By A.R. Royo

With a diverse, spectacular climate, Hawaii has almost perfect weather year round. Most of the year, the coasts have comfortable daily temperatures between the mid-70s and mid-80s. Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that has never recorded a sub-zero temperature.

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 Forecast of Today’s Weather in Hawaii.

The Amazing Geography of Hawaii
The inhabited Hawaiian Islands are only twelve- to sixteen-hundred miles north of the equator and are between 19 and 23 degrees north latitude. This fortuitous circumstance of geography means the sun is high in the sky all year round, providing temperatures that heat both the land and the nearby ocean. The temperature varies from only about 75 degrees to 83 degrees between Winter and Summer.

A warm ocean surrounding the Hawaiian Islands  keeps the atmosphere above relatively warm. There are other contributing factors to Hawaii’s delightful, tropical climate besides the ocean and its proximity to the equator: namely, the trade winds and Hawaii’s many volcanic mountains.

The Heights of Hawaii
Hawaiian mountains, formed millions of years ago, affect Hawaii’s weather and account for the variations in weather, both from island to island and on the same Island.

When moist, warm air meets mountain slopes along windy coasts, the air is forced to ascend, expand and cool (this is known as orographic lift). This forms heavy clouds and causes rainfall along the windward slopes. When this air reaches the leeward slopes, it descends, condenses, and warms, making leeward coasts generally sunnier, warmer and drier.

The Trade Winds of Hawaii
Trade winds coming from northeast of Hawaii average 12 mph. These winds occur around 90 percent of the time in the summer and around 50 percent of the time in the winter. They keep humidity at a minimum and ensure pleasant temperatures, especially on the northeastern coasts of the Hawiian Islands.

These cooling winds are created because warm air rises near the equator, flows northward through the upper atmosphere, then cools. Becoming denser as it cools, it descends back to the earth’s surface where it back 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.

Oahu Weather and Climate
Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Oahu’s tropical climate is affected more by the ranges of elevation and geographic location than it is by the seasons. Its rain-bearing trade winds are obstructed by Oahu’s 2 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.

Dangerous sea conditions are mostly brought by Winter to Oahu’s renowned surfing beaches along the north shore. The surf is well-suited to big-wave competitions, but risky for the inexperienced. Check out the current Oahu 10-Day Weather Forecast.

Maui Weather and Climate
On Maui, with its 2 volcanic mountains, and separated by the central valley, you’ll encounter everything from barren lunar-like desert atop 10,320-foot Mt. Haleakala, to lush tropical creepers and wild ginger east toward the Hana coast, to bamboo forests, eucalyptus and pines moving upcountry. Considering its lush forests, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Pu’u Kukui (the summit of the West Maui Mountains) holds the U.S. rainfall record at 739 inches in 1982. Have a look at the variations in the island’s climate: Hawaii Weather Forecast Maui.

Paia and Haiku, located near Maui’s north shore, are world-class kite boarding and windsurfing destinations, and they have excellent trade winds and beach access. Maui’s south and west shores provide almost year-round sunshine, dry weather and fantastic beaches along the resort areas of Makena, Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua.

Big Island Weather and Climate
On the Big Island, there are 5 shield volcanoes, creating the most diverse climate in Hawaii. The Big Island also contains ten of ten of the world’s fifteen climate zones. Hilo, on the windward side, is the wettest city in the U.S., averaging more than 130 inches of rain per year. Check out the current Big Island 10-Day Weather Forecast.

The leeward coast is usually sunny and warm, averaging as little as 5 inches each year. Kailua, Kona, and Kohala include resort areas on these dry coasts. Snow, not usually associated with the tropics, falls at Mauna Kea (Hawaii’s highest point at 13,796 feet) and Mauna Loa (location of the U.S.’s only active volcano), Kilauea, in some winter months.

Kauai Weather and Climate
Kauai is a small, circular island, formed by a single eroded volcano. It’s highest peak at Mount Wai’ale’ale reaches 5,243 feet near its center. With more than 460 inches of rain per year, this peak is regarded 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.

The spectacular Na Pali Coast, Princeville, and idyllic Hanalei, with their lush, tropical environs on the north shore provide unparalleled opportunities for nature adventure. The primary resort areas, Poipu and Koloa, are conveniently located on the warmer, drier south shore of Kauai. Take  a look at the variations in the island’s climate: Hawaii Weather Forecast Kauai

By Daniel Christener — Cycling Images by Eric Aeder

As most Maui visitors know, there is one Must -Do activity while vacationing on the Valley Isle called ‘Maui Haleakala Sunrise Downhill Bike Ride.’ More than 100,000 visitors enjoy this activity every year. And no wonder! This is the ultimate bike-ride: straight down Mount Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, 36 miles to the sea.

Maui Downhill Bike Riding
Participants arrive at Haleakala’s 10’000-foot summit before sunrise between 4:30 and 5:30am to witness an incredible Hawaiian sunrise above the clouds, braving temperatures barely above freezing, at least during January and February.

But well worth it — the waiting, the cold, the shivering — because the scenery and the view from here are truly spectacular… On clear days you can see most of the large Hawaiian Islands, including Mauna Kea, rising 14,000 feet above sea level on the Big Island to the South.

After this unique sunrise viewing adventure, it’s time to start your downhill bike ride, which includes occasional stops along the way, until you arrive at sea level in Paia for a brunch of Kona coffee and croissants. This is a once in a lifetime adventure you’ll never forget, which is why so many return again and again for this experience.

Maui Uphill Cycling
Then there are those very few enthusiasts who think it’s cool riding in the opposite direction, starting at sea level and pedaling uphill to the summit. These are serious cyclists, usually on road bikes wearing full cycling garb.

There are times when Maui Downhill Bikers pass the Uphill Cyclists, and when their eyes meet, there is a smile on the face of each, sometimes in disbelief, and sometimes because both think the others are nuts.
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Maui Cycle to the Sun Bike Race
In August each year, Cycle to the Sun, a 36-mile uphill ‘strapaza,’ starts at sea level in Paia and ends at the10’000 foot summit of Haleakala Crater. This ride up the steepest paved road on the planet is appropriate only for the fittest. Most riders train by riding this road numerous times beforehand.

The current record is an unbelievable time of less than 2 hours, 50 minutes. The average time for the ride is around 4 ½ hours. The 2009 event is scheduled for August 23rd, starting at 7am.

Ride Maui Again & Again
No matter what you preference, uphill or downhill riding , you can enjoy the unbelievable scenery, the fresh ocean breezes, and riding above clouds with an endless panorama across the tropical Pacific Ocean to where the sky and sea meet hundreds of miles away.

The peace and stillness up here can be exhilarating, and once in a while, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll hear a flock of large Nene (Hawaiian geese) flying above you honking their loud welcome.

So, no matter what your ‘thing’ is, do it and do it again! A Maui Downhill Bike Ride at Sunrise or an epic ‘Cycle to the Sun.’

Lets do it – See you up at Haleakala!

PS: Riding ‘uphill’ was part of my monthly training schedule when training for Ironman distance & competition. Living on Maui for more than 22 years, I still enjoy riding Haleakala up & down, even after being involved in a heavy accident a few years ago.

Info about: ‘Guided Maui Downhill Bike Ride’
Info about: ‘Self-Guided Maui Downhill Bike Ride’
Info about: ‘Maui Road Cycling Tours’
Info about: ‘Cycle to the Sun Bike Race’

Hawaii whale watching tours are some of the most popular activities for winter visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. Over a million people per year from all over the world take advantage of this unique attraction—the only place in the United States to enjoy the Humpback whales’ seasonal migration.

Each year in February, Maui’s Pacific Whale Foundation conducts a whale count from data collected on several of the islands. Both residents and visitors are encouraged to register for this event and participate in an effort to document the number of Humpback whales in the region. Pacific Whale Foundation also sponsors an annual Whale Festival in Kihei, Maui, complete with a parade and fair where music, food and exhibits by environmental organizations.

Humpback Whale Habits
No one is sure when Humpback whales (whose biological name is megaptera noveangliae are known as “kohola” in the native Hawaiian language) began to make this journey each year to spend winter months in the warm, hospitable Pacific waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. Some believe the mass migration of Humpback whales to Hawaiian waters did not begin until the twentieth century.

Humpbacks travel 3,000 to 5,000 miles from their northern Pacific Ocean feeding grounds to reach their tropical winter home. They begin arriving during November, with peak whale watching season extending from December through April, when the whales once again say goodbye to Hawaii and return to their summer homes to feed and grow in Alaskan waters.

Humpback whales do not eat during the time spent in Hawaiian seas, spending the entire winter resting, mating and giving birth to a new generation, ensuring their existence for generations to come. Female whales give birth only once every two to three years, so each calf born is a national treasure to be cherished by all.

Endangered Humpback Whales are Reviving
The Humpback whale has been on the international endangered species list since 1964, when mechanized commercial whaling had reduced the number of known Humpbacks to a mere 1,000 worldwide. Since attaining the endangered protection and benefiting from a ban on the commercial harvest of the Humpback species, recent counts of the whales in Hawaiian waters during the winter season have reached 8,000 to 10,000 — clear evidence that the endangered species is recovering from the brink of extinction with this special protection in place.

Whale Watching Cruises
Whale watching cruises have contributed to the awareness of and support for this special creature and its habitat. Modern whale watching tours and all recreational boats are required by law to remain at least 100 yards away from Humpback whales—further from mothers and calves; however, the whales sometimes follow their own rules and may come in closer to boats in their area for a closer look. It is not uncommon for the humpback to swim around and under non-threatening vessels in the area, which can provide a closer connection between curious humans and whales alike.
     

Whale Watching in Hawaii Tours
Hawaii whale watching cruises are available from many of the islands, including Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai. Vessels available for your choice range from larger vessels for a stable comfortable ride for all levels and special needs to rigid, inflatable hulled boats for a more rugged, close-to-the-water adventure. On-board naturalists present Humpback whale facts and local history to enhance the experience.
 
Consider mobility and accessibility and your personal needs when choosing your Hawaiian whale watching experience. Some cruises are also offered with package rates that include a luau or other island attractions at local resorts with pick up and return transporation. Consider the complete range of offers and your personal preferences when booking your Hawaii whale watching tour.

Hawaii whale watching, Oahu cruises set sail from the harbor at Honolulu and Waikiki and feature a variety of choices, including glass-bottomed boats for underwater observation of all ocean creatures, including the whale, if it chooses to pass beneath the vessel.

Hawaii whale watching, Big Island cruises depart from both the Kailua/Kona harbor and the Keahuhou Bay area. Most are conveniently located near popular resort areas.

Maui whale watching tours originate from Lahaina and Ma’alea harbors. Ironically, Lahaina was a major whaling center in the past, which now promotes the appreciation and preservation of the humpback whale with sightseeing and educational cruises featuring this gentle creature. More whales seem to choose the waters near Maui than any other, making a peak season whale watching cruise here a primary goal of any serious whale watcher.

Hawaii whale watching, Kauai cruises sail from Port Allen and Waimea, traveling along the rugged coastline of Na Pali National Park. The majestic and varied shoreline contrasts with the ocean base of this winter home and playground of the humpback whale.

What You’ll See on a Hawaii Whale Watching Cruise

• Whales are warm-blooded mammals, breathing air from the surface and giving live birth to their young. Whales breathe through dual blowholes on the top of their heads, so the water spout created when they exhale as they come to the surface is a common way of spotting the creatures in the open ocean—the origin of the “Thar she blows.” cry of the ancient whalers. Watch for this telltale sign.
• Adult whales are from 35 to 48 feet long and commonly weigh about one ton per foot of length—the female growing larger than the male on a diet of plankton, small fish and krill in the northern Pacific feeding ground.
• If you are lucky enough to see mother and calf, remember that the baby weighed close to 2 tons when born and drinks up to 100 lbs. of mother’s milk each day. Sightings of mothers and calves are highest mid-to late season.
• Male whales communicate with a unique “song,” and many whale watching cruises use underwater audio equipment to pick up and transmit these haunting and individual sounds, which are normally heard only under the surface of the waves. Some whale songs may last up to 20 minutes and carry up to 20 miles under the surface of the ocean.
• Humpback whales surface in a variety of ways, from a full breech jump out of the water to playful tail and fin slaps. No one is completely sure of the meaning of each action, but it is believed they are a combination of communication with other whales, a means of seeing what might be present above the water and an expression of playfulness and joy.
• If you see a tail slap (commonly called “lobtailing”), pay special attention to the markings on the tail. Each humpback whale can be identified from individual markings on the tail flukes (much like unique fingerprints identify humans) and is the main way for researchers to identify, name and track adult whales from year to year.

Hawaii Whale Watching Tips
If a Hawaii whale watching adventure is on your agenda, keep in mind a few simple tips for your whale watch trip day.

• Most Hawaii whale watching cruises are from 2 to 5 hours long, and many whale watching cruise operators promise a 99% success rate of whale sightings during season. You may see individual whales or a group, which is known as a “pod.” Whales normally do not stay in groups for long periods of time, except for mother and calf relationships which may extend for multiple years.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat, and bring sun block lotion. The sunlight off the water intensifies the affect of the sun’s rays and can cause a painful sunburn. The glare of the sunlight off the water is also strong, and you will have a much better whale watching experience if your eyes are shaded by a hat and glare is reduced with good polarized sunglass lenses.
• The weather can change quickly on the water, so it’s a good idea to have a light jacket along to ward off cool breezes and mist from wind on the water.
• Binoculars can be useful on a whale watching cruise to observe whales at a distance and observe individual whales more closely.

– By Brenda Mathews