United States
UV Index in Hawaii — Current UV Levels
Check the current UV index for 2 cities in Hawaii. Select a city below for real-time UV data, hourly forecasts, and sun protection advice.
UV Index by City in Hawaii
Sun Safety in Hawaii
UV levels in Hawaii vary by season, altitude, and proximity to water. The WHO recommends sun protection whenever UV reaches 3 or higher. Apply SPF 30+ before outdoor activities and reapply every 2 hours.
UV Index in Hawaii: What to Know
Hawaii has the most intense year-round UV of any US state. Its tropical latitude means extreme UV is possible in every season — fair skin can burn quickly even in winter.
Across Hawaii, the UV index peaks in the four hours around solar noon (roughly noon to 3 PM local time). The World Health Organization recommends sun protection whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher: apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 at UV 3–5, SPF 50 at UV 6–7, and SPF 50+ with reapplication every two hours at UV 8 and above. Check the live, hour-by-hour UV index for Honolulu and Maui on the city pages above before heading outdoors.
Common Questions About UV in Hawaii
When is the UV index highest in Hawaii?
UV in Hawaii is strongest between noon and 3 PM local time, and highest in the summer months when the sun sits highest in the sky. Check the hourly chart for Honolulu above to see today's exact peak.
Do I need sunscreen in Hawaii?
Yes — whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher, which in Hawaii covers most of the daytime hours from spring through fall. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV can reach the ground.
How accurate is this UV data for Hawaii?
Our UV index for Hawaii comes from Open-Meteo, which aggregates national weather-service models, and updates every 15 minutes. Levels follow the official WHO global solar UV index scale.