Written by Stephanie Namahoe Launiu
Many visitors are surprised to find that Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park’s weather isn’t as warm and sunny as the rest of the Big Island on any given day. The National Park is huge and diverse, covering almost 523 square miles. It not only has two active volcanoes – Mauna Loa and Kilauea – but the volcanoes are 25 miles apart and still within the Park.
Six of the earth’s climate zones are found within the Park along with steaming volcanic vents, giant craters and fields of petrified lava. The climate zones range from dense tropical rain forests to the dry and barren Ka‘ū Desert.
The drive from either the Kona or Hilo sides of the island are such a gradual climb that by the time you get to the National Park, you’re at the 4,000 foot elevation without realizing it. The temperatures can be chilly at any time of the year. Rain is common. Mists and fog can roll in from time to time.
Weather in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Variable and Changeable
Within the Park, temperatures differ by elevation. At the summit of Kilauea where the Halema‘uma‘u Crater is, the temperature can be from 12-15 degrees cooler than sea level. If you drive down to the ocean on the Chain of Craters Road, you’ll feel the temperature rising and may even need to turn on your car’s air conditioner. You arrive at the bottom of the road on a coastal plain that is usually hot, dry and windy.
No two visits to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are the same. You can experience different weather conditions on the same day at different locations inside the Park. You can hike through misty rainforests in the morning hours with a light jacket. At midday, you can hike and explore the parched deserts of the Ka’ū Desert Trail after putting on sunscreen and a hat to block the sun. Then, catch a gorgeous sunset over Kīlauea crater in the evening with a warm blanket around you.
At the 14,000 foot summit of Mauna Loa, temperatures are unpredictable but during the coldest months there is often a surprise sprinkling of snow.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s weather can have a high of 75 degrees on a sunny day that can drop within hours to the mid-60’s and even into the 50’s at night. Because of the wind and rain you can encounter at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the temperature often seems colder than it actually may be.
The National Park receives an average of 10-13 inches of rain monthly during the winter, and 4-6 inches on average during the summer months. The best advice is to come prepared for chilly weather and rain, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when the sun follows you around all day.
Before you head out to the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, check the daily weather forecast.
How to Prepare for the Weather at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
No matter what time of year you visit, this is my best advice for what to pack so that you’ll be comfortable when exploring the National Park.
- Wear layered clothing: Mornings and evenings can be chilly at higher elevations in the Park. Wear light, breathable clothing so you can soak in the sun, but bring a jacket or sweater for the cooler afternoons and evenings. Wear long pants, but if you’re visiting during the summer months, have a pair of walking shorts in the car so you can change if it turns out to be a hot day.
- Bring along rain gear: A light waterproof jacket is your best bet for hikes or outdoor activities. Wear closed-toe shoes. If you plan to hike, wear hiking shoes and not tennis or running shoes. The trails get muddy when it rains. If you visit during a period when the volcano is erupting, you may want to be in the Park during the evening to watch the glow of flowing lava. Keep a rain poncho in the car or a light blanket to wrap yourself in. It’s also a good idea to have an umbrella handy, and it can be used for rain or noonday sun.
- Protection from the sun: Sunscreen is a must, even if it’s an overcast day. Hawai‘i is very near the equator and the sun’s rays can be intense. Be sure to slather on the sunscreen on children and babies too. Everyone should wear a hat. A safari hat or one with a wide brim is best.
Is There a Best Time of Year to Visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?
Big Island weather is generally mild year-round. Temperatures near Volcano are typically between 50°F at night and 75°F during the day. Hawai‘i doesn’t experience the seasonal variations that are seen in other parts of the U.S. or the world. The weather variations in Hawai‘i usually have to do with how much rain is normal.
A slight temperature dip may hardly be noticeable to visitors that come from colder climates. Whether you’re visiting during the summer months or you’re escaping winter in your part of the world, Hawai‘i’s weather conditions can be considered moderate on most days.
There’s really not a “bad” time to visit the Big Island but depending on what you might consider your ideal weather conditions, this is what our island weather looks like throughout the year.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Weather by Season
January to March: It can rain at any time, but January and February rain less than the few months preceding them. This is a short reprieve, since March can be a rainy month.
April to June: April is usually another rainy month, making the trails slippery for hikers. May is considered one of the best months to visit. This is because it falls in between the rainy months and the humid summer months.
July to September: This is the summer stretch when the days are warm and humid with cloudless skies. It’s a wonderful time to explore the Park’s rugged terrain. It’s also the busiest time of the year for visitors. On trails and at viewpoints, you’ll encounter more tourists. During September, rainfall begins to get heavier.
October to December: These months bring more rain and cooler temps, but it is the start of Makahiki Season. Ancient Hawaiians looked forward to this time of year as a time of peace and plenty. There are events held in the Park to celebrate Makahiki, which can be enjoyable with smaller crowds of visitors. November is usually the peak month for rain.
Hawaii Island Rainfall
The average monthly rainfall during the wet season at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about 5 inches. But if the island experiences an El Niño event, the rainfall drops by about 2 inches a month. El Niño is a climate pattern where unusually warm water builds up in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This leads to drier-than-average conditions in Hawai‘i during the typical winter wet season.
The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a unique visitor destination. Once you are in the islands, you will discover that humans have absolutely no control over the weather. The only control we have is how prepared we are for whatever we encounter. Come prepared and you will be able to enjoy your visit “rain or shine”.
