Exploring Hawaii’s Ecological Diversity: A Journey Through Different Climate Zones

Hawaii is one of the most ecologically varied places in the world. Here, you can find a range of climate zones, including dry, tropical, humid, and even polar, all within a quick car ride from one another; an astonishing phenomenon for an island that covers a mere 4,028 square miles.

As Hawaii’s premier personal injury law firm, we are honored to live here and serve the people who live here on the islands, as well as those who visit. If you’re planning to visit or are already here, consider doing some exploring to learn more about the various climate zones that can all be found right here on the Big Island.

The Four Main Climate Zones on the Big Island

The total number of climate zones that exist in Hawaii actually depends on the classification system being used. There are a few different systems, but the one most widely used among climatologists is the Köppen climate classification scheme. It postulates that the world comprises five major climate zones, each of which is divided into 13 sub-zones, which can then be split into even smaller groups.

That so many of the world’s climates can all exist on an archipelago as small and remote as Hawaii is fascinating and may be hard to believe for those who don’t live here, but it is indeed true.

The discovery that the island of Hawaii is home to numerous climate zones was first published in 1978 in a report marking the 20th anniversary of the Mauna Loa Observatory. In a study titled Climate and Water Balance on the Big Island, three geology professors from the University of Hawaii at Hilo mapped what they determined to be a curiously wide range of diverse climates on the island that were comparable to those found on much more expansive landmasses. Out of Köppen’s initial five major climate groups, which he categorized as A, B, C, D, and E, and the professors determined that the island contained four.

Which Four of the Main Climate Zones Can Be Found in Hawaii?

Humid Tropical

In a humid tropical climate, every month has an average temperature above 64° F and a yearly precipitation level that exceeds 59.1 inches. This climate type contains three sub-zones that are identified by the seasonal distribution of rainfall:

• Continuously wet: No dry season, and rainfall measuring at least 2.4 inches in the driest month.
• Monsoon: The dry season is very short, but the air contains enough moisture to keep the ground wet all year long.
• Dry: The dry season consists of one month with precipitation measuring less than 2.4 inches. The zone is further divided into winter-dry and summer-dry subsections.

The areas of Hawaii that are considered to be in a humid tropical climate zone are as follows:

• Waipi‘o Valley: The biggest valley in Hawaii
• Kalapana and Puna Coastline: A rugged coastline accessible by Red Cinder Road.
• Hāmākua Coast: Old and New Māmalahoa Highways traverse these green landscapes.
• Kahuku Unit: Acreage recently acquired by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Akaka Falls: A rainforest waterfall measuring 422 feet tall.
• Hilo: The largest city in Hawaii’s humid tropical zone and home to Waiānuenue Falls.
• Kealakekua Bay: A popular destination for those wishing to snorkel or visit the Captain Cook monument.
• Holualoa Coffee Belt: The only place where Kona coffee is grown.
• Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: For those who broke the kapu (sacred laws), this was a place of refuge. No harm would come to those who reached Pu’uhonua’s boundaries.
• Milolii: This last true fishing village is situated on the coast where the lava flow from the 1926 eruption of Mauna Loa entered the sea.
• Paauilo: Stop for sushi bento rolls at Earl’s Paauilo Store while you enjoy a drive through eucalyptus forests.

Similar climates around the world include:

• Kisumu, Kenya
• Antalaha, Madagascar
• Changuinola, Panama
• Limon, Costa Rica
• Puyo, Ecuador
• Salvador, Brazil
• Mumbai, India
• Caracas, Venezuela
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Cairns, Queensland, Australia
• Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
• Miami, FL

Dry (Semi-Arid and Arid) Climate

For a climate to be classified as dry, its annual precipitation cannot exceed its annual evaporation. The two subclasses of a dry climate pertain to the two dominant types of vegetation: desert and steppe.

• Steppe (Dry semi-arid): Steppe is a grassland environment that makes up 14% of Earth’s land surface. It gets more rainfall than a desert climate.
• Desert (Dry arid): Dry arid conditions are true desert conditions where the rate of evaporation is at least two times greater than its rate of precipitation. This climate makes up 12% of Earth’s land surface.

Areas in Hawaii that are considered to be a dry, semi-arid or arid environment include:

• Kailua-Kona Village: Visit Hulihe‘e Palace and enjoy a stroll along the sea wall or pier.
• Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: A well-preserved early settlement and wildlife refuge.
• Kekaha Kai State Park and Bays: A coastal walking trail that connects three gorgeous white sand beaches.
• Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site: The preserved ruins of the last ancient temple, as well as other historic sites.
• Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve: An archeological preserve spanning hundreds of acres hosting more than 3,000 ancient rock carvings.
• Hapuna Beach Park: The most visited white sand beach in Hawaii.
• Kaunoa Beach: The family beach famed for its snorkeling and sunbathing.

Similar climates around the world include: 

• Mazatlan, Mexico
• Laredo, Texas
• Tucson, AZ
• Rundu, Namibia
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Cairo, Egypt

Temperate Climate

Temperate climates exist when the average temperature of the warmest month is above 50° F and the average temperature of the coldest month is between 27° F and 64° F. The main subgroups of a temperate climate include:

• Summer dry: The wettest winter month will have at least three times as much rain as the driest summer month, which will have less than 1.2 inches of rainfall.
• Winter dry: At least 10 times more rainfall during the wettest summer month than the driest winter month. This subgroup is not found in Hawaii.

On the Big Island, you can find temperate climate zones in the following places:

• Waimea: Famous for its cowboy culture, visitors can participate in activities such as horseback riding and rodeos.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The main attractions are two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Crater Rim Drive will take you past natural steam vents and the Jaggar Museum, which boasts several volcanology exhibits and a vantage point that overlooks the Halema’uma’u Crater.
• Kalopa State Recreation Area: Features cabin rentals and high-elevation campsites as well as an impressive hike highlighting endangered flora and native forests.
• Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge: Ideal for endemic bird watchers. Permission is required to access certain areas.
• Mauna Kea State Recreation Area: Camping area located in the natural saddle formed between the towering forms of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
• Kohala Mountain Road: A scenic drive connecting Hāwī towns and Waimea by way of Kohala mountain.
• Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station: A patio situated on a 9,200-foot elevation that features stargazing telescopes at night and solar telescopes during the day.
• Mauna Kea Silversword Garden: A limited but breathtaking collection of rare island flora, next to the Mauna Kea visitor information station.

Similar climates around the world include:

• London, United Kingdom
• Paris, France
• Auckland, New Zealand
• Seattle, WA
• San Francisco, CA
• Bohemia Mountain, Cascades
• Cape Town, South Africa

Polar Climate

The primary distinguishing feature of a polar climate is an average temperature of less than 50° F throughout the year. Polar climates are split divided into the sub-climates of:

• Polar tundra: The average temperature ranges from 32° F to 50° F during the warmest month. Soil to a depth of hundreds of meters is permanently frozen.
• Polar ice caps: All land surface is perpetually covered by ice and snow. The average monthly temperature is 32° F or less all year long. This subgroup is not found in Hawaii.

Though it may come as a surprise, there is a polar climate zone on the island of Hawaii. Here are some landmarks within the zone:

• Mauna Kea Summit Observatories: The summit of Mauna Kea is home to the largest astronomical observatory in the world, with telescopes operated by astronomers from eleven different countries.
• Mauna Loa Observatory and Trail: The trailhead for a strenuous hike to Mokuaweoweo Crater at the summit.
• Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve: Cinder cones carved by glaciers from Mauna Kea.
• Lake Waiau: One of the highest lakes in the United States, it sits at 13,020 feet above sea level.

Similar climates around the world include: 

• Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
• Mount Washington, NH
• Mount Fuji, Japan

Which Climate Zone is Not on the Big Island?

Continental (Cold) Climate

A continental cold climate is the only climate zone not found on the Island of Hawaii. This type of climate has cold winters and cool to warm summers. Throughout the year, the average temperature range is above 50° F during the warmest month and less than 27° F during the coldest. The main subdivisions are:

• Winter dry: The wettest summer month will see roughly 10 times the amount of precipitation as the driest winter month.
• Summer dry: The wettest winter month will see about three times the amount of rain as the driest summer month.
• Continuously wet: The driest month will see at least 1.2 inches of rainfall. The difference between the driest and wettest months is less than in any other climate zone.

While there is a diverse range of climate zones on the Big Island, that is only one aspect of the ecological diversity you will find on the Hawaiian Islands. Our state also boasts over 25,000 different species of birds, insects, mammals, and plants, making it one of the most ecologically diverse places on Planet Earth.

We hope you’ll never need to call us, but if you do, we’ll be here. If you or a member of your family were seriously injured while in Hawaii, whether by a car wreck, a slip and fall, or something else, you should consult with a reputable Hawaii personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Call the Hawaii personal injury law firm of Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation.