The Hawaiian Islands are a natural wonder. Thousands of miles from the nearest landmass, they are not tiny palm fringed coral atolls but the peaks of the worlds tallest mountains left undisturbed for millions of years, during which time nature shaped and formed them into islands of stunning natural beauty.
They enjoy, year-round, the finest climate in the world. Knowing no monsoon season, rain showers are usually light and infrequent, though heavy rainfall or tropical storms can occur from time to time. There are only moderate changes in the year round temperature. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 F (29.4 C) whilst the average daytime winter temperature at sea level is 78 F (25.6 C).
You can swim in the beautiful ocean every day of the year, the water temperature stays between 75F – 82F (24-28 C). You will not be alone, as there are 800 varieties of Pacific sea creatures, including Dolphins, Rays and the Humpback Whale, which returns to the warm island waters during the winter months of November through April. Always respect the power of the ocean, follow the safety rules and do take local advice.
Cooler, wetter weather prevails in the higher tropical rainforest mountain elevations. The mountains, Green Valleys & Cascading Waterfalls which rise to 14,000 ft, play a key part in the islands weather pattern, as do the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the trade winds. They combine to produce numerous micro-climates. The Big Island of Hawaii, an area of 4,000 square miles, has 16 different micro-climates, including the coastal resort areas, which are lush, green, dry and sunny all year round. The mountain rainfall nurtures the verdant green valleys with their cascading waterfalls and the tropical rain-forests, you will also find ranches with rich grasslands and even winter snow at 14,000 ft surrounding the observatories on mount Mauna Kea.
Most of the beach resort areas are on the southern and southwestern coastlines. Here you will find the, tropical sunshine, warm ocean waters, miles of unspoilt beaches, coral reefs, breathtaking natural beauty and year round flowering trees and shrubs. There are over 20,000 varieties of Orchids and 2,200 plants unique to Hawaii. Rain is an infrequent occurrence in these coastal regions. When it does rain it tends to be in the form of a brief downpour lasting only a short while.
There is no monsoon season, but as with other tropical areas, stormy weather conditions that culminate in hurricanes do sometimes occur. However in the Hawaiian Islands these are rare, occurring every 25 years or so, with the last being in 1992. The fresh and pure trade winds temper the climate and give a warm gentle breeze, this can mask the power of the suns rays, so be careful, use a good sun block and remember your sunglasses.
