So if you are on Oahu’s Windward Coast, you are likely in Kailua or Kaneohe, or visiting the spectacular Waimanalo Beach. The entire Windward side of the island can be seen from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, where winds can reach up to 80 MPH, and this part of the island is very wet, with a lot of rain and lush landscapes.
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What is there to do on the windward side of Oahu?
Must-see sights and things to do on Oahu’s Windward Coast include:
- Valley of the Temples. Valley of the Temples Memorial Park houses Byodo-in, a replica of a Japanese Buddhist Temple.
- Kailua Beach Park.
- Makapuu Point Lighthouse.
- Nuuanu Pali Lookout.
- Kailua Town.
- Polynesian Cultural Center.
- Kualoa Ranch.
- North Shore.
Is the windward side of Oahu windy?
Windward Oahu tends to receive more rain than elsewhere on the island as most storms approach from the east and drop their rain as they hit the mountains.It also tends to be the windiest part of Oahu.
Which side of Oahu is best?
Some of the most scenic and beautiful parts of Oahu are definitely outside of Waikiki & Honolulu. Ko’olina on the leeward west side is, in our opinion, the best area to get a more authentic resort experience, especially if you’re looking to avoid some of the hustle/bustle of Waikiki.
What is the weather like on the windward side of Oahu?
The weather on Oahu’s windward (east) shore is therefore usually a lot wetter than on the leeward (west) shore. But thanks to the rain, the windward coast is green and lush while the leeward coast is dry and has no rainforests.But not to worry, the clouds usually stay right there and with them the rain.
Is the leeward side of Oahu safe?
The Waianae region is everything that Waikiki is not – untamed and largely unknown. Koolina is quite a popular and safe area for tourists, with a wide range of water sports and activities and only a 30-minute drive from Waikiki.
What towns are on the windward side of Oahu?
Cities
- Waimanalo.
- Kailua.
- kahalu`u.
- Waiahole and Waikane.
- Kualoa.
- Ka`a`awa.
- Kane’ohe.
What does windward side of Oahu mean?
Oahu’s windward side sits along the eastern coast of the island.Windward is the direction that the wind is coming; oftentimes this side of the island sees a bit more rainfall than other parts of Oahu.
Which side of Oahu is less windy?
The Honolulu/Waikiki side *usually* has less wind, but the Trades CAN be up. Perhaps to escape the more crowded Waikiki Area, one could do San Souci Beach – to the East, or even further East to Kahala Resort?
What is the windward and leeward side of Oahu?
“Windward” is the side of an island where the predominant wind travels from the sea onto the island. “Leeward” is the side of an island where the predominant wind travels from the interior of the island to the sea. In practice on Oahu.
Which side of Oahu has the best beaches?
Oahu’s north shore has miles of nice beaches and is the location of many famous surf breaks. The northwest side also features good beaches but are not as popular among tourists. Oahu doesn’t have as many snorkeling choices as the other islands, Hanauma Bay and Shark’s cove being the most popular.
What is the sunny side of Oahu?
The sunny and dry Leeward Coast of Oahu lies at the foot of the Waianae mountain range just 30 miles from Waikiki, but the contrast between the regions is striking.
Which side of Hawaii is Windward?
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.
Which side of Oahu has the calmest waters?
The three beaches on Oahu with the calmest water are all in central Honolulu:
- The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon/Beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian VIllage.
- Ala Moana Beach Park, just outside of Waikiki across from the Ala Moana Center.
- Kuhio Beach Park, along Waikikiki, stretching from Uluniu Street to Kapahulu Avenue.
Is it always windy on the North Shore of Oahu?
It is windy all over Oahu all the time but not in a nice way and there is no horrible weather anytime in Oahu that you would have to stay in your room for a whole week at a time.
What is the rainiest month in Oahu?
December
The Best Time to Visit Oahu
Rain typically falls overnight. December through February is the rainiest time of year, while June through August is the driest. Early August through early November sees the warmest ocean temperatures, and mid-January through mid-April has the coldest.
What should I avoid in Oahu?
What to Do in Oahu: 10 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
- Never Leaving the Resort.
- Not Getting a Rental Car and Exploring the Island.
- Forgetting to Bring Cash.
- Having a Packed Schedule.
- Not Respecting Local Wildlife and Animals.
- Stepping On Coral.
- Taking Lava Rocks and Sand Home With You.
- Not Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone.
Are there bad areas in Hawaii?
Makaha is the worst city to live in in Hawaii and among the five worst in the country. Like other cities in the state, Makaha ranks poorly largely because of its high cost of living and low affordability. Goods and services are 61.4 percent more expensive in the city than they are on average nationwide.
Where do locals hang out in Oahu?
10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu
- Naked Cow Dairy Farm and Creamery.
- Manulele Distillers.
- Naval Air Museum Barbers Point.
- Waialua Sugar Mill.
- Pillbox Hike.
- Ka’ena Point State Park.
- White Plains Beach.
- Sharks Cove.
What is the windward side?
In sailing terminology, windward means “upwind,” or the direction from which the wind is blowing.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.
Is Hawaii Kai on the windward side of Oahu?
Guide to Hawaii Kai on the windward side of Oahu
But this hidden area tucked into the windward side of the island and just a short 25-minute drive from Waikiki is also a great place to base yourself and immerse in local activities, attractions and fun things to do outside of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki area.