Home / Editor's Pick /

Searching for wonders: Hawaii - Rainbow capital of the world?

06:00
6 February 2023

Searching for wonders
Hawaii: Rainbow capital of the world?

Double rainbow

We all love seeing a rainbow on a damp day, brightening the sky above. If you want to see the best rainbows in the world, you should take a trip to Hawaii.

Dubbed the rainbow capital of the world, the Hawaiian islands hold the optical illusion close to heart. They are reflected in the state’s culture and language thanks to a steady supply of the coloured arches over the years.

A study released by the University of Hawai’i delved deeper into the relationship.

Firstly, the island is perfectly placed to see rainbows. Located in the subtropical Pacific, Hawaii’s weather is dominated by trade winds and frequent rain showers.

It also benefits from a warm sea surface heating the atmosphere from below to produce clouds, while mountains push trade winds to move upwards producing rain clouds.

Far from mainland U.S. the air around Hawaii is remarkably clean and free of pollution, helping produce bright and vibrant rainbows containing a full spectrum of colour.

In conclusion, Hawaii is an almost perfect rainbow generating island. Routinely creating the conditions needed for their appearance and being inspired by the illusion for generations.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
pinecones
Thursday, 11 December 2025

Winter helpers

How pine cones aid the weather forecast
Weather map showing temperatures and a 4,542 mile route arrow over the Atlantic. Symbols indicate sun, clouds and precipitation from North America to Europe.
Wednesday, 17 December 2025

From Europe to America

Weather front over 4,500 miles long
Map of Europe showing low pressure over Russia and a strong cold air flow towards Eastern Europe. Significant drop in temperatures across large parts of the east.
Thursday, 11 December 2025

Frost and snowfall

Cold air intrusion in Eastern Europe
All weather news
This might also interest you
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
Split weather map showing the UK and Ireland. The left side illustrates strong winds circulating around a low-pressure system, with gusts of 20–30 mph highlighted in orange and yellow. The right side shows radar imagery with widespread blue rain bands and patches of thunderstorms, especially over northern England and Scotland.
Thursday, 28 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Remaining widely unsettled
Monday, 25 August 2025

Bank holiday outlook

Warm day turning gusty in places
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList