UV Index in Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii has an average annual UV index of 9.2, classified as Very High . UV levels peak in June with an average of 12.6, reaching Extreme levels. During peak months, unprotected fair skin can burn in as little as 8 minutes. SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade are strongly recommended. UV ranges from 8.8 in Hilo to 9.9 in Kihei.

State Avg UV 9.2 Very High
Peak Month June UV 12.6
Highest City Kihei UV 9.9
Lowest City Hilo UV 8.8

Monthly UV Index by City in Hawaii

The heatmap below shows the monthly average UV index for 5 cities in Hawaii. Colors range from green (low UV, 0-2) through yellow (moderate, 3-5), orange (high, 6-7), red (very high, 8-10), to purple (extreme, 11+). Hover over any cell to see the exact value.

City JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Avg Peak
Kihei 7 8 10 11 12 13 13 12 11 9 7 6 9.9 June
Kailua-Kona 7 8 9 10 12 13 13 12 11 9 7 6 9.8 June
Lahaina 7 8 9 10 12 13 13 12 11 9 7 6 9.8 June
Honolulu 7 8 9 10 12 12 12 12 11 9 7 6 9.6 June
Hilo 6 7 8 9 11 12 12 12 10 8 6 5 8.8 June
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Sun Protection Recommendations for Hawaii

Based on the peak UV index of 12.6 (Extreme) during June, here are the recommended sun safety measures for Hawaii residents and visitors:

Extreme UV — Extreme risk. Unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes.

  • Apply SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every 60-90 minutes
  • Wear full protective clothing, hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM
  • Stay in the shade as much as possible
  • Take all precautions — UV at this level is dangerous
  • White sand, water, and high altitude amplify exposure

Recommended sunscreen: SPF 50+ (reapply frequently)

Estimated Sunburn Times in Hawaii (June Peak)

Approximate time to first sunburn at peak UV (12.6) without sunscreen, by skin type:

Skin Type Description Time to Burn
Type I Very Fair 5 min (high risk)
Type II Fair 8 min (high risk)
Type III Medium 16 min
Type IV Olive 24 min
Type V Brown 32 min
Type VI Dark Brown/Black 40 min

Seasonal UV Patterns in Hawaii

Hawaii's UV index follows a seasonal pattern, with the lowest levels in December and January and the highest in June. Here are the state-average UV levels by month:

6.8
Jan
7.8
Feb
9
Mar
10
Apr
11.8
May
12.6
Jun
12.6
Jul
12
Aug
10.8
Sep
8.8
Oct
6.8
Nov
5.8
Dec

Summer months in Hawaii consistently reach Very High or Extreme UV levels. Outdoor workers, athletes, and beachgoers should take extra precautions from May through September.

How Hawaii Compares to Other States

Below is a comparison of Hawaii with five states that have similar average UV index levels. Understanding how your state compares helps put your sun exposure risk in context.

State Avg UV Level Cities
Hawaii (HI) 9.2 Very High 5
Arizona (AZ) 7.5 Very High 8
New Mexico (NM) 7.3 Very High 5
Florida (FL) 7.2 Very High 10
Nevada (NV) 7 High 5
California (CA) 6.8 High 10

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

UV radiation is the primary environmental risk factor for skin cancer. While the UV index in Hawaii is only one factor, understanding cumulative exposure is important. Key risk factors include:

  • Cumulative UV exposure — total lifetime sun exposure, especially sunburns before age 18
  • Skin type — fair skin (Types I-II) has significantly higher risk
  • Geographic location — Hawaii's high UV levels increase baseline risk compared to northern states
  • Altitude — higher elevations increase UV exposure significantly
  • Outdoor occupation/hobbies — agricultural workers, construction workers, golfers, runners, and beach visitors accumulate more exposure
  • Tanning bed use — artificial UV exposure dramatically increases risk

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual skin checks for everyone, with more frequent screenings for those with multiple risk factors. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes for all types of skin cancer.

Check UV for Your City

Use our UV index lookup tool to find your specific city in Hawaii, or browse all 50 states to compare UV levels across the country.