Water shortage affects Big Island
Hawaii Island Faces Severe Drought Conditions
Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is currently experiencing significant drought conditions, affecting about 33% of the island's total land area. According to recent reports, the Hāmākua coast, Maunakea, the windward side of Kaʻū, and the leeward coast of North Kohala are under severe drought (D2) and extreme drought (D3) conditions, respectively [1][3][5].
The dry spell has been ongoing since the wet season ended this past winter, with rainfall this summer being below normal, consistent with National Weather Service forecasts issued in May 2025. Some improvement has been noted in the northwest portion of the Big Island, where moderate and severe drought conditions have eased slightly due to beneficial rains [5].
The drought conditions have led to several wildfires in the most affected areas. For instance, in August 2025, wildland fires burned on the east slope of Maunakea and near Old Mill Road in Paʻauilo, triggering road closures and evacuations [3]. The dryness also poses risks to local livestock and agriculture, with decreased rainfall and severe dryness stressing pasturelands and crops, increasing vulnerability to wildfires that can further damage agricultural resources [3].
Talmadge Magno, the Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator, stated that they are about halfway through the dry season and still have a ways to go. Magno also mentioned that the lack of rain is contributing to fires and they are monitoring the situation to ensure enough water for those on catchment [6]. In response to the crisis, state Sen. Tim Richards explained that some areas, particularly Waimea, Kohala, and Hamakua, have been granted permission to tap into the Waimea water system for emergency livestock watering, as the Hamakua ranchers are running out of stock water [2].
The drought has left many areas quite dry and prone to wildfires. In fact, the Big Island has had several red flag warning days in the past month, when abnormally arid and windy conditions lead to increased fire hazards. As a precaution, Magno encouraged people to order water early to avoid running out [6].
Recent events include a small fire near the 21-mile marker of Highway 19 on the Hamakua Coast, which led to the temporary closure of the Hilo-bound lane on Saturday. Another brush fire was reported in the Paauilo area mid-afternoon Friday, causing road closures and evacuation advisories [4].
The rain gauge in Honokaa received 31% of its usual total for July and 32% of average for the first seven months of the year. July 2022 was the driest July since 2010 for Hilo International Airport and 2011 for Hakalau. Kealakomo and Waimea also had very dry Julys [7].
Magno stated that rainfall was already below average coming out of the wet season this past winter, and the situation has only worsened since then. With the dry season still in full swing, it is crucial for residents and officials alike to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect against wildfires and ensure the continued well-being of Hawaii Island's livestock and agriculture.
References:
- Hawaii News Now
- West Hawaii Today
- Civil Beat
- KHON2
- National Weather Service
- Star-Advertiser
- Weather Underground
- The severe drought conditions on Hawaii Island have raised concerns in the field of environmental science, as the dry spell may impact local ecosystems and wildlife.
- As the Big Island grapples with drought, experts in weather forecasting are closely monitoring weather patterns to predict the duration and severity of the dry conditions.
- The ongoing drought has brought about discussions in the realm of climate-change science, as some believe it could be an indicator of long-term shifts in Hawaii's climate.
- While the dry conditions persist, sports-betting enthusiasts might find interesting odds on rainfall totals or fire outbreaks in the affected areas, as the unpredictability adds an unusual twist to weather-related bets.
