Hawaii Storms – How Dangerous Does the Climate Get?

Are you anxious about Hawaii storms? Many individuals watch radars as they plan their journeys to the islands, particularly throughout hurricane season or in the event that they’re making massive out of doors plans. However it may be onerous to inform how unhealthy the climate will get in Hawaii, and the way typically storms come by way of. 

The excellent news is that it’s nearly at all times sunny and exquisite right here, with some areas experiencing passing showers (particularly throughout the winter month). Nonetheless, it’s good to learn about Hawaii storms in order that you realize what to anticipate – and how one can put together – on your trip. 

Fundamentals of Hawaii Climate

Hawaii enjoys a heat, tropical local weather with a lot of sunshine. That’s one of many many causes folks love visiting! Throughout summer season months, count on temperatures within the excessive 80s, whereas it’s a couple of levels cooler throughout the winter. 

Hawaii is so heat as a result of it’s surrounded by heat ocean water. Sea temperatures are much more constant than these of enormous land lots, so Hawaii’s surrounding oceans assist hold the islands regular and heat year-round. This implies there are few Hawaii storms to fret about.

Windward and Leeward Sides

If you happen to’ve ever visited Hawaii earlier than, you’ll have observed how localized rain is. Hawaii has many microclimates that create totally different climate patterns in numerous areas. Windward sides of the islands (the northeastern sides) see probably the most rainfall, whereas the Leeward (western) sides are dryer. 

So, on Oahu, you could discover cloudier situations or extra rainfall in Waimanalo than you’d in Waianae. 

Commerce Winds

Guests are additionally fast to note the cool, comfy breezes sometimes blowing throughout the islands. These are known as tradewinds. They assist hold issues from getting too humid and sticky. That’s why it could really feel so good within the shade – you don’t have humidity bogging you down. 

After all, typical climate patterns are sometimes interrupted, and that’s when Hawaii might even see storms. 

How Usually Does it Storm in Hawaii?

Storms are uncommon in Hawaii. Residents might go a yr or extra with out seeing a lightning strike or listening to thunder. And hurricanes are much more uncommon. Since 1950, 5 hurricanes or tropical storms have prompted substantial injury to the islands. 

And when a storm system does come by way of, it’s nonetheless fairly localized. Neighboring islands – and even neighboring cities – could also be completely sunny and clear whereas storms rage not far-off. 

Sorts of Hawaii Storms

While you think about storms in Hawaii, you most likely consider hurricanes, and that’s undoubtedly an enormous concern for residents and vacationers. However there are different storms that trigger an excessive amount of injury as nicely. 

Forward, we’ll spotlight the most typical forms of Hawaii storms (in no specific order) so you’ll be able to keep weather-aware whereas vacationing fortunately. 

Hurricanes & Tropical Storms

Let’s begin with Hawaii’s most buzzed-about kind of storm: hurricanes. These tropical cyclones kind over heat waters and carry unimaginable energy. 

Whereas Hawaii experiences many hurricane scares, few truly make landfall right here. That is largely because of the easterly commerce winds that push storms away from the islands. Additionally, Hawaii is such a small place in an unlimited ocean, so it’s a tiny goal for hurricanes to hit. 

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 annually. That is nonetheless a beautiful time to go to Hawaii. Nonetheless, you could need to take note of the climate in case a storm system is coming, although. Generally, close by hurricanes might carry heavy rainfall or excessive winds, even when the storm doesn’t straight impression the islands. 

Kona Storms in Hawaii

Native climate reporters and on a regular basis residents typically discuss “Kona Winds.” These are south-western winds that exchange the commerce winds that Hawaii sometimes sees. Kona means “leeward,” so when these sorts of breezes come by way of, they’re flowing in from the dry aspect of the islands. 

Kona winds typically carry with them rain and typically thunderstorms. Flash flooding and landslides are an enormous concern throughout Kona lows. 

Kona storms are most certainly from October by way of April and usually tend to interrupt your trip plans than hurricanes. They’re extra widespread, long-lasting, and widespread than most hurricanes. However, they nonetheless simply symbolize just some days out of every yr. 

Thunder Storms in Hawaii

In Hawaii, thunderstorms typically occur with Kona lows however sometimes are available in when hurricanes are close by. Different modifications in climate patterns also can trigger thunderstorms to blow into the islands.

Thunder and lightning are uncommon right here, they usually don’t sometimes come out of nowhere. They are going to be half of a bigger system that’s typically predicted upfront. 

Flooding

With heavy rains comes the danger of flooding, which ought to undoubtedly be one thing you need to keep conscious of in Hawaii. 

Landslides may cause roads to shut or mountaineering trails to develop into impassable. At all times heed warnings and keep conscious of any altering climate situations, whether or not there are storms in Hawaii or just spotty rainfall. 

One of many best risks you’ll face throughout your Hawaii trip could possibly be flash flooding. In case you are mountaineering close to streams or rivers, or swimming in waterfalls, you have to pay attention to the danger of flash flooding. Any uphill rain will carry the danger of flash floods – they usually really do happen in a flash. 

The place you might be swimming or mountaineering could possibly be brilliant and sunny, however the rain and water from upslope might shortly flip a soothing day into peril. 

Don’t swim if there are darkish clouds above the mountains or if there’s been current rainfall. Take heed to the circulate of water, even when it appears calm and peaceable. And don’t hike in restricted or keep-out areas. 

Sturdy Winds

Hawaii sees sturdy winds for numerous causes. The beloved tradewinds may even develop into hazardous, particularly if you happen to’re out on the ocean. Kona techniques can carry excessive winds, and we regularly see windy situations throughout near-miss hurricanes. 

It’s best to keep conscious of winds in case you have any ocean actions deliberate, whether or not that’s snorkeling, swimming, or boating. Examine in with lifeguards earlier than coming into the water, and take a look at snorkeling within the morning for the calmest situations. 

Many residents worry windy situations as a result of they will trigger wildfires to unfold extremely quick. Drought situations and excessive winds are the right storm for wildfires in Hawaii, so be sure you keep tuned to native updates about street closures and evacuation warnings throughout breezy, dry days. 

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are lengthy, giant waves that happen when there was an earthquake or volcanic eruption below the ocean. These techniques have had big, lethal results on coastal areas, together with Hawaii. 

In 1946, 1960, and 1975, tsunamis devastated Hilo on Hawaii Island, and claimed quite a few lives. Hilo Bay’s distinctive geographical scenario makes it most prone to tsunamis, however the remainder of Hawaii stays ready for the same catastrophe as nicely. 

There are sometimes official warnings for tsunamis, although you also needs to perceive the warning indicators your self. If you happen to hear a loud rumble from the ocean, really feel an earthquake beneath you, or see a noticeable rise or fall within the ocean, you must head to increased floor. 

Earthquakes

Do you know that Hawaii experiences a number of earthquakes every day? These are nearly at all times localized to the lively volcanoes on Hawaii Island. Most go unnoticed, however residents and guests sometimes really feel the seismic exercise’s rumble. 

A few earthquakes have prompted damages and demise in Hawaii over the a long time. Landslides, property injury, and tsunamis are all dangers when a powerful earthquake happens. 

Tornados

Hawaii averages lower than one twister per yr, so this isn’t a storm that it’s a must to fear an excessive amount of about throughout your trip. All of the tornados that have occurred in Hawaii since 1950 have been both F0 or F1 storms, and there have been no deaths from them. 

Nevertheless, tornados hitting Wahiawa, Oahu, and Kona, Hawaii Island, prompted about $2.5 million in damages in 1971. 

Keep conscious of twister warnings if you happen to’re within the midst of storms in Hawaii.

Blizzards

Sure, it snows in Hawaii, and typically there are even blizzards! The mountain summits on Hawaii Island see snowfall practically yearly, with a blizzard warning each few years. Very sometimes, Maui’s Haleakala may even get a little bit little bit of snow. 

However the snow is just on the highest factors of those summits – nowhere close to the seashores and mountaineering trails the place you’ll spend your trip. 

Entry to mountain peaks will shut when there’s snow on the street, excessive winds, or low visibility. So, snowy situations throughout your holidays might hold you from stargazing from atop Mauna Kea. 

Getting ready for Hawaii Storms

Hawaii residents sometimes hold a stockpile of products prepared in case of an emergency. Storms and wind can knock out energy, make roads impassable, make water undrinkable, or just make folks need to keep house. 

As a customer, you’ll need to be sure you know your lodge’s emergency plan and don’t stray out of cellular phone reception or away out of your group if there’s a danger of Hawaii storms. Perceive that evacuations could also be vital, flights might get delayed or canceled, and actions received’t go on as deliberate. 

Fortunately, the specter of storms is uncommon in Hawaii, but it surely’s at all times good to bear in mind and ready. 

Planning Your Trip Round Hawaii’s Climate

Now that you realize all about Hawaii storms, you’re able to plan a trip that’s secure and gratifying! Listed below are a couple of key issues to learn about climate and trip planning:

• Don’t attempt to plan your trip round climate patterns. Storms are uncommon in Hawaii and might’t be predicted far upfront.
• Concentrate on the climate dangers in Hawaii, however perceive that they aren’t a looming menace over the islands. 
• If rain or storms have an effect on your trip plans, keep versatile and constructive. A wet day throughout your Hawaii trip is probably going higher than a sunny day again at your workplace. 

Need extra assist planning your Hawaii trip? Hawaii Aloha Journey is able to assist. We are able to present all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages, ala carte actions, and a variety of journey choices for each form of customer. We are able to’t wait to see you within the islands!