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Climates of Hawai‘i: Unique Patterns and Environments

Explore diverse climates in Hawai‘i shaped by elevation, wind patterns, and ocean influences. From windward mountains with lush rainforests to leeward coasts with sunny beaches, Hawai‘i offers a fascinating range of weather conditions. Discover the seven distinct climatic regions and the natural communities they support. Learn about the two Native Hawaiian seasons, Kau and Ho‘oilo, and their impact on the islands. Witness unique cloud formations like lee wave clouds and towering cumulus, enhancing the beauty of Hawaii's skies.

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Climates of Hawai‘i: Unique Patterns and Environments

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  1. Climates of Hawai‘i

  2. Climates of Hawai‘i • Only state surrounded by ocean • Only state within tropics • Both contribute to its climate • 50% above 2000 ft • 10% above 7000 ft

  3. 2 Native Hawaiian Seasons • Kau - Summer • May thru Oct • Tradewinds prevalent • Cloudy Windward areas

  4. 2 Native Hawaiian Seasons • Ho‘oilo - Winter • Nov thru April • Winds light and variable • Leeward areas cloudier

  5. Hawaiian Climates • Kona • Ko‘olau • Puna • Moa‘e

  6. Elevation Changes

  7. Natural Communities • ELEVATION • Temperature • Rainfall (Moisture) • Soil type • Air temperature drops • ~ 5.5° C/km rise in elevation • ~ 3° F/1,000 ft

  8. 7 climatic regions of Hawai‘i • Windward Lowlands < 2000 ft, North to NE sides • Trade wind • Moderately rainy • Partly cloudy to cloudy • Nearly uniform temperatures

  9. 7 climatic regions of Hawai‘i 2.Leeward Lowlands (not Kona coast) • Higher daytime temps • Lower nighttime temps • Mostly dry with occasional light showers

  10. 7 climatic regions of Hawai‘i 3.Interior Lowlands - O‘ahu & Maui - Occasional intense local afternoon showers

  11. 7 climatic regions of Hawai‘i 4. Kona Coast • Summer rains • Winter dry • Warmer than windward • Drier than windward

  12. 7 climatic regions of Hawai‘i 5. Windward mountain slopes - Lots of rain - Lots of clouds -In winter & summer - High humidity

  13. 7 climatic regions of Hawai‘i 6.Leeward mountain slopes - Rains more than lowlands but less than windward - Greater temperature fluctuations

  14. 7 climatic regions of Hawai‘i 7. High Mountains > 2000 ft or 3000 ft on Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, & Haleakalā - Rain decreases rapidly with elevation - Near summit rain is scant with clear skies - Low humidity, low temperatures

  15. Lee wave clouds at sunset. Lenticular, or lee wave, clouds form downwind of an obstacle in the path of a strong air current. Since air cools as it rises and warms as it falls, it is at the peak of a standing wave where moisture condenses and clouds form.

  16. Towering cumulus clouds (cumulus congestus). These very large and vertically developed cumulus clouds resembles the head of a cauliflower and are known as a cumulus congestus or towering cumulus. Rain showers may result from this type of cloud, which often develop into a cumulonimbus, or thunderstorm cloud.

  17. Clouds Moonbow Tornado In ‘Ewa

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