Hawaii Weather: Trade Winds, Rainbows & Island Sunshine
Is it going to pour, vog, or maybe something worse? The summers are baked by the sun and cooled by the trade winds, while winters bring warm rains and rainbow overload. Here's what else is going on around Hawaii that will impact your time outside.
Matt, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Matt was born and raised on Oahu and currently makes the North Shore playground his home. He has lived in four states, half a dozen countries, and more houses across Oahu than he can remember. Each move requires relocating something like 40 surf, foil, and paddle boards and the sobering realization that they all have to fit somewhere. He is an adventure journalist, backcountry snowboarder, rock climber, mountain biker, and relentless swell tracker who loves scouting out obscure waves in far-flung corners of the world. Favorite constants include swell checks, tide charts, and vegan sushi at Tane. At Snappy Scout, Matt edits Hawaii guides with saltwater honesty and local precision.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What's the Weather Really Like in Hawaii?
The forecast, the fashion, and the fine print locals wish someone had told them sooner.
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Hawaii
If The Eddie runs between December and February, the entire island shows up to watch Hawaii's biggest event in its biggest waves. Kam Highway shuts down between Foodland and Chuns, with 50,000+ people crowding the sand, pavement, and every square inch around Waimea Bay. Drive out the night before, post up, and enjoy the circus.
— Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert
Ready to See If Hawaii Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Hawaii guide for the bigger picture.