You may have heard that The Valley Isle has something called microclimates, but you may not understand what that means. Climates varies greatly in different places on Maui, you can go from a desert to a beach and to a mountain range during a single car ride.
Microclimates Explained
A microclimate is an atmospheric condition that greatly differs from others in a surrounding area. They exist in small areas and the differences are small but substantial.
Microclimates are measured by the Koppen Climate Classification System. This system measures climate zones based on vegetation. Many areas on earth have microclimates, but they are most pronounced in islands, coastal areas, and areas with mountains. Coastal areas may be warmer than inland areas and experience less severe winters.
One prominent example of a microclimate is that of a developed urban area. Concrete and asphalt reflect heat, especially in summer, making an area hotter than it would be without them. A non-developed area would see lower temperatures even if it was close to the developed area.
Maui’s Microclimates
The Valley Isle’s small land mass has three predominant microclimates of the six in Koppen:
• Rainforest
• Mountainous
• Desert
When you fly into Maui, the Kahului Airport is in the central part of the Island with desert temperatures. The area sees an average of between ten and twenty inches of rain per year. On the southwest side, areas like Kihei and Wailea see ten inches or less in yearly rains. Lahaina and Kaanapali on the northwest edges are also desert with minimal yearly rainfall.
As you move east towards Paia and west towards the West Maui Mountains, the yearly rainfall increases. These areas have an average of 40” to 80” of yearly precipitation.
Anyone who has ever gone on the Road to Hana will remember three things: the lush, green tropical rainforests, warnings about possible flash flooding, and the best banana bread they’ve ever had.
There’s a reason for all three. The east side of Maui, as well as the northwest tip where the West Maui Mountains are located, is rainforest. And the banana bread? The unique apple bananas that grow in Maui thrive in a tropical environment. Most bananas grow well in the rainforest, making them one of Maui’s most popular crops.
Building In Maui
Deciding what you want to build is second to where you want to build. Consider the microclimates of Maui in your planning.
Wherever you build in Maui, factoring in the microclimate aids in building design decisions.. For instance, water conservation is more prominent along Maui’s western desert areas, whereas protecting a structure from water is primary along the rainforest areas along the east and northwest.
A local Maui architect knows the differences in Maui’s microclimates and can steer you to the best options available to build the right kind of structure for the area you want.
Let Pro Draft Design Your Next Building Project
Pro Draft has been helping bring ideas to life in Maui for 30 years. We’re ready to help with drawings, interior design, “green design” with LEED certification, project management, and permit expeditions.
We can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, and permits, and answer all your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland