Weather Tips

“Beautifully balmy” best describes Hawaii’s weather. Yet, there are seasonal conditions. Here is a list of terms you’ll hear in weather forecasts:

Tradewinds: Usually from the northeast, these breezes keep us cool. Averaging 12 m.p.h., they are lightest during winter.

Kona Winds: They blow from the southeast, replacing trades most often in winter. Kona winds often bring high humidity and rain. Kona winds shouldn’t be confused with the dry, sunny area of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Windward Side: The eastern half of all islands are wetter and generally three degrees cooler. Tradewinds hit the east side of the islands first, dropping precipitation.

Leeward Side: The western facing sides of the islands are in the lee of the tradewinds, so they are drier and warmer. Waikiki is on the leeward side. Kona means “leeward” in Hawaiian.

Mauka Showers: Mauka is Hawaiian for “inland.” Mountain slopes and valleys get more rain than leeward coastal areas.

Upper Elevations: Temps drop with altitude. During winter, there’s frost above 4,000 feet. Dangerous wind conditions can close visitor attractions on the summits of Maui’s Haleakala and the Big Island’s Mauna Kea; closures are announced on TV weather reports.

High Surf: The north shores of all islands get high surf in the winter while south swells are common in the summer. Heed posted warning signs at the beach.