The windward side is the wetter side (North and East). The leeward side is the drier side or the side where the trade winds pass after they hit a mountain (Southwest). Mauka and makai are very frequently used in giving directions rather than right or left.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPwpf0QSr3U
Contents
Which side of Maui is the warmest?
Leeward West
Similar to the South of Maui, most of the leeward side of West Maui is located on lower ground near the coast. This area is warmer, sunnier, and drier than the rest of the island.
What are the two sides of Maui?
There are two major areas of Maui for you to pick from – West and South. And each of those two sides has two sections, one with mostly luxury hotels and the other with mostly less expensive condos.
What is the nicest part of Maui?
Best Places to Stay in Maui
- South Maui (Kihei and Wailea) This is probably the most popular area on Maui to stay for both couples and families.
- West Maui: Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua.
- Along the Hana Highway (Paia and Hana)
- Central Maui (Kahului and Wailuku)
- Upcountry (Haleakala and Kula)
Is Kaanapali on the leeward side of Maui?
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). Here is where the trade winds really come in to play. The West Maui Mountains splits the winds.
Which side of Maui is the rainy side?
Rainfall on Maui
The west side, including Lahaina, Ka’anapali and Kapalua, receives more rain—nearly triple the amount. If you really want wet, though, check out the West Maui Mountains and the east side of Haleakala.
Which side of Maui has the best beaches?
West Maui is also where you’ll discover one of Maui’s most popular beaches, Kaanapali Beach. Located just north of Lahaina, the beach is fronted by several resorts, including the Sheraton, Hyatt, and Marriot (amongst others). At the far northern end of the beach is Black Rock.
Which side of Maui is Kihei?
West
Kihei is beach-combing territory on Maui’s southwest shore, the sunniest, driest end of the island. Once a regular destination for sojourning Hawaiian royalty, Kihei features 6 miles of beaches offering clear views of Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai and West Maui.
Is Lahaina or Wailea better?
Wailea is much more upscale and isolated, but much more beautiful with better weather. And the beach is SO much better. But they are only about 45 minutes apart. We stayed at the Kea Lani, then the Four Seasons there.
Which side of Maui has the calmest water?
Along Maui’s south shore, Maluaka Beach, also known as Makena Beach, is situated between two lava rock formations and is a perfect swimming and snorkeling area when the waters are calm. This area is also known as “Turtle Town,” where hundreds of green sea turtles are known to congregate.
What is the prettiest beach in Maui?
Visit Maui’s Best Beaches
- Olowalu.
- Hamoa Beach.
- Kapalua Bay.
- Palauea White Rock.
- Honolua Bay.
- Wai’anapanapa State Park.
- Baldwin Beach Park.
- Ka’anapali Beach.
What should you not miss on Maui?
TOP 25 Things To Do in Maui
- Learn to surf.
- Witness a Haleakala sunrise.
- Transform into a mermaid.
- Explore the Road to Hana.
- Visit Molokini Crater.
- Combine snorkeling & kayaking.
- Paia Town.
- Go whale watching.
What is the best month to go to Maui?
The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.
Which side of Hawaii is leeward?
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 Wailea Beach or Kaanapali Beach better?
In a nutshell, Wailea is more upscale and less crowded. Kaanapali is near many more commercial attractions.
What is windward and leeward?
Did you know? 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.
Why is Kihei so windy?
Leeward Side
Here is where the trade winds come in to play. The West Maui Mountains split the winds.This blast of wind ends up releasing in Maalaea then wrapping along the Kihei/Wailea coasts. This is why it can be so incredibly windy in the Maalaea Harbor and the south shore.
Are there sharks in Maui?
Not only does Maui have the highest number of tiger sharks in the state, the area also sees the most shark attacks, according to local scientists who have tracked and studied Hawaii sharks for decades.This leads to more shark bites compared with waters off other islands, Holland said.
Is Maui drier than Oahu?
Oahu vs Maui: Weather
That’s likely not what you’re looking for on your tropical vacation. From May through September, the average rainfall for Honolulu (Oahu) and Wailea (Maui) are fairly close.On both islands, the vacation spots are primarily located on the leeward side of the island, which is drier.
Which beach in Maui has the most shark attacks?
Makena Point has the highest number of sharks sightings, followed by Kalama, according to local scientists who have been tracking and documenting shark movement and behavior for decades.
Where is Turtle Town Maui?
However, most would agree that the true Turtle Town is at Maluaka Beach about 20 minutes south of Kihei. Maluaka Beach is easily one of Maui’s best-kept secrets and certainly a hidden gem for snorkeling. This is the best spot to see turtles on the island with virtually no crowds.
