In general, the north and/or east sides of each Hawaiian Island tend to have the windward climate. In contrast, the south and/or west sides of the islands are leeward.
Is Honolulu Hawaii windward or leeward?
Honolulu and Waikiki are clearly leeward locations. The leeward of Oahu extends from Kaena Point to Koko Head, including the west and south shores of the island; just as windward includes the east and north shores.
What is the leeward side of Oahu like?
Leeward Coast, Oahu
Where Waikiki offers urban hustle and bustle, the Leeward side of Oahu is less developed, with picturesque towns, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches and rural landscapes to explore.
What is the windward and leeward side of Oahu?
You’ve likely come across the term “Windward Oahu”, and while this is accurate, there is not place on the map that says “Windward.” Put simply, “windward” is the side of the island that faces the wind. In this case, the Windward side of Oahu is the eastern shore, as that is where the wind blows across the island.
Is Kona on the leeward side of Hawaii?
Kona means ‘Leeward’ side. You may have heard of the terms leeward and windward to describe different sides of islands. Leeward is the side of the island that faces away from the incoming winds. On the Big Island, Kona is separated into two districts, north and south.
Which side of Maui is leeward?
Since Maui’s tradewinds blow out of the northeasterly quadrant for the majority of the year, Maui’s north and east shores are classified as the “windward” side, and the south and west shores are classified as the “leeward” side.
Where is the leeward coast in Hawaii?
In general, the north and/or east sides of each Hawaiian Island tend to have the windward climate. In contrast, the south and/or west sides of the islands are leeward.
Is Kailua windward or leeward?
Windward side
On Oahu, the quaint beach town of Kailua, home to Kolea Estates and Pineapple Ohana, is located on the Windward side of the Island.
What side of Oahu has the best weather?
Oahu is generally drier on the Leeward Coast (west) and wetter and greener on the Windward Coast (east). The resort area of Waikiki and the surfing mecca of the North Shore offer pleasant weather year round.
Is the leeward side of Oahu safe?
Unfortunately, there is a high crime rate in the Waianae town area, with reports of vehicle break-ins being commonplace.
Is Hilo windward or leeward?
Hilo town is on the windward side of Hawai’i island and receives in excess of 160 inches of rain a year! Hilo is lush and verdant with numerous rivers and rich agricultural lands.
Is Waikiki on windward side?
The windward side of Oahu is located 30 minutes from Waikiki and Honolulu. The Ko’olau Range borders it on the east, south, and west (Makapu’u Point Lighthouse to Kahana Bay) and Kualoa Ranch (White Plains Beach to Waimanalo Bay) to the north.
Why Do Hawaiians say mahalo?
Mahalo nui (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee) means “thank you very much.” And if you really appreciate something, you can say mahalo nui loa (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee loh-wah), which means “thank you so very much.”
Which side of Hawaii is dryer?
west
Diverse Climate Zones, One Big Island
The leeward side of Hawai’i Island to the south and west, known generally as the Kona side of the island, is much drier. Tradewinds lose their moisture after reaching the southern and western coastlines, making these areas more arid.
What is the leeward side of Kauai?
Kauai is like a ship in that it has leeward and windward sides. The leeward sides (the west and south) are usually hot and dry, whereas the windward sides (east and north) are generally cooler and moist. If you want arid, sunbaked, desertlike weather, go leeward.
What’s the difference between leeward and windward?
An island’s windward side faces the prevailing, or trade, winds, whereas the island’s leeward side faces away from the wind, sheltered from prevailing winds by hills and mountains. As trade winds blow across the ocean, they pick up moist air from the water.
Is Lahaina on the leeward?
The most popular region for visitors is the leeward side, which consists of the south shore (Kihei/Wailea/Makena) and the west side (Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua).
Which side of Maui has the calmest water?
Maui is known for experiencing trade winds that blow in from the northeast. Therefore, its clear-water beaches are located to the south and west ends of the island. The West Maui Mountains block the trade winds and keep coastal waters calm and clear.
Which side of Maui has the best weather?
Still with all that said, where should you stay on Maui for maximum sunshine? Your best bets would be from the towns and areas of Kihei, Kamaole, Wailea,and Makena as these areas tend to get about 15 inches per year. Your next best options would be in Lahaina and Kaanapali which gets approximately 17 inches per year.
What are the Leeward and Windward islands?
In English, the term Leeward Islands refers to the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain. The more southerly part of this chain, starting with Dominica, is called the Windward Islands.
Where should you not go in Oahu?
The Places You Must Avoid When Visiting Hawaii
- Makaha. A haven for surfers and sea turtle lovers, Makaha should be a fun excursion for anyone venturing around the island of Oahu.
- Wahiawa.
- Ewa Beach.
- Pahoa.
- Kahului.
