Hawaiian Islands weather details & Aloha paragraphs / January 23-February 1, 2011

Glenn will be traveling from January 23rd through the 31st. He will be back on Maui with the next update of this page on February 1st…more information below.

Air Temperatures – The following maximum temperatures were recorded across the state of Hawaii :

Lihue airport, Kauai –       
Honolulu airport, Oahu –   
Kaneohe, Oahu –              
Molokai airport –              
Kahului airport, Maui –      
Kona airport –                   
Hilo airport, Hawaii –         

Air Temperatures ranged between these warmest and coolest spots near sea level – and on the highest mountain tops…as of  :

Kaneohe, Oahu – 
Molokai airport – 

Haleakala Crater –     (near 10,000 feet on Maui)
Mauna Kea summit – (near 14,000 feet on the Big Island)

Precipitation Totals – The following numbers represent the largest precipitation totals (inches) during the last 24 hours on each of the major islands, as of  :

Kauai  
Oahu
Molokai 
Lanai
Kahoolawe
Maui
Big Island

Marine Winds – Here’s the latest (automatically updated) weather map 

Satellite and Radar Images: To view the cloud conditions we have here in Hawaii, please use the following satellite links, starting off with this Infrared Satellite Image of the islands to see all the clouds around during the day and night. This next image is one that gives close images of the islands only during the daytime hours, and is referred to as a Close-up visible image. This next image shows a larger view of the Pacific…giving perspective to the wider ranging cloud patterns in the Pacific Ocean. Finally, here's a Looping IR satellite image, making viewable the clouds around the islands 24 hours a day. To help you keep track of where any showers may be around the islands, here’s the latest animated radar image.

Hawaii’s Mountains – Here’s a link to the live web cam on the summit of near 14,000 foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tallest peak on the island of Maui is the Haleakala Crater, which is near 10,000 feet in elevation. These two web cams are available during the daylight hours here in the islands…and when there’s a big moon rising just after sunset for an hour or two! Plus, during the nights and early mornings you will be able to see stars, and the sunrise too…depending upon weather conditions.

Tropical Cyclone activity in the eastern and central Pacific – Here’s the latest weather information coming out of the National Hurricane Center, covering the eastern north Pacific. You can find the latest tropical cyclone information for the central north Pacific (where Hawaii is located) by clicking on this link to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Here’s a tracking map covering both the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. A satellite image, which shows the entire ocean area between Hawaii and the Mexican coast…can be found here. Of course, as we know, our hurricane season won't end until November 31st here in the central Pacific.

 Aloha Paragraphs

The beautiful windward side of Oahu

I'll be in Seattle Washington from Sunday, January 23rd through January 27th…attending the American Meteorological Society annual meeting. I'll have my laptop computer with me, so that I'll be coming back to this page typically once or twice a day, to give my reflections on the meetings…and the weather conditions that I encounter there in the Puget Sound area of western Washington too.

I'll fly from there down to southern California to visit my parents and family briefly after that, between the 27th and the 31st of January. I'll be busy enjoying their company, although will be able come back online again then for a few words each day on how the weather is there too.

I'll fly back to Maui on the 1st of February, and will begin to update this website again on a daily basis. You will find all the current forecasts in my absence, by going to whichever island you would like, in the upper left hand side of this page, clicking there…and then by clicking on whatever part of that island you'd like to find out about. Aloha for now…Glenn.

Sunday, January 23rd – Hi, I made it to Seattle, I had a smooth five hour flight…and my hotel is fabulous. The temperature was a cool 40 something when I landed, but not raining. I waited for a shuttle at the Seatac airport, sitting on a heated outside bench…which was unusual and pleasant! The woman I was sitting next to was from the National Weather Service office in Shreveport, LA, while the man sitting on my other side on the bench, was was from of all places the Netherlands. We were all here in Seattle attending the AMS (American Meteorological Society's) annual meeting. My hotel is way better than I thought it would be, and as you see, my internet connection to my laptop computer is working just fine. I'm going out to get dinner, and probably a glass of wine, will check back with you later. Glenn

Hi again, I'm having fun in Seattle, it's still Sunday night. I walked about 7 blocks to the Whole Foods store, had a great dinner. I went to the fish counter and picked out a nice piece of wild caught King Salmon, and walked it over to where they cook things for you. I also ordered an arugula salad and steamed broccoli, which they plated with the medium rare salmon. I bought a sierra nevada celebration ale, and sat in the dining area there, and enjoyed the thrill of being alone in the big city of Seattle. I bought some water, almonds, dates, and apples, and walked back to my great hotel. I've been reading the NWS weather discussion for Seattle, and for Los Angeles too, where I fly to on Thursday. Anyway, it's suppose to start raining here tonight through much of Monday, so I'll catch up with you in the morning with more weather news. Aloha for now…Glenn.

Monday, January 24th – Well here it is Monday afternoon already, it's during an hour and a half lunch break from the conference…back at my hotel room. The morning session was very good, especially the opening hour and a half opening presidential forum: Communicating Weather and Climate. The moderator was Robert T. Ryan of NBC4 TV, Washington, DC., the panelists were: Thomas Skilling WGN-TV Chicago; Claire Martin CBC News, Canada; Doyle Rice, USA Today; and Martin Storksdieck, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC. They discussed how misleading global warming can be to the general public, when we see such cold and snowy winters.

One rather interesting comment was that it might be better to talk about global warming during the hot summers, and to talk about global climate change during the cold winter months…tongue in cheek of course. Again, this whole arena of change will continue to manifest as more and more extreme weather events.

One more side note, before I head out to find a bite to eat before getting back to the conference. I found it so interesting to see condensation steam coming out of my mouth while taking the short five minute walk back here to my hotel. I never see that in Hawaii, and I kept puffing my breath out so I could enjoy those little clouds of fog coming out! Here in Seattle early this afternoon, the air temperature was 49F degrees, cloudy with light showers. It's so nice to be in the Great Pacific Northwest!

OK, here it is Monday evening, after another great day in Seattle…I'm falling in love fast! I attended several more weather meetings during the afternoon session, before coming back here to the hotel to put my stuff away. I wanted to see Pikes Street Market Place, as I hadn't been there in so many years. It was a good long walk down there, with a chilly light rain falling. People didn't seem to mind the rain, and many acted like it wasn't even happening. I had an umbrella, and used it a bit, but then put it away as the street I was walking on, got more crowded. I put my wind breaker/raincoat hood up instead. The people here are so interesting, and it seems like there are  so many young folks on the street.

When I got down to the Market, I found that it had closed at 5pm. I thought to myself, where can I go and not get too lost. I was so much enjoying walking that I didn't want to stop. I had planned on having a nice dinner at the Market, so I needed to find some food. There seems to be a million restaurants, but I wanted to stay out on the streets. I decided to head over to Whole Foods again, since I more or less knew how to get there, although I knew it was quite a ways. I got there and felt right at home, and wanted Dungeness Crab before leaving the west coast back to Maui. They had it fresh there, and I had it plated with a fresh cooked pasta and another arugula salad. I asked one of the workers there to help me pick out a good ale. He walked me over to the beer shelves, which are extensive. He suggested something called Stone IPA (India Pale Ale), which was tasty. I sat there and had my dinner, while talking to a good friend down in northern California on my IPhone. I had a great time walking back to the hotel, just checking out the people on the street, and enjoying the feeling of independence. It's not that late but I'm tired, so I'll just lay down soon, and start up the adventure again Tuesday morning. I hope you have a great night until then! Aloha for now…Glenn.

Tuesday, January 25th – It's Tuesday, and I just got back to my room after a stimulating morning of weather related presentations at the AMS Conference. I started out with breakfast early this morning at my hotel, the restaurant's name is Urbane. I like this place as its windows look right on a main street, with lots of people walking by, and folks getting in and out of the city buses. The food is good as well, and pretty hip in terms of anything you would find in Hawaii. I attended the following presentations starting at 830am: Weather as a tool of Narrative Suspense: Implications and Consequences; Connecting the dots between climate change, extreme weather, and localized impacts; Credible, understandable, accessible: redressing the tensions between localism, public understanding, and affective investment in climate and risk communication; Communicating climate change in a weathercasting context: An analysis of "early adopter" TV meteorologists and their educational methods; Supporting TV meteorologists efforts to educate their viewers about climate change, and testing the impact: A quasi-experimental field study.

There was a break at this point, and I grabbed a cup of Tully's coffee, and found a table…in what turned out to be a brief few minutes of rare winter sunshine here in Seattle! During the second half of the morning session I sat through these presentations: Risk communication through cultures; Dynamics of hurricane risk perception; Improving storm surge risk communication; and Assessing the Public's need for storm surge warning information.

All of the morning sessions were quite stimulating, and I enjoyed them very much. Looking out the windows of my hotel room, it's turned cloudy again, although its not showering. There's a break in the schedule this afternoon, at least in terms of presentations that are interesting to me. I've thought about trying to walk down to the Pikes Market Place today. I would have lunch, and just stroll around this very interesting market. I'll back online later and let you know about what I found. Aloha, Glenn.

I went for a long walk around downtown Seattle early this afternoon…and then went back to the conference for several late afternoon sessions. I was finally able to make it down to the Pike Market Place, and it was worth the effort. I enjoyed seeing all the stalls, and particularly the fresh fish area, where I had a good conversation with one of the sales people. I then walked down to the waterfront and checked out the boats, and sea gulls, along with a nose full of sea air coming off the Puget Sound. Before I walked back to my hotel, I had a good slice of pizza right at the entrance to the Market, and sat there with a good view of all the different people walking by. Seattle is such an interesting city, with every kind of person imaginable in sight.

I took turns standing by the various bus stops, watching all the people stand around waiting, and getting on and off the buses. I wanted to get a feel for the deep city life, with all its street people, and people talking to themselves, or yelling…along with folks who very much seemed down in their luck. I got that vivid feel, and realized, in no uncertain terms, that my life is so much different than many of theirs. I don't say this in any "better than thou" sort of way, just a reflection. I'm now sitting in my warm hotel room, on the 9th floor, typing on this laptop computer…getting ready to walk out to get a fresh fish dinner. Speaking of which, I'm going to go now, and will check back in with you after dinner, if I'm not too tired, that, or else on Wednesday. I trust that you will have a good night wherever you happen to be reading from! Aloha for now…Glenn. 

Wednesday, January 26 – Oh my, time is flying by…I guess because I'm having so much fun! I greatly enjoyed getting up before sunrise this morning, and having breakfast and coffee, while watching the early risers going to their jobs…or wherever they were going or coming from. Its lunch time here in Seattle, and I wanted to share with you the presentations that I attended this morning: Communicating the excitement of the hurricane research field programs of 2010 to the public, part 1 – perspective of the participating scientists; Communicating the excitement of the hurricane research field programs of 2010 to the public, part 2 – Perspective of the agency Public Information Officers; Role-playing scenario of a landfalling tropical system; The Global Tropical Hazards and Benefits Assessment at NOAA and the Climate Prediction Center – Increasing communication between the science and user communities; Making sense of Hurricanes; and finally The distribution of vog (volcanic emissions) on the Big Island of Hawaii. I chatted with the young lady who gave that report, and we talked quite a bit about the health issues that some folks in Hawaii are experiencing due to the vog issue.

During the second half of the morning sessions, I attended the following: What counts as knowledge? Using science dynamics to communicate climate dynamics; What are the biggest challenges in communicating climate science?; Communicating climate change – from awareness to action; Making climate part of the human world; Communicating climate science – Why is it so hard? As you can see from all of the above, taking from both sessions, climate change is the main theme here, not only how to interpret it, but also how to communicate it in such a way as the general public can relate to the facts.

Please don't ask me to do that, as I found that the top scientists in the country, and Canada too, where wringing their hands (so to speak) on how to do just that. There is no easy way, as this is a topic, a discussion that is so complex, so huge, that the broadest and deepest minds are hard pressed to know the formula. ~~~ I'm soon heading out for another long walk, probably right back down to the heart of the deep city. I'm drawn like a bee to honey, right back down to the Pike Market, and the streets around there, where people from all walks of life cross paths. It's edgy down there, and at times I feel challenged to hang out…so I just try and blend in without causing the slightest notice. I'll report back to you later, unless I get in a rush to get back to the conference, with no time to write. Aloha, Glenn

While the long walk this afternoon is fresh on my mind, let me share it with you…before I head back down to the conference. I walked down to the Pike Market again, and very much enjoyed being part of the stream of foot traffic along the way. I realized how somehow sheltered Maui is, and what kind of a cutting edge reality that the downtown streets of Seattle hold. I almost saw two guys getting into a fist fight, was approached by pan handlers, saw the freshest display of fish on the face of the earth, or so it seemed to me…and actually felt slightly warm sunshine on my face.

I felt that I was an intimate part of humanity, which somehow isn't my normal state of being. It's interesting how into our normal routine that we can get, forgetting that this aspect of real life still exists in most parts of our world. I saw people being generous with folks who they didn't know, people that they would never see again. It gave me heart, and helped spark a kind of compassion for everyone that I saw. I found myself looking at people, into their eyes, and they were looking back at me…as we passed each other on the sidewalks. I feel humbled, and at the same time fortunate, to be occupying this weatherman's body that I live in. I was inspired, and thrilled too, that I was able to get so close to the eye of the tiger. I'll catch up with you later, or once I get down to my parents house in Long Beach Thursday, or whenever I can get back online. Aloha, Glenn.

Thursday, January 27 – Woke up on this last morning in Seattle to cool and foggy weather…with the tall buildings shrouded in clouds. There's a part of me that doesn't want to leave. I definitely would like to come back soon, to check out many other levels of this fine city. I just had another session of sitting at the restaurant here at the Hyatt Olive 8, enjoying watching all the morning walkers parading by on the sidewalk. I'm not sure why, but I so much like tuning into other people's lives for brief moments that they are in sight. I think that's why I like going to see films so much…becoming immersed in other realities. The weather conference was great, I learned lots about climate change, or at least listened to all the research that is happening in this important study. It's actually more than a study of course, and is presenting a major challenge to our earth…and its inhabitants – us!

I'll be taking the airport shuttle soon, back to the Seatac airport, for my flight down to Long Beach. I'm looking forward to seeing my family down there, although I'll only be there for four short days. I'll then jet back to Maui on February 1st, and jump right back into my work scene. I always look forward to being on Maui, as its a great place to live, and I have a wonderful weather occupation there. This website is one part of my life there, and here too…when I'm out and about traveling. I look forward to doing more people watching between now and when I get down to the Los Angeles airport this afternoon. I'll take another airport shuttle from there, down to my parents house. I'm sure there will be all kinds of interesting things happening between here and there. I'll come back online again later today, or on Friday, to let you know what's happening then. I hope you have a great Thursday! Aloha, Glenn.

Friday, January 28 – Having left the chilly reality of Seattle yesterday, I'm down in Long Beach, with warm sunny skies today. As everyone knows, clear skies with temperatures in the 70F's is ideal. I must say however, that living in Hawaii, where that is very common, I enjoy the cooler side of the temperature reality…perhaps its just the novelty that I appreciate. If I found myself in cold weather, with snow and ice for a week or so, I might be scrambling back towards the warm side of things rather quickly!? At any rate, I'm here at my parents house, and had a smooth flight south, and slept well last night. My Mom dished up all kinds of goodies for breakfast just now, including oatmeal, toast, blueberries, oranges, and coffee too. She went to several stores in the process of finding organic 1/2 & 1/2 for my coffee, I'm particular when it comes to the food I eat. My Dad and Sister were both still asleep, so my Mom and I had a chance to catch up. She brought out the small blood pressure tester she has, and we both took ours. Her's was good, and mine registered 118 over 78. I never take this test unless I'm at their house, and found myself wanting to do it over and over…its kind of fun.

I took a long walk yesterday afternoon with my Dad, going further than he usually goes. It was interesting, especially as we went by one of the neighbors, a little girl named Sage ran out and wanted to join us. She was 5 years old, and when I asked her what school she went to, she said Carver, which is where I went to elementary school! Her Dad walked out, recognized my Dad, and said hi. My Mom just walked in and said that he and his wife were married on Maui. Anyway, Sage walked down to the end of the street with us. She must have said "what the heck" 10-15 times during our walk, as I think she just learned these new words. My Dad and I walked her back home and then proceeded to walk around the school across the street, called Marshall Middle School. We came upon a man who was walking with a cane, and stooped over. He stopped and straightened up, taking a break, and we all three talked for a few minutes. He turned out to be 98 years old, and had lived in Long Beach since 1941. My Dad is in his late 80's, and I'm in my mid 60's. Ok, that's it for now, I'll catch up with you later or on Saturday with more Long Beach news. Today is suppose to be 73F degrees, with a high on Saturday of only 64 degrees…I must say that I'm looking forward to that near 10 degree cool down. Aloha, Glenn.

Saturday, January 29 – I woke up to pea soup fog this morning, with a temperature of 49F degrees. I was the first one up, other than the two cats that live here – Mr. and Missy. I couldn't resist going out into that fog for a walk. The fog was thick enough that there was water dripping off the trees. Yesterday afternoon my other Sister and her husband came over, and we all had a nice visit. Her husband and I did a few jobs around here, and we all were catching up. My Mom and I had gone to the store during the day, and picked up avocados, fresh salsa and chips, chicken thighs, and some vegetables for a soup…along with a large container of organic salad mixings….which made for a nice dinner. For dessert we had lemon pie and apple and cherry tarts. They stayed until almost 9pm, and we had a good time talking and laughing. Everyone took their blood pressure again, which is fun, and mine was 124 over 84. I never have a clue about mine, as I never take it on my own. On another note we have a low pressure system dropping down the coast this weekend. It is expected to arrive Sunday evening into the night. My Mom just made a pot of coffee, so I'm sipping on a half cup of good java right now. I've still got almost three full days of my visit left, which is good. I'll be back later in the day with another update, be well until then everyone! Aloha, Glenn.

Saturday afternoon I was asking my Dad what kind of music he liked, or used to like when he was younger. He mentioned two in particular, so I went to youtube and found a couple of videos. These were those two: Glenn Miller…In The Mood, and Dave Brubeck…Take Four. As soon as I put In the Mood on, and turned up the volume up in their computer room…first my Dad came to the door and was dancing around a little…then my Mom came in and started to dance around too. She mentioned that she used to go a place called the Balboa dance hall, and learned to dance something called the Balboa. My parents have always been known for their excellent dancing abilities, that probably where I got my own love of dancing. Back later with more, including telling you about the special bottle of ale that I'll have with dinner tonight. Glenn.

Ok, last post of the day, in which I'll share briefly about the type of ale that I had recommended to me by a man in Seattle…and about the dinner coming up. First the ale, which is Stone Ruination IPA, which is about as hoppy a brew as is possible. Hoppy as in Hops. It's a strong ale, and was $15.00 for a six pack, which is more than I've ever paid for six bottles in my life. They call it Runination because, according to the label, it ruins you for anything less hoppy, along with the potent bitterness. I swear, I had two sips and can already feel it in the front of my forehead. Last evening I opened a bottle and ended up only finishing about 2/3 of it. I forgot I had the bottle going, and ate my lemon pie for dessert, and couldn't handle drinking the ale afterwards. Now then, the dinner, made by my Mom whose in the kitchen right now doing the preparation. We're having something that Oprah Winfrey recommended, Harry and David chicken pie, which I had sent to them for Christmas. We'll be plating those slices of pie with sauteed Crimini mushrooms, and then steamed broccoli, yellow squash and zucchini…yum! Nothing like having a home cooked meal made by your Mom, along with your Dad and Sister. I'll catch up with you on Sunday, be well until then! Aloha, Glenn.

Sunday, January 30 – I woke up early this morning, but laid in bed until it got light. When I got up at around 630am, I found my Dad standing in the kitchen, and when I said I was going out walking…he asked if he could join me. I said of course, and we headed out. As usual, my Sisters two cats joined us, and walked down 4-5 houses before we crossed the street to the school ground. They stopped there, although were in the bushes waiting for us as we came back by there a half hour later. I've never seen cats going on a walk before, and often go to the end of the block, probably 10-12 houses away, and wait for your return! My parents and I are going for a drive later this morning, not sure where, but just out sight seeing. My other Sister and her husband, and her daughter are coming over later this afternoon for a visit and dinner. ~~~ Shifting over to the weather, we have a cold front approaching southern California from the northwest. It's expected to bring showers to Long Beach this afternoon into the evening, with even the outside chance of a thunderstorm! Now this is music to my ears, as I haven't seen rain falling in Long Beach for years, and will enjoy seeing it very much. I'll likely be able to come back here this afternoon, to let you know where we drove to, and if those showers did actually arrive. I hope you have a good Sunday until then! Aloha, Glenn.

Monday, January 31 – I woke up to a chilly morning here in Long Beach, and quickly got out on the streets for a brisk walk. When I came back to my parents house, there was my Dad in his jacket ready to get out there too. We went out for a walk together at just about sunrise. Back tracking a bit, we had another family dinner together last evening, along with a Marie Calendar coconut cream pie, which I had picked up for my Sister…her favorite dessert. Today is my last day here in California, before I fly back to Maui early Tuesday morning. My Mom and I have several financial things to take care of today, and then we can settle down into just talking together after that. ~~~ I was just checking on the weather back in Hawaii just now, and a cold front just zipped through the state, and was over the Big Island this morning. It looks like the trade winds will return through mid-week, before the winds turn southeast Thursday, and then all the way around to the south thereafter. This will very likely bring up a batch of volcanic haze (vog) over the smaller islands, from the vents on the Big Island. Looking even further ahead, the next cold front arrives this coming weekend, which could be a decent rainfall producer. We'll be discussing this cold front during this new work week. ~~~ I'm heading back into the kitchen now, to sit down with my parents, enjoying a little breakfast together. I'll come back later in the day with a few more reflections, I hope you have a good day until then! Aloha, Glenn.

It's past sunset on Monday evening, and the temperature is chilly here in Southern California. I just put my thermometer outside, and will go retrieve it soon. Today was totally clear, although outside of the direct warm sunshine, it felt cool to this Maui boy. Today was a day, a full day of handling business…in way of bringing my parents financial reality up to date. It was mentally strenuous and challenging, although my Mom and I finally did get almost all of it done. I'll be making a couple of calls from Maui to finish a few items, but they should be pretty easy I hope! Back to the moment, the two cats are in the house, one sitting on the arm of my Dad's easy chair, and the other in the kitchen helping my Mom fix dinner. I have my alarm set for 5am Tuesday morning, as I get picked up here at 6am, for the shuttle back to the Los Angeles airport.

My flight leaves for Kahului, Maui at 845am, and I anticipate lots of waiting in security lines, so I want to give myself extra time. It's been a short visit, although lots of important details got done, and I feel good about having helped my parents out, I'm sure everyone reading understands that! I'll return later this year, and fly my brother in from Texas too, for our next family reunion. I said that I'd let you know how cool it was at around 6pm, as it gets dark. I'll go check my thermometer right now, hold on….it was 55F degrees. I realize that doesn't sound cold, but somehow for me, it feels nippy. Ok, that's it, having dinner soon, and then visiting, reviewing the day, and to bed. My Mom has my breakfast already set out, and then I'll be back on the road and in the air. I'll catch up with you when I get back to Maui Tuesday at some point. Be well until then! Aloha, Glenn.