Hawaii–Aleutian Time Zone facts for kids

The Hawaii-Aleutian time zone is a way to tell time that is used in some parts of the United States and France. It is ten hours behind UTC during most of the year. This means if it's noon (12:00 PM) UTC, it would be 2:00 AM in the Hawaii-Aleutian time zone.

Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone Explained

This time zone has two names depending on the season. During the cooler months, it is called Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST). This is the "normal" time. When it gets warmer, some places switch to Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time (HDT). This is when clocks are moved forward by one hour to make evenings brighter.

What is Standard Time (HST)?

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST) is used during the Winter months. It is exactly ten hours behind UTC. UTC is like the world's main clock. So, when places are on HST, they are UTC-10. This means they subtract ten hours from UTC to find their local time.

What is Daylight Time (HDT)?

Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time (HDT) is used during the Summer months. When places switch to HDT, they move their clocks forward by one hour. This makes them nine hours behind UTC, so they are UTC-9. This change helps save energy and gives people more daylight in the evenings.

Where is This Time Zone Used?

The Hawaii-Aleutian time zone is used in different places across the Pacific Ocean.

In the United States

• Hawaii: The entire state of Hawaii uses this time zone. However, Hawaii does not use Daylight Saving Time. This means Hawaii always stays on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (UTC-10) all year round.
• Alaska: Only the westernmost parts of Alaska use this time zone. This includes the Aleutian Islands that are west of 169.5 degrees West longitude. These islands do observe Daylight Saving Time.

In France

• French Polynesia: Most of the islands that make up French Polynesia also use this time zone. French Polynesia is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean that belongs to France.

See also

In Spanish: Tiempo de Hawái-Aleutiano para niños