On behalf of the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal (HCDP) and Hawaiʻi Mesonet teams, we are excited to share our inaugural Annual Climate Report for the State of Hawaiʻi. Since launching the HCDP in March 2022, our team has worked diligently to develop a growing suite of climate data products and tools designed to support resource management, decision-making, education, and public awareness across the Hawaiian islands. As you will see in this report, 2025 was Hawaiʻi’s sixth warmest year since 1990 and second driest year since 1920 statewide, with approximately 65% of the state classified as abnormally dry or worse by

The Center Serves To: Support research in coastal and climate sciences and promote access to the best available science for decision makers Increase coastal community resilience to natural hazards and adaptation to climate change Improve conservation and management of coastal resources Resulting In: Resilient coastal communities that are better prepared for the impacts of natural hazards and climate change Signature Projects Hawai‘i Climate Adaptation Initiative: Hawai‘i Sea Grant is supporting the development of Hawai‘i’s first Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report released in December 2017. Sea level has risen over the last century on each island at rates varying from

The Center serves to: Build partnerships and enhance marine science education at all levels Connect scientists, teachers, students, and life-long learners Act as a repository and a point of initiation for new ocean science and ocean education projects Resulting in: Increased understanding and appreciation of the marine and coastal environment Signature Projects Teaching Science as Inquiry : A Teacher Quality grant was awarded to research and develop a four-part series of Teaching Science as Inquiry for middle and high school teachers, focusing on aquatic science. Teachers from Hawai‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i formed learning cohorts to be part

The Center Serves To: Provide knowledge and information on achieving energy, water, and waste independence in community planning and development Conduct research on designs that reduce construction and maintenance costs while reducing environmental impact Engage the university community in reducing campus energy use and water consumption and introduce green building practices Resulting In: Communities that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable while supporting social and cultural diversity Signature Projects Established First Power Purchase Agreement: The first power purchasing agreement rooftop photovoltaic system for the University of Hawai‘i at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology generates 222 kW of electricity, approximately

Water Resource Sustainability is dedicated to conducting research on water resources-related issues in Hawai‘i and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands and facilitating access to interdisciplinary expertise within the university to enhance understanding of water issues. The use of data and science based evidence informs management and policy decision-making on water quality, quantity, wastewater management, and infrastructure best practices.

The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program  prepared this climate change impacts report to provide Hawai‘i communities with a foundational understanding of the effects of global climate change on Hawai‘i’s resources and ecosystems. The report presents a summary of the current state of scientific knowledge regarding climate change and how it is expected to affect Hawai‘i, including marine, coastal, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems, built systems, and human health so that Hawai‘i can be better prepared for the changes to come.

This report provides an update to a 2008 report on the value of Waikīkī Beach using 2016 economic and visitor arrival data. Hospitality Advisor’s 2008 report concludes that just under $2 billion (2007 U.S. dollars) in overall visitor expenditures could be lost annually due to a complete erosion of Waikīkī Beach. The 2008 report investigated the economic impact of the erosion of Waikīkī Beach through visitor surveys and analysis of data provided by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, and Smith Travel Research. This report updates the economic impact estimates with the most recent

This report provides an update to a 2008 report on the value of Waikīkī Beach using 2016 economic and visitor arrival data. Hospitality Advisor’s 20081 report concludes that just under $2 billion (2007 U.S. dollars) in overall visitor expenditures could be lost annually due to a complete erosion of Waikīkī Beach. The 2008 report investigated the economic impact of the erosion of Waikīkī Beach through visitor surveys and analysis of data provided by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, and Smith Travel Research. This report updates the economic impact estimates with the most recent

Executive Summary Waikīkī Beach accounted for some $7.8 billion in visitor expenditures in 2019, representing 38% of total visitor expenditures statewide. Though the economic value of Waikīkī Beach is considered to be substantial, few studies have estimated the value in a comprehensive manner. Non-market valuation studies of natural resources are sorely lacking in Hawai‘i, the last major beach valuation on Oʻahu dates back to 1975 (Moncur, 1975). Based on an in-person survey in Waikīkī Beach conducted in November 2019-January 2020 with 398 respondents, we estimate beach user’s willingness to pay (WTP) for changes in beach width and water clarity as

The Technology | Architecture + Design journal article by associate professor Wendy Meguro and Elliot Glassman from WSP, "Evaluating Energy Targets and Efficiency Measures in Multifamily Subtropical Buildings through Automated Simulation" (April 2021) is available free online here This study demonstrates a replicable process using early design phase energy modeling to reduce energy use in multifamily residential buildings in subtropical climates and achieve net-zero site energy. Why was the study initiated? Buildings produced almost 40% of annual global GHG emissions in 2018, so reducing energy use in buildings is key to meeting climate change mitigation targets. Who is the audience?

To support Hawai'i's 100% renewable energy goal by 2045, Hawai'i Sea Grant faculty, their colleagues, and seven student researchers just published a paper to show how house design and construction practices can be modified to meet the newly adopted, more restrictive energy codes and renewable energy goals. The research was conducted through a collaboration between The University of Hawai'i's: Hawai'i Natural Energy Institute's energy efficiency program, School of Architecture's Environmental Research and Design Lab and  Sea Grant College Program. The paper is accessible for free online: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10070120 A brochure explaining the take-aways of the research can be found here:  2020 Residential

A manual for growing loli or sea cucumber in Hawaiʻi. This publication is a result of a collaboration between Kauaʻi Sea Farm, Pacific American Foundation and Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, funded by a 2021 Saltonstall-Kennedy award.  https://online.fliphtml5.com/rblc/widj/#p=1

Through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Regional Coastal Resilience Grant, the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program together with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Office of Planning, and Tetra Tech, Inc., developed statewide guidance documents and tools to improve community resilience to coastal hazards and sea level rise effects, building on the work of the State of Hawaiʻi Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report. This Guidance for Addressing Sea Level Rise in Community Planning in Hawaiʻi is intended to assist county planners to build upon and improve existing efforts to address sea

Through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Regional Coastal Resilience Grant, the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program together with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Office of Planning, and Tetra Tech, Inc., developed statewide guidance documents and tools to improve community resilience to coastal hazards and sea level rise, building on the work of the 2017 Hawaiʻi Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report. This guidance document, with recommended practices and model resources, was developed with state and county government in Hawai‘i to assist them in establishing resilience-focused recovery practices before a disaster event,

This document is a supplement to the Hawaiʻi Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report (“Report”; Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, 2017) and the Hawaiʻi Sea Level Rise Viewer (“Viewer”) (both available at climate.hawaii.gov). The primary purpose of this document is to assist state and county planners, natural resource and infrastructure managers, and others with understanding and using the Sea Level Rise Exposure Area (SLR-XA) from the Report and Viewer in day to day planning and permitting decisions, particularly at the project or property-level scale (Figure 1). This guidance was developed in response to requests from county planning

Guidance for Volcanic Tephra Fall Kīlauea volcano has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Lava fountains have reached up to 1570 feet above the vents, generating eruptive plumes that have risen up to 30,000 feet above ground level in the atmosphere, and carrying volcanic tephra. Tephra is the word for volcanic materials that travel through the air. From the fountaining episodes, it includes glassy lava fragments, frothy lava called reticulite, and Pele’s hair, which are fine strands of volcanic glass (see images below). A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption

American Samoa’s coastal areas are integral to the cultural heritage, economy, and environmental health of the region. This guidebook is designed to provide an introduction and overview to using nature-based approaches to protect these areas from coastal erosion. Nature-based approaches, or “living shorelines,” combine natural and structural elements to create a more stable and resilient coastal environment that supports both human and ecological communities. Nature-based solutions often serve as alternatives to, or ecological enhancements of, traditional shoreline protection strategies, such as seawalls and revetments. Because nature-based solutions are designed to mimic specific ecosystems or ecological functions, they often need to

Across the Hawaiian Islands vulnerability to coastal hazards is increasing with climate change and sea level rise and as development along our shorelines continues to expand. Access to high-resolution local hazard exposure and vulnerability data and maps is critical for communities to understand and plan for increased coastal flooding and erosion with sea level rise. The Hawai‘i Sea Level Rise Viewer serves as an online interactive atlas accompanying the Hawai‘i Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report, completed in December 2017. The Report and map data in the Viewer incorporates the best-available science on sea level rise and potential impacts.

Hurricanes are the most severe of all tropical cyclones and have great potential for widespread destruction in Hawai‘i. This was demonstrated in 1982 by Hurricane Iwa and in 1992 by Hurricane Iniki. Total damages in Hawai‘i from Iwa were estimated at $250 million, and from Iniki at $2.4 billion. Hurricanes impact coastal areas, especially harbors and marinas, where they cause widespread damage to boats and marine facilities. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency and the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai‘i Sea Grant), in cooperation with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of

The Hawaiʻi Dune Restoration Manual was written and created by the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant). Hawaiʻi Sea Grant supports and conducts innovative research, education, and extension services toward the improved understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine resources nationwide. The Hawaiʻi Dune Restoration Manual is written in response to increasing awareness of the importance of preserving, restoring, and maintaining coastal dunes. There are clear ongoing impacts associated with climate change, including sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and more frequent and severe storm events, all causing beach and dune erosion. However, there are also direct human

The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) is organized into Centers of Excellence, a unique structure within the 34 university-based Sea Grant programs across the network. This allows the work of our faculty and staff to engage across our universities to bring approaches and solutions in service to communities throughout the region. The cover images depict the passion, commitment,  and projects that are genuinely representative of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and our expansive focus areas. Our program’s service is truly region-wide, with responsibilities spanning a geographic area greater than the continental United States. Hawaiʻi Sea Grant has

Hawai‘i Sea Grant provides integrated research, extension, and education activities that increase understanding and wise stewardship of Hawaiʻi’s coastal and marine resources. The numbers below represent some of the ways that we impacted coastal communities in 2016 alone. $5 million in leveraged funds, resulting in a return on the federal investment of approximately 200% Hawai‘i Sea Grant created or sustained 49 jobs for an economic benefit of at least $3.6 million 783 Fishers who modified their practices as a result of Hawai‘i Sea Grant activities 12,099 Volunteer hours completed 34 Graduate students and fellows supported 23 Undergraduate students supported 33

The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program is pleased to present Hawaiian Reef Plants. The book is written by John M. Huisman, Isabella A. Abbott and Celia M. Smith, three of the world’s leading botanists, and is in full color. Its 264 pages are packed with stunning photographs of the Hawaiian marine flora, plus keys, descriptions, introductory chapters, sections on Hawaiian use of seaweeds and much more. This volume concentrates on a significant part of Hawaiian marine life – marine plants, or seaweeds. Hawaiian traditions were and are heavily dependent upon the sea, and reef algae or “limu” as

What’s New in 4.0 Evacuation Planning – New resources, summarized in Tables can help families create their emergency and evacuation plans. Table 3-5 summarizes this Part of the book and provides interactive links for: (i) tsunami evacuation maps important for tsunami evacuation planning; and (ii) flood, storm surge and wind topographic speed up maps, important for hurricane evacuation planning. The maps for hurricane evacuation planning should be used with the shelter in place table with instructions (Table 3-4). Note for most evacuation scenarios, wait for specific instructions from emergency management or civil defense before evacuating as there will be warning

Huli ‘ia is an observational process documenting seasonal changes and shifts across entire landscapes, mauka to makai (from the mountains to the ocean). Developed by Na Maka o Papahānaumokuākea, the Huli ‘ia process documents these environmental changes over time, identifies dominant cycles of important species or ecological occurrences (e.g. flowering, fruiting, presence/absence of flora/fauna, cloud formations, spawning or recruiting of fish species, etc.), and assists in identifying any correlations between species and occurrences. Those correlations help to identify the occurrence of a less visible situation (e.g. fish spawning) when a more obvious one happens (e.g. a flower species blooming). Environmental

Hawaiian Newspapers Illuminate an 1871 Storm How 114 years of Hawaiian-language newspapers starting in 1834 extend our knowledge of natural disasters into the nineteenth century and to precontact times.

In January 2020, we came together in a visioning ʻAha - to assemble around the questions of who, what, and why our Sea Grant Center of Excellence should focus its time, energy, and efforts. In this period of change, the Center made significant progress building out existing projects and as we have grown and assumed new kuleana, we felt it appropriate that our new name, Ulana ʻIke, reflect our evolving roles and function. The  ʻAha ʻIke Pāpālua Report reflects our collective aspirations directed by community partner manaʻo and advice. The report includes: An explanation of the intentionality and meaning behind

Over the past decade, Hawai‘i has progressed in recognizing and addressing coastal hazards and the need for adaptation to sea level rise. However, more work still needs to be done to translate broad-scale guidelines and scientific information into action at the local level. This project focuses on developing practical guidelines for incorporating resilience to coastal hazards and sea level rise into county general plans and community plans. In the context of this project, resilience is a community’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of increasing coastal hazards, climate change impacts, and sea level rise through proactive planning utilizing

Place-based stewards in the Heʻeia ahupuaʻa expressed a need for a set of guidelines to help ensure that research projects focused in Heʻeia engage in equitable and reciprocal partnership with those connected to and caring for the ahupuaʻa. In response to this need, a partnership was formed between the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo (KUA), and others to develop the Kūlana Noi‘i. The Kūlana Noi‘i is not intended to be a compliance standard or checklist for achieving reciprocal community-research partnership. Instead, this document serves as a starting point for deeper conversation and lays out a set of ideas, values, and

This report is the first comprehensive compilation of the research ideas and needs within the community of fishpond managers, landowners, and stewardship organizations to inform adaptation of fishpond practices toward their resilience, adaptation, and sustainability in the face of a changing climate. It reflects the needs, interests, visions, and ideas of the Hui Mālama Loko Iʻa as documented in their collective and cumulative conversations in 2019. The report was synthesized by a collaborative of Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program, and the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center. Download the pdf