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The soils of volcanic islands share the common feature of heterogeneity. Consequently, the evaluation and the estimation of hydrological parameters such as runoff, infiltration and evapotranspiration are complex and, unlike continental soils, have not been thoroughly studied. Runoff in volcanic soils depends mainly on rainfall, nature and quantity, as well as soil type, slope, land use and occupation. Runoff is very low on young islands, in geological terms, almost symbolic, but when it occurs it runs through volcanic cliffs with significant erosive effects. In the Canary Islands, the regionalization of these parameters is difficult due to the heterogeneity of the soils and the existence of multiple microclimates. Notable differences in rainfall regimes exist between the windward side and the leeward side of the islands, mainly due to the influence of trade winds laden with moisture (Los Alisios). This study analyses the singularities of these three parameters—infiltration, evapotranspiration and runoffrecommending methodologies for their estimation and discussing the interpretation of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]