• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Flat

Travel Q&A and Tips

  • Destinations
    • Africa and Middle East
    • Asia
    • Australasia
    • Canada
    • Caribbean
    • Central and South America
    • Europe
    • India
    • Mexico
    • United States
Home » United States » Why is Kauai the wettest island?

Why is Kauai the wettest island?

December 14, 2021 by Trevor Zboncak

As the northernmost large Hawaiian island, Kauai gets exposed to winter rains and front winds more than other islands in the chain. Because of the mountain’s shape and height, it lies under the trade wind inversion layer, which keeps trade winds from rising away and escaping before rain can fall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZUFbIIaGV0

Contents

Does it rain alot in Kauai?

Average precipitation is fairly high, especially in December. To avoid lots of moisture, vacation on the west and south coasts, which tend to be drier. But you shouldn’t fret too much about the rain ruining your plans. In Kauai, rain showers are very brief and don’t last days, or even hours.

Why does Waialeale rain so much?

Waialeale gets so much rain. The volcanic shield easily catches moisture brought in from the tradewinds; not to mention, its round shape also exposes all sides of the peak to the winds and moisture. But mainly, the steep cliffs play a major factor in why this spot is so wet.

Why does Hawaii get the most rain?

The islands receive most rainfall from the trade winds on their north and east flanks (the windward side) as a result of orographic precipitation. Coastal areas are drier, especially the south and west side or leeward sides. The Hawaiian Islands receive most of their precipitation from October to April.

Does it rain more in Kauai than Maui?

Since is farther north, Kauai gets more rain than Maui, especially on the northern side. In fact, of all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai gets the most rain. But that’s why this island enjoys all that lush, beautiful landscape that we all love to see.

See also  What are the bad parts of Providence?

Why is Kauai so Rainy?

Persistent easterly trade winds bring substantial moisture from the ocean against Kauai’s steep mountainsides. As for Mt. Waialeale, the steep cliffs cause the moisture-laden air to rise rapidly, then dump a large portion of rain in one spot.

Why does it always rain in Kauai?

But while rain does occur almost daily on Kauai, it’s usually in short bursts and then the sun returns. So when we say “rainy day,” we’re actually talking about a longer period of time during which a system blankets the island in rain.

Is Kauai the wettest spot on Earth?

Mount Waialeale, on the island of Kauai, is often called the wettest spot on Earth, with an annual average……Mount Waialeale, Hawaii, with a 20-year annual average of 11,700 mm (460 inches) from tropical easterlies,……

What is the rainiest place on Earth?

Photographer Amos Chapple returns to our site once once again, bringing amazing images from the state of Meghalaya, India, reportedly the rainiest spot on Earth. The village of Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives 467 inches of rain per year.

What is the rainiest city in the US?

The wettest city in the U.S. is Hilo, Hawaii, where it rains 211 days a year. Interestingly, Hilo gets between 10 and 40 times as much rain as some other parts of the Big Island.

Which side of Kauai gets more rain?

Abundant Sunshine
Random rain showers happen all over a tropical island, but Kauai’s South Shore gets about 35 inches of rain annually versus the 85 inches the North gets. The North is wetter due to the tradewinds and the mountains.

See also  How much would it cost to drive from Michigan to Florida?

Which Hawaiian island has the worst weather?

Typical examples of climate patterns here on the Big Island are the fact that Hawaii has a hurricane season. The islands also have a wet and a dry side, and some months are far more rainy than others.

How much rain does Kauai get a year?

The area averages about 30-40″ (76-102 cm) of rain each year. Kapaa on the Eastern (Coconut) Coast is your next best choice, averaging about 50″ (127 cm) of rain annually.

Is Kauai cheaper than Maui?

Kauai is cheaper. Just like Maui, food will depend on where you eat. Gas and electricity are a bit cheaper too. Residents find that Kauai is less expensive than Maui (energy costs, food, etc.), but my tourist dollar goes farther on Maui.

What is Kauai known for?

Kauai’s official nickname is “The Garden Isle” due to its verdant and lush landscapes. Kauai is also known for its many waterfalls including Waipoo Falls tumbling 800 feet into Waimea Canyon.

Which island is prettier Maui or Kauai?

Scenery on Kauai and Maui
Stunning coastlines, towering mountains, and lush jungles abound on both islands. However, the main difference between the two islands comes down to the variety in the landscapes, which Maui wins by a narrow margin.

Whats the coldest it gets in Kauai?

Freezing temperatures at Kokee were also reached during the first week of February 1941. The thermometer measured 26 degrees at the home of Mrs. William Danford — the coldest recorded temperature in the history of Kauai — and 28 degrees at Philip L. Rice’s home.

See also  What type of city is Honolulu?

Why is Kauai so green?

Each Hawaiian island is unique in nature due to its specific age in geologic time. Kauai is the oldest of the eight main islands. Wave action, wind and water erosion have carved once cone shaped volcanoes into what Kauai is today, the lush green Garden Isle.

What is the rainiest month in Kauai?

December
With 2.3 inches of rain or less, the driest months range from April through September. The rainiest month is December at 5.2 inches of rain.

What do you do in Kauai when it rains?

Top Ten Things to Do on Kauai When It Rains

  • Visit the Kauai Museum.
  • Tour the Kauai Coffee Company Estate.
  • Browse the Souvenirs at The ABC Store in Kapaa.
  • Enjoy a Treat at the Kilauea Bakery.
  • Step Back in Time at the Grove Farm Museum.
  • Kilohana Plantation.
  • Wailua River cruise to Fern Grotto.
  • Waioli Mission House in Hanalei.

What island is Princeville Hawaii?

Kauai’s
Princeville is located on Kauai’s north shore, about 45 minutes from the Lihue Airport. It is located near the town of Hanalei, dubbed by some as the island’s hippest town. Princeville offers a variety of Kauai resorts with views of both the ocean and the surrounding cliffs and rainforest.

Filed Under: United States Tagged With: Hawaii, Kauai

Avatar photo

About Trevor Zboncak

Trevor Zboncak is a bit of an old grump, but he's also one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. He loves to travel and see new places, but he's not a fan of airports or long flights. Trevor has been all over the world, and he has some amazing stories to tell. He's also a great photographer, and his pictures will take your breath away.

Previous

  • Is Cincinnati a hilly city?
  • What is the nickname of Michigan?
  • What is Mississippi geography?
  • What salary do you need to live in Hawaii?
  • What food products are made in Arkansas?
  • What county does Kansas City Missouri reside in?
  • How many earthquakes happen in Pennsylvania?
  • Does Sedona cost money?
  • Is Annapolis safe for tourists?
  • How do people dress in Colorado in January?
  • How long is it cold in New York?
  • How far did the glaciers go in Ohio?
  • Is Delaware close to Washington DC?
  • What is the best time to drive through Cincinnati?
  • Can you own a wolf dog in Delaware?

Destinations

  • Africa and Middle East
  • Asia
  • Australasia
  • Canada
  • Caribbean
  • Central and South America
  • Europe
  • India
  • Mexico
  • United States
  • About
  • Privacy Policy for theflatbkny.com

Copyright © 2025 · theflatbkny.com