Discover the Absolute Hottest Place in Hawaii

Known for its sandy beaches, warm tropical breezes, and beautiful sunshine (not to mention the shave ice!), Hawaii is an absolutely stunning place. While the average temperatures are comfortably warm and the tradewinds keep the islands cool and comfortable, there are some places that can get downright scorching. Hawaii has breathtaking mountains as well as volcanic areas that provide a wide variety of elevations.

The Hottest Place in Hawaii

Temperatures in Hawaii rarely get into the 90s. Most of the time, most parts of the islands enjoy upper 70s to lower 80s. Combined with the tradewinds, the climate in Hawaii is close to perfect. Some parts do get rain, often in the afternoons. This keeps the islands lush and green. Other islands have black volcanic rock and active volcanoes with significantly less rainfall. Still other areas have low temperatures, especially at the peaks of some mountains. Mauna Kea, on the Big Island of Hawaii, peaks at over 13,700 feet and can get snowfall, frost, and ice.

The hottest place in Hawaii is also on the Big Island. Pahala is located at just 870 feet above sea level. The small town has just over 1,000 residents. It began as a sugarcane plantation. Temperatures in this area often get into the upper 80s. Compared to some of the hottest places in the United States, this is still quite comfortable.

The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in Hawaii

The hottest temperature on record in Hawaii occurred in Pahala. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures soared to 100 degrees Fahrenheit on April 27, 1931. The lowest temperature recorded on the islands occurred less than 100 miles away at Mauna Kea. In May 1979, the temperature at the summit fell to just 12 degrees. It’s amazing that two extremes occurred so close together! The main factor that plays a part in the temperatures of these two locations is elevation. Mauna Kea, the coldest place in Hawaii is almost 13,000 feet higher than nearby Pahala.

History of Pahala

Pahala was originally located on a sugarcane plantation and was the designated area for the owners, workers, and support businesses on the plantation. The plantation homes and manager’s house dominated the small settlement. There was also a small general store and a sugar refinery. Most field laborers lived closer to the fields themselves.

A public school was added in the late 1800s. Originally just two buildings, the schools were renamed when Hawaii became a state. Students in the area attended Kaʻū High and Pahala Elementary Schools, which were the two original buildings located in Pahala. The Kapono Building at Kaʻū High is the only remaining building but is still in use today.

Pahala remained an important location in the sugar industry in Hawaii for many years. However, as sugar became cheaper to produce in other parts of the country, sugar operations in Pahala couldn’t compete. In the 1990s, the sugar mill finally shut down after fighting to stay afloat for many years. Today, Pahala is mostly residential with a few local businesses.

Ecology and Wildlife

A couple of major points of interest near Pahala are the large expanse of natural oceanfront and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Kaʻū Coast goes for around 80 miles and is completely uninhabited. It is the longest stretch of coast that remains uninhabited in the entire state. It is mostly park and natural area, which organizations and residents are working to preserve.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is around Pahala and includes two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can see active lava flows (from a safe distance) and walk on volcanic rock. It covers over 300,000 acres. Plants that thrive in the unique environment are abundant and fascinating to see.

Animals in Hawaii are a combination of native species and those brought to the islands over the years. Sea turtles (Honu) and Manta Rays are found in the water. The Big Island is known for large numbers of both species, even compared to the other Hawaiian islands. Other marine animals include various species of sharks, monk seals, colorful reef fish, and Hawaiian monk seals. Animals on land include goats, horses, chickens, and plenty of lizards and geckos. The nēnē, a species of goose native to Hawaii, is Hawaii’s state bird. There is a population of wild nēnē that live on the Big Island.

Things to Do in Pahala

Pahala is a small town compared to more touristy areas of Hawaii but has a fascinating history. If you want to drive by restored plantation-era homes, this is the place to go. Many are private residences and not open for tours, but you can get an idea of their look and feel from the outside.

Kaʻū coffee is also a great treat. You can visit the Kaʻū Coffee Mill to take a tour of the farm. You’ll learn about how coffee is grown as well as more history of Pahala and the surrounding area. You can also sample a taste or buy some delicious coffee. The tour goes from the fields to the operations center where the coffee is processed and finally to the roasting and brewing steps.

The Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is also near Pahala. While many beaches in Hawaii have soft, white sand, this beach has startling black sand. This is due to the unique location and proximity to the volcanoes nearby. You can walk on the beach, enjoy a picnic, or even see a sea turtle if you’re lucky. Just don’t touch or bother them. It’s illegal!

If you want to venture a little bit further south, you can jump off the southernmost part of the United States at South Point Park. There are places to jump off cliffs right into the Pacific Ocean and metal ladders installed to help you get back to land. It is a strenuous climb so make sure that you’re ready to work a bit before jumping. The only way back is to use the ladders. If beachgoing is more of your interest, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is also nearby. As its name suggests, it has green sand.

Where Is Pahala Located on a Map?

Pahala is located on the south end of Hawaii island, also called the Big Island. It is named that because it is the largest of the main Hawaiian islands. Hawaii island is the southernmost of the main Hawaiian islands as well.

You can get to Pahala on Highway 11, also called Mamalahoa Highway. This road goes around the southern tip of the island and is a great way to get around and see the sites. It also goes right by Punaluʻu Beach as well as Whittington Beach Park and the larger town of Oceanview.

The Big Island covers 4,028 square miles or 10,432 square kilometers. The next largest island is Maui, just 727 square miles or 1883 square kilometers. It is also the closest island to the Big Island, although it is on the other side of the island from Pahala.

There are 137 islands that make up the entire state of Hawaii. Combined, they all cover around 7 million acres! When most people refer to the state, however, they talk about the main eight. These are Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Hawaii Island is the largest of these eight.