. That's correct, the cold, frozen north is more humid than the warmest, most. After English explorers mapped the Hawaiian Islands, sharing the news of the rich lands of Hawaii with the world, Maui became home to whalers and Christian missionaries. All NOAA. Just kidding! Of course, even in Hawaii heat and humidity vary from month to month. The absence of trade winds affects mostly the windward and upland regions, which receive a smaller proportion of their rain from winter storms. Most days on this side if the Island will be a mix of sunshine, clouds, and an occasional spatter of rain. The lowest ever recorded was 12 on Mauna Kea (elevation 13,770 feet), also on the Big Island, on May 17, 1979. The Morning relative humidity percentages are for 7 am and Afternoon levels are for 1 pm local standard time. Weather in Hawaii If you are looking to escape the winter weather in the mainland, you should definitely come visit during the cold months at home! In fact, weather in Hawaii is very consistent. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, Hawaii is the only state within the tropics. Many visitors to Kona, Hawaii (The Big Island) favor certain seasons over others. We usually go all inclusive, but they don't seem to do it in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Violent crimes are not common on Maui, but like the other islands, petty theft does occur at times. Among the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is known as the Friendly Isle, and those who live there would consider it the best island to live on by far. And if you want wide-open spaces and have an adventurous spirit, you may prefer the Big Island. We get plenty of rain still, depending on when you're on-island. Wind in Maui is usually moderate. And after Kamehameha died, his widow, Kaahumanu, married Kaumaulii, further solidifying Niihaus presence in the unified Kingdom of Hawaii. As a result, the highest slopes are relatively dry. Kauai. For example, in Lihue, Kauai, in January, the humidity level is 81 percent, while in mid-afternoon it is 66 percent. Sometimes it is called "nearly stationary" and lasts long enough to be called "semipermanent.". When the king of Maui conquered Oahu, Maui also came under rule of the Maui. Hawaii Islands bevy of one-of-a-kind attractions and family-friendly activities makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a jam-packed itinerary. Alternatively, you may use, Island of Hawaii Hotels and Places to Stay, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia. To help you decide which Hawaiian Island is ideal for your next vacation, U.S. News took into account sights, expert opinion and reader input to determine the best Hawaiian Islands to visit. It is said that Polynesian settlers from Marquesas, Tahiti, and other Pacific islands inhabited Molokai around 650 AD, which new migrations taking place in 700 AD. A dry winter, followed by a normally dry summer and another dry winter, can have serious effects. Get the skinny on Hawaii's top ten landowners. You may want a nice outfit for going out to dinner. Many wars and conquests occurred over the years, with one of the final battles being Kamehameha the Great conquering Maui in 1795 to unite the islands. The author is the late Saul Price, former Hawaii State Climatologist and Staff Meteorologist for the National Weather Service Pacific Region. At the opposite extreme, drought is not unknown in Hawaii, although it rarely affects an entire island at one time. Home to nearly one million people, Oahu has many neighborhoods, majestic landscapes, and nearly all the amenities of a city on the Mainland U.S.A. Oahu has the world-famous North Shore with its legendary surfing sports as well as Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, military installations, and the main campus of the University of Hawaii. Niihau is drier than other islands with less trade wind rainfall due to its low elevation and location next to rainy Kauai. While the unemployment rate historically has been high on Molokai with most people living off the land or working part-time jobs, there is relatively low crime or theft. Did you intend to visit this island or are your questions about the state of Hawaii in general? The mountains obstruct, deflect, and accelerate the flow of air. Centrally located between other Hawaiian Islands like Maui and Moloka'i, this remote hideaway makes a great home base for inter-island travel. Barnes, R.J. Alliss, R.J. Longman, T. Miura, Q. Chen, A.G. Frazier, R.G. For example, in Lihue, Kauai, in January, the humidity level is 81 percent, while in mid-afternoon it. You can, for example, find a humid tropical climate on the windward side, while the leeward side of the Big Island offers arid climate zones. In general, given its place in the tropics, the length of Hawaiian days doesn't vary in the same way day length changes in other states. Level Contributor 1,568 posts 9 reviews 33 helpful votes 3. Another source of rainfall is the towering cumulus clouds that build up over the mountains and interiors on sunny calm afternoons. There is a charter school and one private school on the island. Mudd, L. Cuo, and A.D. Businger. It's larger and has less of the conventional "hawaiian island" look to much of it. People on Maui should be aware of rogue waves as well as strong currents. Wind in Hawaii is usually moderate. Days in June are ~2.5 hours longer than those in December. Especially if you are planning an active vacation, maximizing the amount of daylight during your visit can add many sunny hours to your trip. Also, except in the main towns of Hilo and Kailua-Kona, the majority of the Big Island relies on private rainwater catchment systems for water, meaning if there is not rain, you may not have running water. Thanks to its high peaks at more than 4000m, Big Island offers an exceptional climatic diversity. House robberies are fairly common in South Hilo, the Puna District, and the Hamakua Coast as well as auto theft. But, when you look at violent crimes Hawaii is very safe with 35.6% less violent crimes than the U.S. average. Annual temperatures in Hilo range from 79-83F for the high and 64-69F for the low. With no traffic lights, one public school that goes from grades kindergarten to grade 12, and one hospital. This pattern is clearly visible in the rainfall patterns on the Big Island, as shown in the images above. Instead, you might see prices dipping to as low as $310. Meanwhile, the North Shore is home to a more laid-back vibe and secluded resorts, as well as the famous waves at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, which host major surfing competitions every year. I would try Maui if this is your first time. The windiest month is May, followed by April and June. Tips and FAQs about remote working in Hawaii. Although all of these considerations impact Hawaii's climate, average weather and humidity figures still count. With the changing international economy and outsourcing leading to cheaper ways to produce pineapple, the Dole Food Companys plantation dwindled, with plantation operations closing by 1992. Luckily, the Hawaiian islands themselves rarely experience significant effects from these tropical monsters that are more serious than lots of rain and large surf. From left to right: Darby, Estelle, Eight-E (which would soon become Georgette), and Frank. Fire Weather Later sugar plantations consumed life on Maui for nearly a century, with the last Alexander & Baldwin 36,000-acre sugar plantation closing in 2016. Mudd, L. Cuo, and A.D. Businger. Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights. Our Office Annual rain fall varies from about 50 inches annually on the windward shore to less than 20 inches on the leeward side of the island. Hawaii is the only state within the tropics and the only state to be completely surrounded by the ocean. Image credit: Giambelluca, T.W., X. Shuai, M.L. In this guide we discuss the following topics: The Hawaiian Islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The state with the highest humidity over the course of the year is Alaska. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration While pleasant temperatures are a given on the Big Island, sunny skies are not. It is the southeastern-most island and also the newest island with an active volcano that continues to add more land mass to make the Big Island even bigger. Read up about the different factors that control comfort level in the aloha state. Others love it and go back year after year. Then, for an experience you wont forget, relax on the volcanic coastline of Wai'anapanapa State Park, where jet-black sands meet vibrant sapphire waters. There is a lovely type of rain the Hawaiians call "Kilihune" - it's the soft misty rain that falls and cools you off on a hot day. Activity Planner Whichever island you choose to live on, the beauty of Hawaii and aloha spirit will dwell. Please Contact Us. The more info you can provide the more helpful the responses will be. Sugar plantations were plentiful on Kauai starting in the late 1800s due to Kauais rich, flat lands. Air pollution from active volcanoes ("vog") can affect those with breathing problems . Head over to the Kailua-Kona area; the temperatures range from 81-87F for the high and 66-73F for the low. Monthly Humidity Averages for Hawaii The humidity averages for each month are listed below for places in Hawaii. Finally, something that people rarely consider is the length of the day. Understand Hawaii's public and private school systems. To the south, and particularly over the subtropical oceans, we often find an atmospheric eddy, that rarely changes its position. Average humidity in Hawaii is highest in the morning and decreases as the day wears on. Not only do each of the islands have different geographical features, but they also have different amenities, local governing bodies, histories, cultures, and costs of living. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-48785609', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Island of Hawaii. Wind in Hawaii is usually moderate. Turn Around, Don't Drown With a more easygoing environment than other islands like Oahu and the Big Island, the Garden Isle lets its natural beauty speak for itself and is perfect for a couples getaway. Only 2% of the island is owned by the state of Hawaii or privately residents, while the other 98 percent is owned by the founder and chairman of the Oracle Corporation, Larry Ellison. Think of the air as a sponge absorbing water vapor. The historic town of Hilo as well as the popular tourist town of Kona have parks, bike paths, and convenient downtown areas with many shops. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Hawaii is in the tropics, where the length of day and temperature are relatively uniform throughout the year. KAILUA-KONA WEATHER. Minnesota. However, the varying weather and lack of infrastructure in some areas could be a challenge for the non-adventurous home buyer. The leeward and other dry areas obtain their rainfall mainly from a few winter storms. Determining which Hawaiian island was safest was a bit more challenging. However, there is no real estate to buy on Niihau, and it is nearly impossible to even visit Niihau. Hawaii Climate Portal, Local Programs If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Humidity is described in a percentage. Aviation, Climate and Past Weather While traffic on Oahu is considered one of the worst in the United States, the island boasts a robust infrastructure. Hawaii's warmest months are not June and July, but August and September. As for traveling on the island, you will need a four-by-four vehicle to get to most places. Molokai has four public elementary schools as well as a public middle and high school. In June 2012, Larry Ellison purchased Castle & Cookes 98 percent share of Lanai for $300 million. The early settlers lived off the land, growing taro, yams, and bananas, and enjoying the plentiful fresh water. Users of this site agree to the Terms of Service, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights, and Ad Choices, National Weather Service: Climate of Hawaii. Hi Justin, you have gotten good advice here, but I would repost with some more details on the forum for (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Kauai (PHKI) Remote waterfalls and hiking trails should not be accessed if you are not prepared or know the area, as explorers have been lost in the lush landscapes of Kauai in the past. Governed by Maui County, which also governs the less-populated islands of Lanai and Molokai, Mauis infrastructure was originally funded by the sugar and pineapple plantations. We want to visit later this year for about 10 nights, where's the best island to stay on and which part. Historical droughts on Niihau have been recorded several times. Take a rollicking ride through Sedona's natural beauty in a rugged SUV. On average, August is the least humid month, at 64.0%. The highest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii was 100 at Pahala (elevation 870 feet) on the Big Island of Hawaii on April 27, 1931. Honolulu - Oahu. The main attractions here are Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon, otherwise known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." In Honolulu in July, the morning humidity level is 67 percent while in the afternoon, it is 51 percent. The windiest month is May, followed by April and June. Interested? Age brackets? If you are visiting Molokai, people will notice. 2014. Breaking the rules might mean an eviction from the island by the Robinson family. People who live on Molokai or visit Molokai can sleep soundly at night knowing their neighbors are friendly and crime is low. This side also has a history of hurricanes and tropical storms. Long flat fields to jaw dropping sea cliffs on the back side to winding roads and small shops make Molokai a beautiful place to call home. If you are interested in reading more about the past hurricanes that have impacted the Hawaiian islands since the 1950s, please have a look at the following articles: Hawaiis Hurricane History and Hurricanes in Hawaii.