In the early years, there were three kingdoms on Maui: Lahaina, Hana, and Wailuku. Leeward areas, where the air descends, tend to be sunny and dry. Honolulu - Oahu. Thus, rain mostly falls on the elevated windward side of the islands. Home | Privacy & Cookies | Contact | About. Hawaii Islands bevy of one-of-a-kind attractions and family-friendly activities makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a jam-packed itinerary. We get plenty of rain still, depending on when you're on-island. The endless variety of peaks, valleys, ridges, and broad slopes, gives Hawaii a climate that is different from the surrounding ocean, as well as a climatic variety within the islands. Travelers can take a four-wheel-drive vehicle to spots like Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) and KaunoluVillage, a prehistoric fishing village that was once frequented by King Kamehameha I, or spend their days sunbathing on Polihua Beach. We call the two seasons here summer and winter and skip spring and autumn. With thousands of condominiums available, there are lower-cost housing options for those entering the housing market. Not only does the Big Island offer white and black sand beaches, including the famous Punaluu Black Sand Beach, it is also home to lush jungles and two active volcanoes at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Wastewater systems are available in Waimea, Hanapepe, Lihue, Wailua, and Kapaa, but public wastewater systems are not available in many rural areas like Princeville, Kekaha, or Kokee. Along the Waianae coast, there is less rain, and temperatures can be a little higher. The Hawaiian islands are most busy during the high season, which is split into two parts: On the Big Island it will never be as crowded as of example Oahu during high season, but prices can be higher with increased demand. Determining which Hawaiian island was safest was a bit more challenging. Hydrology King Kamehameha V had a vacation home on Kaunakakai beach and a country estate with cattle, coconut groves, and deer breeding grounds. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Our Office I've enountered mosqitoes all over, thanks to modern landscaping practices. Hawaii's mountains significantly influence every aspect of its weather and climate. This animation has been prepared using the following works: Giambelluca, T.W., X. Shuai, M.L. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-48780751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hawaii. Weather in Hawaii The sunniest skies and the best beach weather can be found on the Kohala coast. Kaunakakai Pier in Kaunakakai Town is the longest pier in Hawaii. These tracks, the paths taken by eastward migrating high and low pressure areas, generally are between 35 degrees north and 65 degrees north, the latitudes of changeable weather. Home | Travel Destinations | Lifestyle | Readers' Choice Awards A division of USA TODAY | Weekly Deals. Therefore, in winter, the trade winds may be interrupted for days or weeks by the invasion of the fronts or migratory cyclones from the northern latitudes and by Kona storms forming near the islands. Spring, summer, and fall have warm days with cool trade winds in the evenings. National Graphics Include shorts, sundresses and sleeveless tops, as well as jeans and tee-shirts. Parks are plentiful on Oahu, including dog parks, bike paths, and botanical gardens. Coming in as the sixth largest inhabited Hawaiian Island in geographical size, Lanai is 18 miles at its longest width. This side also has a history of hurricanes and tropical storms. Former Niihau residents say there are a lot of rules, including no alcohol or guns, men not having long hair or earrings, and everyone attending church on Sundays. And after Kamehameha died, his widow, Kaahumanu, married Kaumaulii, further solidifying Niihaus presence in the unified Kingdom of Hawaii. 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. What is the "best" island for one person may not at all be the "best" for another. I would try Maui if this is your first time. Vote for your favorite island below to have a say in next year's list. Year Round Weather & Present Day Forecasts for Hawaii Analyses/Forecast Charts Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii is the only state within the tropics and the only state to be completely surrounded by the ocean. Hilo on the Big Island Hawaii gets 130-200 inches of rain per year and is the wettest city in the United States. 2 Big Island - The island of contrasts. The dominant wind directions are winds from the east and the northeast (the trade winds, explained here). The least humid month is June (58.5% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (66.2%). If you think you need a little rest, Hawaii offers a paradise retreat with near-perfect weather, reasonable average hotel rates, and the ideal balance of calming natural beauty and exciting events.Here are some things to consider if you have decided to . At the opposite extreme, drought is not unknown in Hawaii, although it rarely affects an entire island at one time. The number of Single-family home sales on Oahu are the highest of all the islands, and the housing market is incredibly competitive. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. Our Products Wind in Hawaii is usually moderate. As that happens the moisture in the air condenses and produces clouds and rain. Luckily, the Hawaiian islands themselves rarely experience significant effects from these tropical monsters that are more serious than lots of rain and large surf. Hawaiian winter falls between October and April, with maximum daytime temperatures between a balmy 7983F (2628C). What's the best month to visit to avoid humidity and mosquit - Island We usually go all inclusive, but they don't seem to do it in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you want to live the old Hawaii lifestyle, full of aloha and tranquility, Kauai might be the island for you. Here it is below: Day 1 "Active" - Hike to get the blood flowing. Recent post: How Much Snow Did Vermillion Sd Get? The Bus offers service around the island, and the Honolulu Rail promises to offer convenient transportation from the West side of the island to town or Honolulu. Away from the sand, you can drive the Road to Hana, enjoy a bird's-eye view during a helicopter tour, see one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes at HaleakalaNational Park and get up close to marine wildlife while snorkeling in Honolua Bay or around Molokini. This is why we try to answer the following question in our Big Island weather guide: What is the weather like on the Big Island, and why? The mountains obstruct, deflect, and accelerate the flow of air. On average, August is the least humid month, at 64.0%. There is an excellent bus system that runs across the entire island and the roads are maintained fairly well. Frequently Asked Questions Hawaii's longest and shortest days are about 13 1/2 hours and 11 hours, respectively, compared with 14 1/2 and 10 hours for Southern California and 15 1/2 hours and 8 1/2 hours for Maine. In 1845, the royal capital moved from Lahaina, on Maui, to Honolulu, which remains the state capital. Honolulu, HI2525 Correa Rd Suite 250Honolulu, HI 96822(808) 973-5286Comments? I didn't have any problems with Mosquitos in HI even when hiking through jungle areas and I usually get eaten alive by them in the summer time here on the East Coast by just stepping outside my door in the evening. If you are Hawaii-bound for the very first time, it's natural to wonder what kind of weather to expect. Of course, it is also the wedding season in North America, so this island paradise is also appealing to honeymooners. Instead, you might see prices dipping to as low as $310. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Here, it becomes trapped by daytime (onshore) and nighttime (offshore) sea breezes (double-headed arrows). Like the other islands, Oahu is believed to have been first settled by Tahitians around 300 CE, although the exact dates are unknown. In other words, do you want to stay somewhere more rural or more urban or in between. The County of Honolulu governs the island of Oahu. Molokai has desirable weather year-round. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Polynesian settlers followed a kupu system, like that on most of the islands, and became farmers and fishermen. Permanent residents use traditional Hawaiian hunting and fishing methods, as were done for hundreds of years and have been passed down by their ancestors. In addition, these are volcanic islands, and some have high volcanic peaks where temperature drops as sea level rises. Molokai. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The mean annual rainfall map for the Island of Hawaii. Stories say legendary Polynesian navigator, Hawaiiloa, first discovered Hawaii Island, and this is where the islands name originates. Level Contributor 1,568 posts 9 reviews 33 helpful votes 3. Some other infrastructure cons are there is no rubbish pickup or home mail delivery expect for in Hilo and Kona. The water infrastructure is in poor to fair condition and many of the roadways need repair. Amounts are greatest over upper slopes and crests and least in the leeward lowlands. Event Summaries Just-in-case items to bring: a light raincoat (a must if you visit in rainy season) and a jacket in case temperatures drop. there can also be a lot of rain, especially during hurricane season! This rate tends to rise over the Memorial Day weekend but not by much. When Native Hawaiians inhabited Lanai, they established fish ponds and taro farms, and the people of Lanai enjoyed relatively calm years until King Kamehameha I took control, slaughtering many of Lanais former residents. Highest temperatures may reach into the 90s. Hawaii is typically recognized by its eight main islands, seven of eight which are inhabited: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. The climate of an area is a composite or frequency distribution of various kinds of weather. Its persistence directly reflects that of the Pacific High from which it comes. It's certainly the most diverse island, and has the best snorkeling and clearest water, so why not? In 1922, James Dole bought the island and developed it as the worlds largest pineapple plantation, bringing workers from around the word. If you like rural living but also might enjoy some amenities and tourists along with beautiful landscapes, Maui may be your place. Residents of Niihau speak the Hawaiian language almost exclusively. In fact, weather in Hawaii is very consistent. The highlands and eastern side, where Hilo is located, experience a lot of rain and mold. The wettest months on the Big Island are between November and March, but winter rains rarely disrupt vacation plans. With only 3000 residents and mostly luxury tourism, it is difficult for crime to exist on Lanai. But Kauai is a small island, so there is not far to travel. Others love it and go back year after year. The lowest ever recorded was 12 on Mauna Kea (elevation 13,770 feet), also on the Big Island, on May 17, 1979. Summer runs from April to October on Hawaii Island, with temperatures slightly higher than the rest of the year. You can find here 8 of the 13 types of climates existing on Earth! By October, many people are already suffering from the fall blues. In contrast, when light Kona winds (red arrows) blow, much of the vog is concentrated on the eastern side of the island. Frequently, the heaviest storm rains do not occur in areas with the greatest average rainfall. It's no accident that the expression "hot and muggy" is used far more often than "cold and muggy.". All numbers are averages from decades of weather records. 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. If you want to experience paradise with the expected amenities, Oahu might be the island for you. Many visitors to Kona, Hawaii (The Big Island) favor certain seasons over others. In terms of humidity, the annual average ranges from around 60% to 73%, which is close to Hawaii's. Note that Florida Keys' least humid month is usually April, while the most humid one is in December. Kamehameha the Great had difficulty conquering Kauai, and its neighboring island, Niihau, due to rebellion and disease outbreaks. Is Hawaii Humid Or Dry? - CLJ But I do agree for the OP, you need to do more research, read through the summary of the islands in the Top Questions on the general (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. On the windward side or East coast, it tends to rain more; however, one minute it may be raining and the next minute there may be an astounding rainbow. Over the lower islands, the average rainfall distribution resembles closely the topographic contours. Most people don't chose The Big Island for a first-time visit. 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. Also, are you looking for a quieter experience or do you want to stay somewhere with more night life and restaurants/ shops nearby? August in Hawaii: Weather and Event Guide - TripSavvy National Weather Service 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. Weather in their vicinity is usually stable. When this happens, local shops and, for example, national parks, could be closed for a period of one to a few days. Governed by the County of Maui, Molokai has county and state parks and protected areas, including Palaau State Park, Molokai Forest Reserve, Halawa Beach Park, and the Kalaupapa National Historical Park with restricted access. A hurricane is an extremely powerful storm. Is Hawaii Weather the Best on the Planet? - Living in Hawaii Get a summary of the latest on Honolulu's Rail Transit Project. It's larger and has less of the conventional "hawaiian island" look to much of it. J. During the winter season, which is usually December to March, evening temperatures drop to the 60s and there are often a few rainy days. Especially with ten days, which is a perfect amount of time for it. You can eat as cheaply or not as you want. Int. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. To give you an idea of what this statistic means in context, consider that relative humidity in Florida and Louisiana is 74.5% and 74% respectively. Oahu has lots to do but can be crowded and hectic especially Honolulu/Waikiki. State Average Relative Humidity Average Dew Point; South Carolina: 69.10%: 51.6: Missouri: 69.20%: View 71 Photos. Traveling to Hawaii during October Weather, Crowds, & Prices for October. Molokai had the Meyer Sugar Mill for almost 30 years, run by Rudolph Meye from Germany who also produced wheat, potatoes, coffee, and corn for export and partnered with King Kamehameha V to supervise Molokai ranch lands and the Kalaupapa Leper Settlement. Mudd, L. Cuo, and A.D. Businger. As the oldest island, Kauai has a unique history. In June 2012, Larry Ellison purchased Castle & Cookes 98 percent share of Lanai for $300 million. The Best Time to Visit Hawaii, United States for Weather, Safety The NFL Pro Bowl was played in Aloha Stadium from 1980 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2015. Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit. The Big Island has eleven of the worlds thirteen sub-climates, meaning if you want wet, dry, hot, or cold even snow you can find it. Just remember to pack galoshes and a rain jacket Kaua'i is one of the rainiest Hawaiian islands. Is it Humid in Hawaii? | 10Best In that case, bring hiking boots. Discover all seven inhabitable Hawaiian Islands before deciding which island fits your lifestyle. The least humid month is August (61% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (66.4%). But in 1810, Kamehameha and the King of Kauai, Kaumualii, came to a peaceful agreement, with Kauai joining the Hawaiian Kingdom with Kaumualii as its governor. Current Hazards The highest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii was 100 at Pahala (elevation 870 feet) on the Big Island of Hawaii on April 27, 1931. Then, make your way to Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), an enchanting rock garden that was once part of a native dryland forest, for a breathtaking sunset. The second part of the high season falls between mid-December and mid-March when people are visiting to escape the winter at home. Thunderstorms, lightning, hail, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and droughts are not unknown. So, where are the wettest and the driest spots on the Big Island? The island only receives about 37 inches of rainfall per year, and temperatures range from 70 to 85 degrees, with higher elevated places, like Lanai City, averaging around 72 degrees in the warmer months. Which Southern state has the least humidity? One benefit to visiting Hawaii in the early fall is that the water temperatures are ideal during this month. 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. Kona is on the drier side. It also has a large influence on the climate zones on the Big Island. Image credit: Giambelluca, T.W., X. Shuai, M.L. Central Maui, with the towns of Kahului and Wailuku, tend to have warm, steady temperatures throughout the year with dry breezes; sometimes Central Maui is also muggy with rainfall. If there are no winter storms, the normally dry leeward areas are hardest hit. Current tropical storm info (worldwide) can be found at the tropical tidbits website. With the kids out of school, this is a favorite vacation spot and period for families. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Historical droughts on Niihau have been recorded several times. Lake Waiau, just below of the summit of Mauna Kea, is the only alpine lake in the state of Hawaii. Murder is rare, however, in the same January 2020 report, a 20 percent increase in crimes involving firearms was reported. I would try Maui if this is your first time. Rhode Island. Hurricane season in Hawaii falls between June and November, with almost all activity occurring from July through September. However, the surf and one-way bridges create a hazard, so always be vigilant when swimming or driving on Kauais narrow roads. Kauai tends to get more rain and has had historical flooding and hurricanes which have wreaked havoc on homes and hotels. In 1864, Elizabeth McHutchison Sinclair purchased Niihau from King Kamehameha V for $10,000 in gold. By National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, VIIRS, captured on SNPP satellite source, Public Domain, Link. Heat and humidity levels dictate not just what to pack but also what kind of activities are comfortable. However, theft is becoming more and more common, including car theft and house raids. In Tahiti, Air Tahiti is the only domestic airline. 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. Breaking the rules might mean an eviction from the island by the Robinson family. Local Graphics Basically, any time is a good time to visit Hawaii. He then lit a fire to signal that people from Maui could finally come to the island to inhabit it. Once the trade winds reach the mountains (volcanoes) on the Hawaiian islands, the air is lifted up. 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. I don't really get the advice to skip the BI on a first visit. The least humid month in Hawaii Island is February with a dew point of 19 which is somewhat uncomfortable for most people in cities but fine on a beach. Sugar plantations were plentiful on Kauai starting in the late 1800s due to Kauais rich, flat lands. The driest months are between May and October (excluding the occasional hurricane). To the south, and particularly over the subtropical oceans, we often find an atmospheric eddy, that rarely changes its position. Lanai is an extremely safe place to live. Hawaii - The Big Island. So, what influence can a hurricane have on you, the visitor? Rainfall levels in August are typically low, about 0.5 inches on Maui, 2 inches on Kauai, 1 inch on Oahu, and 1.5 inches on the Big Island. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Lanai has generally pleasant and dry weather year-round. While Lanai does not have much development at the moment, Larry Ellison proposed a plan to diversify the economy and add more jobs and residents in September 2019. Water, sewage, and trash pick up are offered in every area of Oahu, with only some of the most remote locations having cesspools. Evapotranspiration of Hawaii. In places sheltered by terrain, local air movements are significantly different from winds in exposed localities. The island has one two-lane highway going from east to west and a small bus system. The Best Time to Visit Maui, HI, US for Weather, Safety, & Tourism 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. Activity Planner 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. Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights. Tips and FAQs about remote working in Hawaii. It will feel more humid the further you go into the tropical rainforest climates on the Hawaiian islands, but as August tends to be one of the driest months, it is one of the least humid overall.