Lahaina Noon on Hawaiʻi Island Today

The tropical solar phenomenon Lahaina Noon can be witnessed today, May 18, on the Big Island. The event will take place in Hilo at 12:18 p.m. and in Kailua-Kona at 12:20 p.m.

Big Island Blue Skies / Image: James M Grenz

Lahaina Noon is when the sun is directly overhead and vertical objects, such as telephone poles, do not cast a shadow. It doesn’t precisely happen at noon, but rather when the solar noon occurs, which is when the sun is at its highest in the sky.

This event only occurs in the tropics and it travels through the island chain from south to north.

The term Lahaina Noon was originally dubbed through a contest held by the Bishop Museum, the term “Lahaina” means cruel sun in Hawaiian.

Lahaina Noon will occur again this year on the Big Island on July 24, at 12:27 p.m. in Hilo and at 12:30 p.m. in Kailua-Kona.

Neighbor islands can witness Lahaina Noon at the following times:

Hāna – May 23, at 12:20 p.m. and July 18, at 12:30 p.m.
Lānaʻi – May 23, at 12:24 p.m. and July 18, at 12:34 p.m.
Kahului – May 24, at 12:22 p.m. and July 18, at 12:32 p.m.
Lahaina – May 24, at 12:23 p.m. and July 18, at 12:33 p.m.
Kaunakakai – May 25, at 12:25 p.m. and July 16, at 12:34 p.m.
Honolulu – May 26, at 12:28 p.m. and July 16, at 12:37 p.m.
Līhue – May 31, at 12:35 p.m. and July 12, at 12:42 p.m.