Kalawao County, Hawaii Weather
According to polyhobbies.com, Kalawao County is a small county located on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. It is the smallest and least populated county in the state, with an estimated population of just over 100 people. The county was established in 1866 as a leper colony and later became part of the state of Hawaii when it was admitted to the Union in 1959.
The county consists of two small towns, Kalaupapa and Kalawao, which are located on opposite sides of a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The area is very remote and can only be accessed by airplane or mule ride down a steep cliff side trail.
Kalawao County has an interesting history that dates back to 1866 when King Kamehameha V designated it as a leprosy settlement for those suffering from Hansen’s Disease. At its peak, over 8,000 people were living at Kalaupapa with more than 1,100 patients having died there by 1924.
Today, Kalawao County is best known for its stunning natural beauty which includes rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and pristine beaches. Visitors to the area can take part in activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and bird watching. There are also several cultural attractions including historic sites like St Philomena Church which offers guided tours of its grounds and museum.
Kalawao County also has several famous people associated with it including Father Damien who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 for his work helping those afflicted with Hansen’s Disease at Kalaupapa during his lifetime; Mother Marianne Cope who served alongside Father Damien; and Edith Kawelohea McKinzie who wrote extensively about her experiences growing up at Kalaupapa in her book “No Mākou ka Mana: Liberating the Nation”.
In short, Kalawao County is an interesting place with a rich culture and history that should be explored by anyone visiting Hawaii’s Molokai Island.
Climate and weather in Kalawao County, Hawaii
According to maternityetchic.com, Kalawao County, Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The average temperature in the county is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) with highs of around 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) and lows of around 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). The months of June through September are the warmest while December through March are the coolest.
Rainfall in Kalawao County averages around 25 inches per year, with most of it falling between November and April. During the summer months, the area experiences very little precipitation due to its location in a rain shadow caused by nearby mountains. On average, there are about 242 sunny days per year in Kalawao County.
The area is also known for its strong winds which can reach up to 30 mph on occasion. These winds come from both the northeast and southwest trades, bringing cooler temperatures during the summer months and warmer temperatures during the winter months.
The ocean waters surrounding Kalawao County have a pleasant temperature year-round ranging from 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 26 degrees Celsius). This makes it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
Kalawao County has a pleasant climate that is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking or simply enjoying some time at one of its many beaches or parks throughout the year.
Transportation in Kalawao County, Hawaii
Transportation in Kalawao County, Hawaii is limited to two main options; car and boat. The county is located on the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north side of Molokai Island, so there are no roads leading to or from the area.
The only way to access Kalawao County is by boat. There are several charter services that offer trips from Maui and Oahu to Kalaupapa Landing. The ferry ride takes about three hours each way and requires a reservation in advance.
For those who don’t want to take a ferry, there are also several private boats that can be hired for a day trip or even an overnight stay in Kalaupapa. Depending on the size of your group, these private boats can be quite affordable and provide a unique experience of exploring Molokai’s north shore.
Once you have arrived at Kalaupapa Landing, transportation within the county is limited to car rental services. There are several companies offering cars for rent in Kalawao County including Jeeps, SUVs, and minivans. These rental vehicles are perfect for exploring the rugged terrain of Molokai’s north shore as well as visiting some of its most popular attractions such as Halawa Valley or Papaloa Beach Park.
Transportation in Kalawao County is relatively easy if you plan ahead and book your boat or car rental service in advance. With the right vehicle and a bit of exploration, you can make the most out of your visit to this remote corner of Hawaii.
Cities and towns in Kalawao County, Hawaii
According to countryaah.com, Kalawao County, Hawaii is made up of four main towns and cities; Kalaupapa, Kalawao, Waikolu, and Halawa. Located on the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north side of Molokai Island, each town has its own unique character and is worth exploring.
Kalaupapa is the largest town in Kalawao County and home to most of its residents. It was once a leper colony but has since been transformed into a picturesque village with a mix of historic buildings and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the nearby beaches or take in views from the top of nearby sea cliffs.
Kalawao is a small town located just east of Kalaupapa. Although it’s known for its secluded atmosphere, it’s also home to some interesting attractions such as an old church and cemetery dating back to the 1800s as well as some stunning views along its shoreline.
Waikolu is located further east from Kalawao and offers visitors an even more secluded atmosphere with fewer people around. It’s home to some beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling as well as some excellent hiking trails that offer stunning views of the area’s rugged coastline.
Finally, Halawa is located at the easternmost point of the peninsula and offers visitors one of Hawaii’s most pristine beaches along with plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking up some sun.
Each town in Kalawao County has something unique to offer visitors and provides an excellent opportunity to explore this isolated corner of Hawaii in depth.