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.
Is Hilo on the leeward or windward side?
Hawai’i Island (also known as ‘Big Island’) serves as a great example to contrast windward and leeward coral reefs. 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.
Which is the windward side of the Big Island?
The windward side, located east or north of the island, gets the most rain thanks to the trade winds, which blow from the northeast of the Hawaiian Island chain to the southwest. The moist air hits the mountain, cools and then forms clouds.
What are the two sides of Big Island called?
Diverse Climate Zones, One Big Island
Itʻs not surprising that this coast is where many of the island’s resorts are located. Hawai’i residents often use shorthand to refer to these two sides of the Big Island – the Hilo side or the Kona side. For some, choosing their favorite side is simple.
What part of the Big Island has the best weather?
Sunny skies and cloud frequency on the Big Island
Other areas with lots of cloudy weather are the central and south Kona coast, the valleys in the north including Waipi’o valley, and Pahala in the south. The sunniest skies and the best beach weather can be found on the Kohala coast.
What is the leeward side of Hawaiian Islands?
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.
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.
What are the Windward Islands of Hawaii?
All of the Hawaiian Islands have both a windward and a leeward side. In general terms, the windward side is the wet, rainy, and therefore more lush, green, and tropical section. The windward side faces North or East, where it receives the benefit of the cool, trade-wind breeze.
Which direction is windward in Hawaii?
eastern
What does the windward side mean in Hawaii? The Windward side of Oahu is the eastern side of the island. This side of the island faces the prevailing winds known as the trade winds. Here you will find lush green scenery and incredible views all around.
Which way is windward?
In sailing terminology, windward means “upwind,” or the direction from which the wind is blowing. A windward vessel refers to one that is upwind of another vessel; a leeward vessel is downwind.
Is Kona Hawaii on the leeward side?
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 is better Hilo or Kona?
Kona, not Hilo, is the place to stay on the island of Hawaii during your vacation. Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night.
Where should you not live on the Big Island?
10 Most Dangerous Places in Hawaii
- Wahiawa. Wahiawa with a population of 46,562 has a Livability Score of 58/100, which is considered poor.
- Makaha. This leeward Oahu census-designated place has a population of 8,934.
- Kahului.
- Pahoa.
- Ewa Beach.
- Hilo.
- Waianae.
- Kapaa.
Which side of the Big Island has the best beaches?
The Big Island’s most popular beach is located on the Kohala Coast on the northwestern shore of the island. This half-mile stretch of white sand is loved by many for its calm swimming conditions that are perfect for families with younger kids, as well as great for bodyboarding and snorkeling.
Which side of the Big Island of Hawaii has the least rainfall?
The Kona side of the Big Island is dry and sunny on most days of the year. That’s why most hotels and resorts on the island are located here because visitors prefer sunshine. The Kohala area (located north of Kailua-Kona) is the driest area on the island, receiving just about 10 inches (254 mm) of rain per year.
Which is the least touristy island in Hawaii?
LANAI ISLAND – THE PLACE TO RELAX Lanai entices the sophisticated traveller with a handful of exclusive luxury resorts and championship golf courses. It’s the least visited Hawaiian Island, small in size and slow in pace those that travel to Lanai, by air or on the ferry from Maui, are forced to rest and relax.
What side of the mountain is the leeward?
The leeward side is the side of the mountain that is downwind. There is less wind on this side because it is blocked by the mountain on the other side. The leeward side of a mountain is usually dry compared to the windward side.
Is Hawaii Kai 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.
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.”
Where is Leeward Islands located?
the Caribbean Sea
Leeward Islands, French Îles Sous-le-Vent, Spanish Islas de Sotavento, an arc of West Indian islands that constitute the most westerly and northerly of the Lesser Antilles, at the northeastern end of the Caribbean Sea, between latitudes 16° and 19° N and longitudes 61° and 65° W.
Does anyone live on Leeward Islands?
Total area is roughly 35 square miles (91 sq km). Its population is approximately 14,000, concentrated in the island’s capital, The Valley. There is little farming as a result of the poor soil. The economy is based on tourism, and offshore banking and financial services.
