Re: why is the water in Hawaii warmer than the water of the coast of California

While your hypothesis is a good first guess, the temperature of ocean waters is related to the circulation of the oceans and where a particular spot, Hawaii or California for example, lies in relation to the conveyer belt of ocean currents that circle the globe. You've probably heard of the Gulf Stream, a river of very warm water that extends from Florida, up the east coast, then out across the Atlantic Ocean to Great Britain. There are many other currents both cold and warm, including the cold California current that runs northward along the west coast of the United States. Check out the ocean links from USA TODAY. You'll find out lots about ocean influences on climates around the world as well as the answer to your question.