Drought in Big Island South, Hawaii

Poor range conditions were reported across the Big Island, with supplemental feeding required and persistent water shortages, especially in Hamakua and Kau Districts. Ranchers were reportedly weaning cattle early and destocking cows due to lack of available pasture feed, as well as having to haul water and move cattle to the Kona District for better grazing conditions. Many reports cite not seeing conditions like this since around 2008.

Months of below average rainfall have led to continuing extreme drought conditions over portions of the Big Island. Particularly the upper Hamakua coast and southeast portions of the Big Island experienced the worst drought conditions.