As the atmosphere warms, Hawaii can expect more record high temperatures and heat waves, which bring associated threats to human and environmental health.

Design recommendations to mitigate extreme heat include:

• Providing shade through trees, awnings, or canopies;

• Using high solar reflectance building materials and colors for windows, pavements, and coatings, within acceptable local ordinances. (Refer to the Land Use Ordinance for design details and requirements in special districts);

• Promoting landscaping on rooftops and around buildings for cooling; and

• Designing common outdoor areas with shade, seating, shelters at bus stops, and other amenities.

Trees are long-term green infrastructure features with a recognized and substantial return on investment. An urban tree canopy offers multifaceted benefits including heat mitigation, carbon sequestration, stormwater management, improved air quality, energy savings, and business enrichment.

View the O‘ahu Community Heat Map.

(Back to Climate Adaptation)

Design Recommendations to Mitigate Extreme Heat:

Awnings

Source: City and County of Honolulu. “Design Guidelines: Transit-Oriented Development.” Honolulu.

Green Walls

Source: City and County of Honolulu. “Design Guidelines: Transit-Oriented Development.” Honolulu.

Solar Reflective Roofing

Source: Coolroofstore.net. “The Cool Roof Store Hawai‘i.” Honolulu.