National Weather Service: May rain gauges show below average rainfall

The National Weather Service reports that the vast majority of rain gauges across Maui County recorded below average rainfall totals for the month of May.

The driest areas were on the leeward coast and in Maui’s Central Valley. Many rain gauge sites recorded less than 10% of their May average rainfall, including gauges at Keālia Pond and Kīhei 2, which had zero rainfall for the month.

The US Geological Survey rain gauge atop Puʻu Kukui had the most rainfall for the month, 14.28 inches (51% of average), and the highest daily total of 2.56 inches on May 8. The West Wailuaiki Stream rain gauge was a close second highest monthly total at 12.73 inches (68% of average). The National Weather Service gauge at Wailuku recorded its driest May since 2012 with 0.13 inches.

Rainfall totals for 2025 through the end of May were wide-ranging across Maui County, although the majority remained around 50% to 90% of their year-to-date averages. The USGS’ rain gage at Puʻu Kukui remains at the top with the county’s highest year-to-date total of 85.32 inches, although that’s only a meager 53% of its year-to-date average.