Why is Maui so dry?

The reason for the wild weather swings is due to a few factors: Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. These mountains keep rain locked on one side of the mountain. For example, the east side of the West Maui Mountains will receive 400 inches of rain a year.

Why does Maui look so dry?

They are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and can experience variable weather patterns. The image above shows the annual precipitation on Maui. The Leeward sides which are the red and yellow colors receive little to no rain.

Why is Maui in a drought?

“A significant lack of rainfall across the island has resulted in a lack of groundwater recharge and surface flow,” said State Commission of Water Resource Management Deputy Kaleo Manuel in a press release.

Is Maui A Dry island?

Leeward side includes South Maui (Kihei, Wailea and Makena) and West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua). These areas are typically drier, with higher daytime temperature (up to 92 °F (33 °C)), and the least amount of rainfall.

What is the dry side of Maui?

Rainfall on Maui

There is a wet and a dry side to the Island. The south side of Maui, including the areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena, is typically warm and dry, receiving less then 10 inches of rain per year. The west side, including Lahaina, Ka'anapali and Kapalua, receives more rain—nearly triple the amount.

WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT MAUI...?

Is Maui a muggy?

The climate in Maui is warm, muggy, windy, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 65°F to 88°F and is rarely below 58°F or above 90°F.

Does it rain every day in Maui?

Parts of Maui get rain every day, or nearly every day. The Hana side is the wettest side of the island and rain is expected over there. Maui is made up of hundreds of micro-climates and if it's raining in one area, generally speaking one can find sunshine on another part of the island.

Is Maui always humid?

Humidity on Maui depends on where you are on the island, but the tourist-heavy areas such as Kihei and Lahaina will be more humid during the summer. Thankfully, the famous trade winds blow frequently during this time to help cool down the island.

Where does Maui get fresh water?

For Central Maui (Kahului, Wailuku, Waihee, Maalaea, Kihei, and Paia) your water is groundwater from the Iao Aquifer under the West Maui Mountains. That water is naturally filtered by lava rocks, disinfected, and sent to your home. A small amount of filtered surface water is added to the Central System at the Iao WTF.

Is Oahu or Maui better?

Maui vs Oahu: Oahu is right for you if you want more of a cosmopolitan vacation, enjoy the nightlife, are excited about historical and cultural activities, or want to travel on a budget. Maui is right for you if you're looking for a romantic island, great snorkeling, a relaxing vacation, or more outdoor activities.

Is Maui in a drought 2021?

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows that Maui County and Hawaiʻi island are now covered in moderate drought conditions. Moderate drought includes some damage to crops and pastures; low streams, reservoirs or wells; and possible voluntary water-use restriction requests.

Why is Hawaii having a water shortage?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, and overtourism, the region experienced a water shortage crisis in July 2021. Although the islands enjoy generally wet and rainy weather conditions, climate change is having a negative impact on how often rainfall occurs, triggering rare drought conditions.

Is Maui in a drought right now?

The northwestern tips of Kaua'i and Maui are currently in severe drought. The only exceptions are a small slice in the center of Hawai'i Island, described as abnormally dry, and the east side of Hawai'i island, as the only place in the state, not currently experiencing drought conditions.

Which side of Maui has the best weather?

Still with all that said, where should you stay on Maui for maximum sunshine? Your best bets would be from the towns and areas of Kihei, Kamaole, Wailea,and Makena as these areas tend to get about 15 inches per year. Your next best options would be in Lahaina and Kaanapali which gets approximately 17 inches per year.

What month is the best weather in Maui?

The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

What is the most beautiful beach on Maui?

Hamoa Beach

Though it's a mere pocket of sand at the Hana end of Maui—no longer than 1,000 feet—Hamoa is undoubtedly one of Maui's most beautiful beaches. It's backed by a thick forest of Hala trees, its shore is wide and golden, and its waters a brilliant shade of aquamarine.

How does Maui get its electricity?

Most of the rest of Maui's electricity is produced by burning oil, where you can see the group of smokestacks in the south part of the central valley in Maʻalaea. (A small amount of Maui's electricity comes from burning coal in Puʻunene.) Hawaii's goal is to get 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Is the water safe to drink in Maui?

Yes, the tap water on Maui is completely safe to drink. It meets all of the federal and state standards for safe drinking water levels, as instructed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Hawaiian State Department of Health.

Is Hawaii in a drought?

Big Island has eased to moderate drought, or the D1 category. areas.

When should you not go to Maui?

Weather Conditions

Our mild tropical climate makes Maui a year-round destination. For the most part, the days are warm and sunny with temperatures averaging in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit) throughout the year. So weather-wise, there is no “bad” time of year to visit Maui.

Why is it so windy in Maui?

Maui is always subject to trade winds because of its location. Maui is located between the equator and 30 degrees north. Trade winds are formed due to the Earth's rotation. This rotation causes the air from the northern hemisphere to slant towards the equator in a southwesterly direction.

What is the rainiest part of Maui?

Windward Haleakala

This area is the wettest because of Haleakala's tall slopes. Trade winds are responsible for blowing in moist air from the ocean, which Haleakala deflects up its slopes. Once the saturated air cools with altitude, it rains. This is the same for the windward side of the West Maui Mountains.

Can you swim in Maui in January?

Maui—A Winter Wonderland

While Florida's ocean temperatures drop as much as 25 degrees from August to January, Maui stays within 5 degrees of its highs year-round! That means that during the holidays, Maui visitors swim in ocean waters that average a comfortable 75 degrees.

Is Hawaii always humid?

Hawaii has some humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is August (61% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (66.4%). Wind in Hawaii is usually moderate.