The Hawaii Traveler

10 Climates, One Island

by Jody Reale on May 17th, 2008

If you’ve ever heard a tour guide or Big Island local proclaim that Hawai’i exhibits 10 of the 13 climate zones, now you can explain why.

Climate basics:

Most scientists and other professionals concerned with climate studies use the Koppen Climate Classification system, a method of listing and describing the earth’s five major climate zones. These zones are defined by temperature and precipitation.  Koppen’s five major climate zones are: 1.Arid and Semi-Arid, 2. Tropical Rainy, 3. Warm Temperate Rainy, 4. Cool Snow Forest, and 5. Polar.

Hawaii has all of these zones except the Cool Snow Forest climate.

Then, within each major zone are sub-zones; studies that define Hawaii’s climates recognize 10 of the Koppen sub-zones in the islands, and further, all of these are found on The Big Island. That explains why you can do so much in one Big Island vacation.

Diversity of climate and culture are two of the most appealing qualities Hawai’i has to offer.  How will you discover them.  Write in and tell me!

Share This

Related Stories

Snakes on a Plane, and Answers Revealed
Mystery Island
When Flip-flopping is Not an Accusation
Vog-Tied
This is Only a Test

POSTED IN: Environment, Fun facts, History & Information, Miscellaneous, Trivia, WTD? (What's the deal?)