Aloha!

   Hawaii had some very interesting weather! The climate and weather patterns on Hawaii are a surprise to most visitors. For example, did you know that the Big Island has a wet and a dry side? That there is a hurricane season? And that some months are far more rainy than others? It wasn't just sunshine and beaches!

   The Big Island is actually on five shield volcanoes that overlap one another. The oldest is the Kohala volcano, which is already an extinct (dead) volcano. Two other dormant (sleeping) volcanoes came after one another; that is, Mauna Kea and Hualalai.

   The two active volcanoes (still giving off lava) in the Big Island are Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Kilauea is quite an active volcano. On the other hand, Mauna Loa is one of the biggest volcanoes in the whole world, extending into the Pacific Ocean, and is also still active. These two exhibit continuous lava flow, making the Big Island always bigger.

   When a volcano erupts, it can cause a lot of big weather changes. Ash from the explosion can be carried through the air, covering nearby land. The eruption can cause tsunamis, floods, and mudslides.

   Hurricane season in Hawaii is from June through November, with almost all the activity happening from July to September.  However, the Hawaiian islands themselves rarely experience more serious weather than lots of rain and large surf.

   This is because the volcanoes on the Big Island act as natural protection against hurricanes. Their high peaks affect wind circulation and help break up and weaken the storm as it moves toward and over the Big Island.
                               

                                        
Hawaii was once an independent kingdom. (1810 - 1893) The flag was designed at the request of King Kamehameha I. It has eight stripes of white, red and blue that represent the eight main islands. The flag of Great Britain is emblazoned in the upper left corner to honor Hawaii's friendship with the British.
-Wikipedia-