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
Weather radar showing clouds and showers over Algeria and Morocco. Next to it, a warning map with the rain area in Algeria marked. Surrounding regions mostly sunny and dry.
Thursday, 18 December 2025

Algeria affected

Rain in the desert
Map comparison showing 44 degrees in Indulkana and minus 51 degrees in Olenyok. Coloured temperature ranges show stark global contrasts.
Tuesday, 9 December 2025

Global extremes

Almost 100 degrees difference in temperature
Shooting stars, part of the Geminid meteor shower.
Saturday, 13 December 2025

Spot a shooting star

King of meteor showers at its peak
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday, 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
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
Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Frontal system brings heavy rain
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