Rain, Rain, It's Here to Stay
Despite popular belief, it is NOT always sunny in Hawaii!
In fact, according to Forbes.com, Hilo (where I live) is America’s Rainiest City, with an average of 120 annual inches of rain, coming down 277 out of the 365 days of the year.
Yeah, that’s a lot of rain, so much so that Hilo is considered a rainforest.
Now don’t get me wrong, I was warned fair and square that I might not see the sun for weeks at a time, but decided to venture across the ocean anyway. And so far, no regrets (although I am super glad my dad bought me a nice North Face rain jacket for my birthday…it has been crucial. Thanks Dad!). But really, the weather is completely unpredictable out here. I’ve given up on the Weather Channel…it’s no use! I wake up to a downpour right outside my window then get ready for class and open the door 20 minutes later only to be blasted by intense sunlight. And then, while riding my bike to school, it starts drizzling! Before Hawaii, I will admit I didn’t enjoy getting rained on, but when it rains almost everyday….you learn to love it!
Here’s how I’ve like to look at it: I try to think of Hilo’s weather like one of my best friends. Just because she’s in a bad mood every once in a while doesn’t mean I don’t like her, right? Well…just because it rains (even for days at a time) doesn’t mean I don’t like Hilo!!!
On a side note – Last year at USC, rainy afternoons were perfect for napping. However, in Hawaii, I’ve learned to become quite productive in the rain, or else I’d be sleeping my days away!
Until next time…Aloha!