101 Kinds Of Paradise: The Many Climates Of Hawaii
With a diverse, breathtaking, climate, Hawaii enjoys nearly perfect weather throughout the year. Most of the year, the coasts have relaxing daily temperatures between the mid-70s and mid-80s. Of all the states in America, Hawaii is the only one with no sub-zero temperature in recorded history.
Since Hawaii has only 2 seasons—Summer (May through October) and Winter (November through April), you will experience more heat and humidity variation from elevations and windward-leeward coasts, than you will due to the seasons. If you’re curious what the weather is like right now, check out the 10 Day Weather Forecast Hawaii.
Hawaii’s Beneficial Geography
The inhabited Hawaiian Islands are only twelve- to sixteen-hundred miles north of the equator and are between 19 and 23 degrees north latitude. Since Hawaii is so near to the equator, the sun is high in the sky all year round, which heats the Hawaiian Islands and the ocean around them..
The warm ocean temperatures help to keep Hawaii’s atmosphere at ease. Yet 2 other factors add to Hawaii’s reputation as a tropical paradise with diverse microclimates: Hawaii’s trade winds, and Hawaii’s several volcanic mountains.
Hawaiian Volcanoes
Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions from the Pacific Ocean floor formed the mountains of Hawaii. The resulting diverse ranges of height are a major source of the diversity of weather on the Hawaiian Islands.
When moist, warm air meets mountain slopes along breezy coasts, the air is forced to ascend, expand and chill (this is known as orographic lift). This forms heavy clouds and causes precipitation along the windy slopes. When this air reaches the leeward slopes, it moves down, condenses, and warms, making leeward coasts generally sunnier, warmer and drier.
Hawaii Trade Winds
Trade winds coming from northeast of Hawaii average 12 mph. These winds occur around ninety percent of the time in the summer and around 50 percent of the time in the winter. They keep humidity at a low level and ensure comfortable temperatures, especially on the northeastern coast of Hawaii.
These cooling winds are created since warm air rises near the equator, flows northward through the upper atmosphere, then cools. Becoming heavier as it cools, it plunges back to the earth’s surface at about 30 degrees latitude, where it flows toward the equator to replace more rising, warm air. This creates cool northeasterly breezes moving along the ocean’s surface, and over the Hawaiian Islands.
Climate and Weather of Oahu
Oahu, like the other Hawaiian Islands’ tropical climate, is subject to variations of elevation and geographic location more than the seasons. Its rain-bearing trade winds are blocked by Oahu’s two parallel mountain ranges – Ko‘olau (reaching 3,105 feet), and Wai‘anae (reaching 4,020 feet).
Thus Honolulu, Waikiki, and Ko Olina on the southern and western sides of the island are dry and warm. Conversely, Kailua and Aeia on the windward side, and The North Shore, near Haleiwa (a popular surf town), are cooler and wetter.
The winter season usually brings very rough conditions to the north shore’s world-famous surfing beaches, ideal for big wave competitions, but hazardous for novice surfers and swimmers. Check out the current Oahu 2 week Weather Forecast.
Climate and Weather of Maui
With 2 volcanic mountains separated by a central valley, Maui offers a very diverse climate despite its size. You’ll come across everything from a lunar-like desert on top of Mt. Haleakala, 10,320 feet high, to flourishing tropical wildlife toward the Hana coast. Wild ginger, bamboo, eucalyptus and pines are just a few examples of Maui’s beautiful plant life. In 1982, Pu‘u Kukui, the summit of the West Maui Mountains, had 739 inches of rainfall, which is the U.S. rainfall record. Have a look at some of the variations in Maui’s climate ccoming up: Hawaii Weather Forecast Maui.
Paia and Haiku, located near Maui’s north shore, are world-class kite boarding and windsurfing destinations, and they have delightful trade winds and beach access. Many great resort areas, such as Makena, Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua, experience the island’s year-round sunshine, dry weather and fantastic beaches as they are along the southwest shore.
Climate and Weather of Big Island
On the Big Island, there are 5 shield volcanoes, contributing to the most diverse climate in Hawaii. The Big Island also contains ten of ten of the world’s 15 climate zones. Hilo, on the windward side, is the wettest city in the U.S., averaging more than 130 inches of rain per year.
The leeward coast is usually sunny and warm, averaging as little as 5 inches yearly. Kailua, Kona, and Kohala include resort areas on these dry coasts. .
Climate and Weather of Kauai
The small, circular island of Kauai is formed by one eroded volcano, whose highest peak reaches 5,243 feet at Mount Wai‘ale‘ale near its center. With more than 460 inches of rain per year, this peak is thought of as the wettest place on the planet. Just 20 miles southwest of the extremely wet mountain is the Kekaha coastal area, which averages less than 20 inches of rain per year.
With their lush tropical surroundings on the north shore, Na Pali Coast, Princeville, and tranquil Hanalei provide incomparable opportunities for nature adventures. Poipu and Koloa on the drier, warmer south shore are the primary resort areas of Kauai.
Discover the right Hawaii vacation and getaway for some solitude
Planning the ideal vacation getaway is tough. However, in today’s hectic paced lifestyle everyone is competing with all of the demands and time commitments you face in your daily life. Occasionally it is nice to gain a new perspective on destination opportunities that you may not have considered before. A Hawaii vacation gives you an occasion to find something which you may not be able to find in your own backyard.
Whether you are seeking romance or relaxation on your vacation escape, you will love it more greatly if you take a little time to plan part of your excursion in advance. For the outdoor seeking vacationer, check out the weather forecasts of the region that you will be venturing into so that you can bring the appropriate equipment and attire to make your excursion healthy and enjoyable. There will be considerable changes in temperature between day and nights.
One of the ultimate state destination is Hawaii, where you will find too much to see and do. Here are a sampling of the attractions you may desire to experience:
Idea #1: Molokai Ranch History – Molokai Hawaii. The ranch encompasses about 53,000 acres on the island, which is roughly 1/3 of the entire island. The ranch was a true cattle ranch with real cowboys doing the work. Visit the ranch and see if you can imagine how life was before the ranch closed.
Idea #2: The U.S. Army Museum in Honolulu Offers up History Galore. The U.S. Army Museum is located on Honolulu in Hawaii and has a number of very interesting exhibits to offer visitors. You can learn about the ancient Hawaiians as well as how they prepared for war. The museum is not open on Mondays. U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii.
Of course there are a lot of other destinations that you may want to see on your Hawaii vacation. You may only be here for a brief length of time, but you can enjoy and capture much of the rich culture, heritage, and fun that we have to offer. You never will never be ignored – there is always something new to see and do.
Even in the current economic environment, Hawaii is cost effective vacation getaway. It is possible to take advantage of the many discount packages with the special deals that are available that allow you to get away from it all without breaking the bank. So enjoy a escape from the frantic pace that daily life brings and discover a vacation escape and discover a little of what this fantastic state has to offer!
Top 10 Beach Vacations
When you’re ready for a beach vacation, it can be tough to pick from among vacation or honeymoon destinations. There are so many great places you can go, whether its the Caribbean, or the beaches of Hawaii, or a spot closer to home.This top 10 list below, can help you choose where to go for your vacation.
1. Hawaii If you live on the mainland, you can choose to put your frequent flier miles to good use and take a beach vacation on the island of Hawaii.You can get a vacation deals package and you can relax on the beach. Its a great place to spend a honeymoon vacation. Hawaii has great weather.It is a wonderful choice for your beach vacation.
2. Cape Cod Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket are all surrounded by beautiful scenic beaches. There are beaches on the bay and the ocean sides of the island. Calmer beaches make them perfect destinations for families with children. There are lots of Cape Cod hotels to consider.
3. Wildwood Wildwood Crest is a small shore resort community located at the southern end of New Jersey.North Wildwood Crest has great beaches that are among the nicest in the United States.S. The towns offers plenty of hotel rooms for your accommodation. There is a boardwalk with amusement rides. it is just a short drive to the casinos of Atlantic City.
4. Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach is one of the top domestic tourist destinations in the continental United States. There are millions of visitors a year. It has 60 miles of warm, sandy beaches, and is popular destinations for millions. North Myrtle Beach will not disappoint you. North Myrtle Beach have great hotels.
5. Florida Keys The Florida Keys is the perfect tropical retreat with balmy weather and beautiful beaches. It is an archipelago with many tiny islands. The Florida Keys stretch 100 miles away from the mainland and Florida Keys hotels offer new experiences for both old and young alike. Florida Keys vacations start in Key West. The natural surroundings are very tropical feeling.
6. Cocoa Beach Cocoa Beach is an hour drive east of Orlando. It sits on the beautiful Space Coast. There is loads of recreation and leisure. If you are planning a family beach vacation, a weekend getaway, or just a day at the beach, you’ll find everything in Cocoa Beach. One of the more affordable vacation spots in all of Florida is in and around Cocoa Beach. Besides offering the best of a beach vacation, you can go shopping. You may also like to try a eco-tour to get up close with Florida’s wildlife.
7. Costa Rica This can be the ideal tropical paradise for your Costa Rica Honeymoon. You can enjoy watch whales and dolphins at play. The rainforest is a paradise for eco tourism. It has a huge variety of plants and animals. A fun vacation means you can surf, hike, go rafting, canopying, diving, deepwater fishing and snorkeling. You can find exclusive resorts for a costa rica vacation.
8. Bahamas The Bahamas is a caribbean vacation choice many take each year. Beach-goers will sunbathe on the sandy beaches. For those seeking waves you will want to head to beaches on the eastern side of the island closest to the Atlantic, while snorkelers may choose the calmer waters of beaches facing the Caribbean. There are many ways to enjoy the warm waters off the shores of this beautiful island, including surfing, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and swimming. The tough part would be choosing from the bahamas vacation packages available.
9. Punta Cana Punta Cana is on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. It has white sand, coconut trees and plenty of resorts. Tourists long ago discovered Punta Cana and Americans are now catching on. At this affordable tropical getaway, most guests choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts. You can find Punta Cana vacation packages may be just perfect for you.
10. Cozumel Cozumel has beautiful beaches and an exotic location. A vacation packages would be ideal for a honeymoon vacation. You can share breathtaking sunsets, moonlit walks on deserted beaches, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy romantic candlelight dinners. Famous worldwide for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Cozumel in Mexico is a spot with a Caribbean flair. Be sure to book your Cozumel vacations early to avoid disappointment.