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Recent Hydrologic Conditions -- Hawaii

Latest update August 8, 2008

Rainfall | Streamflow | Ground Water | Map

 

RAINFALL Kauai--Below-average rainfall. During May - July 2008, rainfall was about 71 percent of average. As of July 2008, rainfall near the summit of Mt. Waialeale on Kauai was below average 9 of the last 12 months. During August 2007 - July 2008, rainfall was about 86 percent of average. Oahu--Below-average rainfall. During May - July 2008, rainfall was 50 percent of average. As of July 2008, rainfall at Poamoho, near the crest of the Koolau Range on Oahu, was below average 9 of the last 12 months. During August 2007 - July 2008, rainfall was about 69 percent of average. Maui--Below-average rainfall. During May - July 2008, rainfall was 50 percent of average. As of July 2008, rainfall at Puu Kukui, the summit of the West Maui Mountains, was below average 8 of the last 12 months. During August 2007 - July 2008, rainfall was about 72 percent of average. Link to Drought Monitor from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center which includes rainfall data from Hawaii.

STREAMFLOW

Kauai-Below-normal streamflow for July. July 2008 flow in the North Fork Wailua River was 66 percent of the median for July (1912-2008). Streamflow over the past 3 months (May - July 2008) was 68 percent of the median for those months and over the past year (August 2007 - July 2008) was 90 percent of the yearly median.

Oahu-Honolulu--Well below-normal streamflow for July. July 2008 flow in Kalihi Stream was 26 percent of the median for July (1912-2008). Streamflow over the past 3 months (May - July 2008) was 33 percent of the median for those months and over the past year (August 2007 - July 2008) was 111 percent of the yearly median..

Oahu-Windward--Well below-normal streamflow for July. July 2008 flow in Kahana Stream was 55 percent of the median for July (1958-2008). This was the lowest July streamflow ever recorded. Streamflow over the past 3 months (May - July 2008) was 67 percent of the median for those months and over the past year (August 2007 - July 2008) was 96 percent of the yearly median.

Molokai--Below normal streamflow for July. July 2008 streamflow in Halawa Stream was 51 percent of the median for July (1917-2008).Streamflow over the past 3 months (May - July 2008) was 53 percent of the median for those months and over the past year (August 2007 - July 2008) was 88 percent of the yearly median.

Maui--Well below-normal streamflow for July. July 2008 flow in Honopou Stream was 24 percent of the median for July (1912-2008).Streamflow over the past 3 months (May - July 2008) was 21 percent of the median for those months and over the past year (August 2007 - July 2008) was 103 percent of the yearly median. This previous May-July had the lowest May-July total ever recorded.

Hawaii--Normal streamflow for July. July 2008 flow in Honolii Stream was 100 percent of the median for July (1967-2008). Streamflow over the past 3 months (May - July 2008) was 78 percent of the median for those months and over the past year (August 2007 - July 2008) was 140 percent of the median for the year.

Link to Water Watch showing national streamflow conditions (including floods and droughts) across the United States and incorporating real-time streamflow data from Hawaii.

GROUND-WATER LEVELS

Kauai--Increasing water levels through July. Water levels in the Lihue Basin (at the Northwest Kilohana monitor well) decreased from February through June and are at record lows. Near Hanapepe, water levels increased during July 2008 and are at median water levels.

Oahu-Increasing water levels in Pearl Harbor area. Near Pearl Harbor (at the Aiea US Navy well), water levels increased from October 2007 through June 2008 and are now above median water levels. Varying salinity in the aquifer was apparent at the Halekauwila Street monitor well in downtown Honolulu..

Maui--Decreasing water levels through May. Water levels in the Iao area (at Waiehu test hole B) decreased during April and May 2008 to near record low levels for this time of year.

Hawaii--Water levels in the Waiohinu well in the southern part of Hawaii island show seasonal changes in an area with limited ground-water withdrawal.

Link to USGS Ground-Water Climate Response Network that includes some of these wells for Hawaii.

In addition to the USGS streamflow, ground-water level, and rainfall data for the sites shown above, the National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office in Honolulu provides rainfall hydrology data and graphics for Hawaii.