Hawaii Lightning Strike Map

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.

193
strikes in last 24 hours
Last 7 days
324 strikes
Last strike
7 min ago
Updated
just now

Live data from NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Hawaii.

Lightning strike heatmap of Hawaii for the last 24 hours, rendered from NOAA GOES-19 GLM satellite data.
Server-rendered heatmap of Hawaii lightning activity in the last 24 hours. Each gold glow is a flash detected by NOAA GOES-19 GLM. Updates every 5 minutes.
Map loading…
Bolts show recent NOAA GOES-19 GLM flashes. Lime = newest, red = 1-6h, grey = older. Zoom in for individual strikes.
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). For the broader live overview, open the lightning strike map for the last 24 hours.

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

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.

Hawaii Lightning FAQ

Fast answers for live maps, storm days, and lightning safety in Hawaii

How many thunderstorm days does Hawaii get per year?

Hawaii averages 18 thunderstorm days per year, based on NOAA climate data. The national average is approximately 25 thunderstorm days per year.

What is the 30-30 rule for lightning safety?

The 30-30 rule states: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.

How can I track lightning in Hawaii in real time?

Lightning Tracker uses NOAA GOES-19 GLM (Geostationary Lightning Mapper) satellite data to display real-time lightning strikes across Hawaii. The mobile app provides push notification alerts when storms approach your location.

Mobile app

Track Lightning in Hawaii Right Now

Download the mobile app for live alerts, then use the Hawaii hub, city pages, and lightning guides for local map and safety context.

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