Drought in Big Island Interior, Hawaii

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.

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.