Weather and Climate

Despite the warm and sunny reputation of Hawaiʻi, at the 4,000-foot elevation on Kīlauea rain and fog are frequent. Chilly temperatures can occur any time of the year. Mists may obscure views at any time.

Temperature varies by elevation. At the Kīlauea summit, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy. At the nearly 14,000-foot summit of Mauna Loa, winter temperatures and snow are a possibility during any season.

 

Left image
Credit: NPS Photo/J. Wei

Right image
Credit: NPS Photo/B. Hayes

Dramatic changes in visibility can occur in a matter of hours (or less!)

 

Weather Forecast For the Kīlauea Summit Area

Weather Forecast For the Puna Coast

Weather Forecast For Mauna Loa Summit

For more information on weather:
Park Air Quality (external site)
NOAA's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (external site)
Star Charts from the Bishop Museum (external site)

 

Kīlauea Visitor Center Parking Lot During Extremely Heavy Rain

NPS Photo/Andrea Kaawaloa