Lightning Map — Hawaii

Track real-time lightning strikes and thunderstorm activity across Hawaii. With an average of 18 thunderstorm days per year, Hawaii is a state with relatively low thunderstorm activity.

18
Avg Storm Days/Year
2
Cities Tracked
1.5M
Population

Data sourced from NOAA GOES-19 Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC).

About Lightning in Hawaii

Hawaii averages 18 thunderstorm days per year, placing it slightly below the national average of 25 days. Located at approximately 21°N latitude, Hawaii is an isolated volcanic archipelago in the tropical Pacific, where trade wind showers dominate and true thunderstorms are relatively rare compared to the mainland.

In Hawaii, maritime influences generally suppress thunderstorm formation, with activity concentrated over mountain terrain or during rare atmospheric setups. Peak thunderstorm activity occurs during year-round, with slightly more activity October through April, when conditions align for the most frequent lightning strikes. With a population of 1.5 million residents, storm awareness and lightning safety are important considerations for anyone living in or visiting Hawaii.

#46
out of 50 states
18
storm days/year
7 fewer than the US average

When Thunderstorms Peak in Hawaii

Thunderstorm season in Hawaii runs from year-round, with slightly more activity October through April. Unlike the mainland, Hawaii's thunderstorms are most common during the cooler months, driven by Kona lows and passing cold fronts rather than summer convection. The trade-wind inversion typically suppresses deep convection, making true thunderstorms relatively rare across the islands.

Peak Season
year-round, with slightly more activity October through April

Top Cities in Hawaii

Monitor lightning activity in these Hawaii cities

Honolulu

HI
18 storm days/yr

Hilo

HI
22 storm days/yr

Lightning Safety in Hawaii

Stay safe during the 18 thunderstorm days Hawaii averages each year

Follow the 30-30 Rule

If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

Stay Indoors During Storms

With 18 thunderstorm days annually in Hawaii, it's still worth being prepared when storms do occur. Avoid windows and stay away from plumbing.

Monitor Lightning Activity

Use Lightning Tracker to get real-time alerts when storms approach your area in Hawaii. Early awareness helps you make safer decisions.

Outdoor Safety

If caught outside, avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated trees. Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle.

Useful Guides for Hawaii

These pages help visitors who search for maps, nearby strikes, and alert setup

Near me How to check lightning near you in Hawaii

Use this guide when you want to know how fast nearby strikes can become a real safety problem in Hawaii.

 Map guide How to read a lightning map for Hawaii

Understand clusters, timing, and storm movement before using launch alerts in the app.

 Alerts Best ways to get lightning alerts in Hawaii

Compare app alerts, NOAA weather radio, and local warning workflows for storms in your area.
App links later

Track Lightning in Hawaii Right Now

The app links can be added after release. For now, use the Hawaii hub, city pages, and lightning guides to cover map and safety intent.

Launching Soon iOS & Android

App links go live at release. For now use the lightning maps and guides on this site.