The Lahaina Noon phenomenon begins today May 14th, 2022 at the southernmost point in the State of Hawaii on the Big Island, and gradually makes its way up the Hawaiian Island chain for the rest of this month and then back down again in July.

Lahaina Noon is when the sun is directly overhead at a 90 degree angle to the earth’s surface creating no shadow any direction except straight down. So a person may not be able to find much shade, but could stand under a parasol and be totally under its shadow for that minute.

The word Lahaina translates from the Hawaiian language “Lā Hainā” meaning cruel sun.

Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. to experience this particular remarkable natural occurrence.

Only places located between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn experience this effect when there is overhead sun both before and following the summer solstice.

Does anyone else on this site live in a place that has the sun directly overhead on particular days? If so, what do you call it?

If anyone is planning a trip to Hawaii during the rest of May or part of July, you might be able to experience this yourself! Here are the dates and times for the major towns.

☼ South Point May 14, 12:19PM and July 27, 12:29PM
☼ Kailua-Kona Hawaii May 17, 12:20PM and July 24, 12:31PM
☼ Hilo Hawaii May 18, 12:17PM and July 24, 12:27PM
☼ Hana Maui May 23, 12:21PM and July 19, 12:30PM
☼ Kahului Maui May 24, 12:23PM and July 18, 12:32PM
☼ Lahaina Maui May 24, 12:24PM and July 18, 12:33PM
☼ Lanai City Lanai May 24, 12:25PM and July 18, 12:34PM
☼ Kaunakakai Molokai May 25, 12:25PM and July 17, 12:34PM
☼ Honolulu Oahu May 26, 12:29PM and July 16, 12:38PM
☼ Haleiwa Oahu May 28, 12:30PM and July 14, 12:38PM
☼ Lihue Kauai May 30, 12:35PM and July 11, 12:43PM