The longest day of the year has passed. Because Hawaii is close to the equator, even our longest day of the year only had a 7:22pm sunset. That’s much earlier than for those who live on the mainland.
We also have another solar event coming up and Hawaii is the only place in the U.S. where it happens. It’s Lahaina Noon which appears for the second and last time this year in July.
If you’re lucky to be on your Hawaii vacation this month, follow the calendar below and see what happens when the sun is directly overhead and doesn’t cast shadows.
This phenomenon only takes place between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. It was named Lahaina Noon through a competition at Honolulu’s Bishop Museum. “Lahaina” it turns out is literally interpreted as “cruel sun.”
Here’s the July 2011 schedule:
