Hawaii's Diverse Terrain Makes For Spectacular Rainfalls

Ancient Hawaiians Had 200 Names For Rain -- And They're All Beautiful

Did you know that ancient Hawaiians had 200 names for rain?

Rather than dreary, gray rainstorms, Hawaiians often enjoy ililani, "an unexpected drenching from a seemingly clear sky."

According to Maui Magazine, Hawaii experiences such rain diversity thanks to the trade winds and vacillating temperatures.

"Our precipitation ranges from lacy, tiptoeing mists to roof-rattling downpours," the magazine says. "It often changes personality from one street to the next."

Below, the many types of ua in Hawaii:

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

hawaii rain

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated incorrectly that ancient Hawaiians had 2,000 names for rain. There were 200.

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Massive banyan tree on Maui

Trees of Hawaii

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