Winter on the Big Island

What is Winter Like on the Big Island?

As winter hits the islands, it is the end of the heat and the humidity. You don’t have to endure a lot of the late summer heat, usually between June-August. You’ll find pleasant trade winds, and it’s the perfect temperature to enjoy an afternoon walk. You’ll find yourself wearing shorts and tank tops and still spending days at the beach.

When winter starts, you will notice that locals will be wearing light jackets and even sweaters at night. After living on the islands for a couple of years, your body will adjust to the overall temperature. You will notice a slight chill in the air and may even put on a sweater or a pair of jeans. Typically, that’s when the temperature is lower than 69 degrees.

Winter is my favorite time of year because it’s when you will see some of the best sunsets, and it is excellent weather for hiking. I don’t know if there anything quite as gorgeous as a sunset in Hawaii, especially during the winter season.

10 Climate Zones of the Island

With 4,028 miles in all, the Big Island holds some unique climate zones making Hawaii one of the most diverse spots globally. The diversity affects the weather and why it is even more important to put the zip code into your weather app. Each zip code can have its climate zone and weather pattern. Even places like Waimea have a dry side and a wet side all-in-one zip code. It is easy to experience different climate zones from traveling the island from East to West.

Average Temperatures

Typically, temperatures during the winter months highs range from 70-80 degrees. The typical lows range from 64-69 degrees. These temperatures are typical of the South Kohala area (Waikoloa Beach Resort, Waikoloa Village, Mauna Lani Resort, and Mauna Kea Resort Areas) on the west side of Big Island, which is considered the “semi-dessert” ecosystem.

If you visit other areas on the island, you will find the weather can change dramatically depending on its climate zone.

Fun Things to Do in Hawaii Winter

• Large surf or boogie board
• Visit the Astronomy Center in Hilo
• Visit 1 of the 14 state parks
• Farmers markets
• Drive 10-15 minutes from your location and look for a rainbow
• Hike (BigIslandHikes.com is my favorite hiking website)

If you are looking for a winter activity and having a hard time coming up with an adventure, please contact me. Or send me a DM on my Instagram.

With warmest aloha,

Leeana Runningbear
HI REALTOR Salesperson RS-81594