Drought — Big Island Interior, Hawaii

2025-12-01 to 2025-12-31 · Big Island Interior, Hawaii

Event narrative

Poor range conditions were observed across the Big Island, with supplemental feeding required and persistent water shortages, especially in Hamakua and Kau districts. Ranchers reportedly weaned cattle early and de-stocked cows due to lack of available pasture feed. They also reportedly had to haul water in and move cattle to the Kona district for better grazing conditions. Many reports cite not seeing conditions like this since around 2008.

Wider weather episode

Below average rainfall allowed for severe to extreme drought conditions to persist across portions of the Big Island. The Hamakua Coast in particular was affected by the drought.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1301725. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.