Hualālai
Mountain Dormant shield volcano on Hawaii's Big Island
Hualālai is a volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island’s Kona coast, with lava fields, hiking routes and nearby resort developments. Visitors pursue hikes on old lava flows, snorkel or stay at coastal resorts on its flanks.
Hualālai is a volcanic mountain on the western side of the Island of Hawaii, one of the five major volcanoes that form the island. It reaches about 2,521 metres in elevation and is the island’s westernmost major volcanic mass.
The volcano has a history of eruptions, with the most recent documented activity around 1800-1801, and is classified as active though much of the flank is presently quiet. Its slopes include lava flows, rift zones and cinder cones, with modern developments such as residential areas and resorts on the lower flanks.
Hualālai rises above Kona and the west coast resorts and is visible from much of the western island. Road access reaches lower elevations and hiking routes require preparation and local information for safety.
- Height and last eruption: Elevation is 2,521 metres (8,271 feet); the volcano last erupted around 1800-1801 and is considered an active but currently quiet volcano.
- Access and land use: Lower slopes are developed with resorts and residential areas; access to higher routes requires care and local guidance due to rough terrain and remoteness.
Tips for Visiting Hualālai #
- Check access and respect private‑land and resort boundaries - much of Hualālai's lower slopes are occupied by resorts and ranches, so use public viewpoints and designated pullouts along Mamalahoa Highway for safe, legal views.
- If you want to approach hiking routes, confirm current trail access and conditions with Hawai'i County or local visitor centers first; trailheads and permissibility can change and some routes require permits or are routed through private property.
- Plan visits to coastal viewpoints around sunrise or late afternoon for cooler conditions and the best light on the mountain silhouette; these times are also less busy at lookout pullouts.
Best Time to Visit Hualālai #
Hualālai is visitable year‑round; the drier months (April-October) are generally preferred for outdoor activities and more stable conditions.
Weather & Climate near Hualālai #
Hualālai's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 5°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1065 mm/year), wettest in April.
January
January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (185 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and breezy conditions.
