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Maui Weather, Hawaii
Temperature and Climate Zones
Weather on all of the Hawaiian Islands is very consistent, with only
minor changes in temperature throughout the year. This is due to
year-round warm sea surface temperatures, which keep the overlying
atmosphere warm as well. In practical terms, there are only 2 seasons: the
summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and
the winter months (Hooilo) that run from November to April. The average
daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while
the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C).
Temperatures at night are approximately 10 degrees F. lower.
The islands are an incredible collection of many diverse
micro-environments, each with its own unique weather, plants and animals.
As a result of the shielding effect of volcanic mountains and the
differences in weather found at various elevations, there are as many
different climate zones here as exist along the entire coast stretching
from Alaska to Costa Rica. For the full impact of this, visitors need only
explore the islands by car or helicopter and they’ll see the beauty of
tropical rain forests, cool alpine regions, stony deserts and sunny
beaches - all within the span of just a few short miles.
Rainfall and Storms
Through most of the year, Hawaiian weather patterns are affected
primarily by high-pressure zones in the north Pacific that pump cool,
moist trade winds down onto the island's northeastern slopes. This holds
true for most of the summer and approximately half of the time in the
winter. These winds are forced up-slope by the mountain heights where
their moisture condenses into clouds that produce rain. Most of the rain
falls in the mountains and valleys on the windward (northeastern) side of
the islands. It is this weather phenomenon that creates the rich tropical
environment for Hawaii’s flowers and verdant greens. The wettest months
are from November - March, but winter rains do not generally disrupt
vacation plans, since the weather is very localized. This means that if it
is raining where you are, there is almost always a sunny spot to be found
around the coast.
The action of trade winds here means that there is always a cooling
breeze. The strength of this wind builds as the heat of the day rises and
reaches a peak in the afternoon, only to diminish in the evening and start
again the next day. Several times during the year the trade winds will
stop completely and the wind will switch around to come out of the south
or west, bringing stormy or hot sticky weather. Islanders sometimes call
this "Kona" weather, because kona means leeward or South, and this points
to the direction from which these weather systems arrive. Stormy weather
comes to the islands, primarily in the winter and sometimes lingers for
several days. Severe storms, however, are not a common occurrence.
Water and Surf Conditions
Hawaii's near-shore water temperatures remain comfortable throughout
the year. The average water temperature is 74 degrees F. (23.3 C), with a
summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C). Wave action varies dramatically
between winter and summer, and between island coasts. Summer waters are
typically very gentle on all beaches. This changes in the winter on many
north-facing beaches, as storms far out into the Pacific drive ocean
swells towards the islands, building large breaking waves.
As with island rains, wave conditions are often very localized, so if
there is too much surf on your beach, you can usually find calmer water at
a more sheltered beach. Strong currents can make any beach unsafe at any
time during the year, but this is particularly true in the winter. When in
doubt, simply ask "locals", your hotel staff or a lifeguard for
recommendations and also look for warning flags and posted beach
conditions.
Hawaii's Mountains and Volcanos
Many visitors are drawn to the natural beauty found in higher
elevations such as Kokee on Kauai, or Haleakala on Maui, or Kilauea on the
Big Island. To prepare for the trip, bring long pants and several layers
of cool weather clothing because the temperature in the higher locations
drops 3.5 degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb. For
example, the summit of Haleakala at an elevation of 10,023 feet can be as
much as 30 degrees F. cooler than resort areas on the coast.
Because these peaks rise through the earth's atmosphere, there is less
protection from the sun's powerful burning rays. This burning effect can
be easily masked by the cool temperatures on the mountain, so be sure to
use sun block liberally, and bring a hat and sunglasses.
Maui Weather,
Hawaii |
