Hawaii Island] What is a rainbow moonbow at night? Conditions for moonbows to appear and recommended tours.

 

Explore the Big Island of Hawaii! Nature and Culture on the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii, also known as the "Big Island," is one of the Hawaiian Islands with a unique charm.

The island is known as one of the three most powerful places in the world and has many natural wonders, including black sand beaches, active volcanoes, and spectacular starry skies.

Observing moonbows is also a particularly noteworthy phenomenon during nighttime adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Therefore, we would like to give you an overview of the island of Hawaii and its moonbow.

 

Explore the charm of the Big Island of Hawaii and its diversity

Hawaii Island, the newest of the Hawaiian Islands and about half the size of Shikoku, is an overwhelmingly beautiful blend of nature and culture.

The island is known for its five volcanoes, including Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world.

The island of Hawaii is characterized by the presence of 11 of the 13 climatic zones on earth, and this climatic diversity has created a rich ecosystem and natural landscape.

The cultural center that includes the city of Hilo and the World Heritage-listed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are an unforgettable experience for visitors.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is accessible from two airports: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (Kona Airport) and Hilo International Airport.

Kona Airport is especially convenient for tourists because of its proximity to popular tourist resorts, many international and domestic flights, and proximity to major resorts on the island.

We especially recommend direct flights from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii, which are available from Haneda and Narita, making access to the islands easy.

Hilo Airport, on the other hand, is located on the east side of the island and is known for its proximity to volcanic attractions such as Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hilo Airport is known for its local atmosphere and is a good choice for travelers who want to enjoy the peaceful nature of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is full of attractions that cannot be experienced in Japan!

Hawaii's unique and powerful nature, five famous volcanoes, and beaches where you can enjoy the resort-like ocean while staying, as well as shopping and dining, are all available.

There are also many famous historical sites, such as the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great.

Here we would like to introduce you to the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii in detail!

 

Spectacular, untouched nature

Compared to Oahu, Hawaii Island is still in the minority of visitors, but it offers breathtaking and powerful natural wonders that cannot be seen on any other island.

The Big Island of Hawaii is located on a hot spot that is considered the most active volcanic area on the planet, and is called "sacred ground" filled with the energy of the earth.

 

A powerful volcano

When it comes to the Big Island of Hawaii, volcanoes are a sightseeing attraction that should not be missed.

There are five volcanoes on the island, each with its own characteristics, and Kilauea and Mauna Kea are particularly famous.

Kilauea Volcano is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and its constant activity has earned it a World Heritage Site as one of the most active volcanoes on earth.
This volcano offers visitors an up-close view of nature's vibrant beauty.

On the other hand, Mauna Kea is one of the world's most spectacular stargazing spots, and is often referred to as "the closest place in the universe" for stargazing at its summit.
Its fresh air and spectacular scenery make for a truly extraterrestrial experience.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Recommended beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii include the Kona Coast on the west coast of Hawaii Island, which has many fine days, and the South Kohala Coast, which is dotted with luxury resorts and has white sand.

The "Kona Coast" also offers breathtaking views of some of the most famous and beautiful beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

There are many shopping malls on the Big Island of Hawaii, making it very convenient to buy souvenirs.

One of the most classic souvenirs of the Big Island of Hawaii is the shortbread cookie, rich in rich butter and macadamia nuts, a must-have item for travelers.

Also, if you want to enjoy gourmet food on the Big Island of Hawaii, driving is recommended.

Due to the size of the island of Hawaii, the towns are scattered and the gourmet spots are dispersed.

It is a great opportunity to discover local flavors, so we recommend that you enjoy the drive and the food.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a number of historically significant sites.

The most famous are the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, the ancient heiau, and the site of Captain Cook's death. Kamehameha the Great, in particular, is essential to understanding the history of Hawaii!

Kamehameha the Great is considered the "Founding Father of Hawaii" who unified the eight Hawaiian Islands and created the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Before going on a trip, we recommend that you do some research on the local culture and history of the area so that you can better enjoy the historical sites!

 

What is a rainbow moonbow in the night?

A moonbow is a rainbow that appears in the night sky after rain.

Because it is created by moonlight, it is called a "moonbow" in Japanese, and because it is rarely seen, it is also said to "bring happiness.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, it is highly likely that you will be able to see the moonbow.

 

Moonbow Attraction

Moonbow is so fantastic that it is often listed as one of the most spectacular sights to see at least once.

Because it is difficult to see due to so many conditions, it is also said that "seeing it will make you happy" or "your wish will come true".

In Hawaii, the Rainbow State, also known as the "Rainbow State" in Japanese, it is said that our ancestors brought good luck and blessings across the moonbow, and the rainbow motif is used on driver's licenses and license plates.

 

A phantom rainbow rarely seen

There are so many requirements to see a moonbow that it is called a "phantom rainbow" because it is rarely seen.

Even locally, there are so few people who have actually seen it.

 

A scene I will never forget.

A rainbow floating white in the night sky is very beautiful and mysterious!

While a rainbow is associated with bright seven-color images, moonbows are pale in color and mostly appear dimly white, and are also called white rainbows.

 

Definitely SNS-worthy!

Compared to the aurora borealis that can be seen in the Antarctic and Arctic Circles, the moonbow has a very low appearance rate, but its beauty is exceptional.

If you can capture that fantastic nighttime rainbow on your camera, it will not only look great on social media, but it will also bring you good luck!

 

Conditions for seeing moonbows

Moonbows, which are nighttime rainbows, are basically the same principle that generates daytime rainbows.

A daytime rainbow appears when sunlight reflects off rain and rain clouds, while a nighttime rainbow appears when moonlight reflects off rain and other elements.

Here is a detailed description of the conditions under which moonbows can be seen.

 

Several days before and after the full moon when the moon's light is strong

At night, the sun does not rise, so sunlight does not gather.

Therefore, the moonbow is most likely to appear around the full moon, when moonlight is strongest.

It is the light of the full moon that plays the role of the sun in the rainbow during the day, helping to create the moonbow.

 

Light rain or foggy conditions.

A light drizzle, with many small water droplets in the air, is the most likely condition to encounter moonbows.

Expect moonbows when there is light rain or fog!

 

A couple of hours after the moon rises or sets.

A couple of hours after the moon rises or sets is also a good time to encounter moonbows!

Moonbows can only be seen under a variety of conditions, so you may be supremely lucky if you come across one.

 

What are the places where moonbows can be seen?

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the chances of seeing moonbows are high because of the frequent rainfall in the Hilo to Mauna Kea area.

In addition, since moonlight is defeated by the light from streetlights and private houses, we recommend that you look for a place with few streetlights or buildings and with a good visibility, and with your back to the moon.

 

What to look for when viewing Moonbow

Moonbows are more likely to occur when the full moon is at a lower altitude, so they may be easier to confirm in summer than in winter.

It is also most likely to be seen at full moon when there are few artificial lights.

Therefore, it is a good idea to find a location that is free of artificial light.

 

summary

In this issue, we have provided an overview of the island of Hawaii and the moonbow.

Hawaii is best known for Oahu, where Honolulu is located, but the Big Island of Hawaii is also highly recommended!

Why not visit Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to volcanoes that are still active and full of charm?

And if you get to see the rarely seen moonbow here, it will surely be a memory of a lifetime!

Thank you for reading to the end.