“Autumn” in Hawaii

I know it might seem strange to refer to “Autumn” in Hawaii (unless you live Upcountry)… people often say that there are only two seasons: Dry and Wet (especially here on Kauai’s north shore). I have to admit, I think it took me about 10 years before I began to really pick up the subtle distinctions of “Autumn” in Hawaii…

During the month of September in Hawaii, the days shorten by almost 1/2 hour, and the sun makes its journey further south with every sunset. The angle of the light changes dramatically… when the sun is more in the southern sky, and not so directly overhead, everything seems softer, and cooler.

The first few northwest swells have arrived, and combined with fresh water from recent rain, Kauai is surrounded by green water that goes about 5 miles offshore. I know its football season when there’s overhead surf on a Sunday but only a few people are out.

The Plumerias in our yard have started to lose their leaves. The flowers of the Albezia trees in the Kalihiwai Valley are turning brown and falling (it seems like they just bloomed). It’s cooler at night, and the cooler air lets the clouds lift off the mountains, so we wake up to these incredible views of clear skies, and we can see all of the mountain tops. Later in the day, the island heats up and the clouds come back in.

It’s definitely “Autumn” in Hawaii.  Post your pics if you got ’em.  Aloha for now, Matt