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.
Is Kailua on the windward side of Oahu? Kailua is the main shopping and dining district on the windward side, however, it is still very much residential. It strikes that perfect combination of things to do and suburban living.
Then, 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 side of Oahu is Waikiki? Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as « spouting waters, » Waikiki was introduced to the world when its first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built on its shores in 1901.
FAQ
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 Hawaii Kai windward? 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.
What is the leeward side of 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 Waikiki on the Eastside of Oahu? Oahu’s East Shore, also known as Windward Oahu, is located 30 minutes from Waikiki and Honolulu and is well worth touring by car as the coastal drive is scenic and varied. The region is largely made up of quiet, coastal neighborhoods and towns nestled between stunning 3000ft mountain ranges and the sea.
What should I avoid in Oahu?
7 Things to Avoid on Oahu as a First-Time Traveler
- Spending the Entire Time in Waikiki. Waikiki is the tourist hub of Hawaii. …
- Trying the Same Ho-Hum Food. …
- Taking Only Public Transportation. …
- Rush-Hour Traffic. …
- Attending a Luau. …
- Major Sunburn. …
- Always on the Go-Go-Go.
What cities are on the leeward side of Oahu? Included on this list are Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Nanakuli, Waianae and Makaha. Perhaps the most famous city on the Leeward Coast though is Kapolei, otherwise known as “the second city.”
Which part of Oahu is the sunniest?
The driest and sunniest area of the Island is found on the Kohala Coast. Home to the Kohala Resort Area, the sunny Kohala Coast gets an average of just 10 inches of rainfall per year, making it the most popular part of the Island for vacationers!
What is the nicest part of Oahu? The Waikiki neighborhood is the best place to stay in Oahu for those who love to play at the beach. It is a popular tourist destination with great restaurants, shopping, and attractions. The East Coast offers a charming view of the Pacific Ocean and a perfect mixture of beaches, food, and activities.
Where is Pearl Harbor in Hawaii?
Located on the island of Oahu, « The Gathering Place, » halfway between Japan and the mainland United States, Pearl Harbor will always be a welcoming place where survivors of the attack can reflect on the events which led to the war and which had such a profound impact on the lives of an entire generation.
Which side of Oahu gets more rain?
The island’s windward side (north and east) sees much more rain than the leeward side (south and west), which is generally protected from inclement weather by the Ko’olau Range.
Where is West Side of Oahu? As educators at the University of Hawaii West Oahu located within Congressional District 1 which includes Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Koolina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau and Makua we have students every semester from the Westside who are fed and raised with a negative narrative …
What is west side of Oahu? The leeward (west) side is by far the least visited of areas on Oahu, due partly to its isolated location on a no-outlet, dead-end road behind the Waianae Mountains and partly because there’s little-to-no tourism development.
What side is Kaneohe?
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.
What side of the island is Kaneohe? Kaneohe, town, Honolulu county, northeastern Oahu island, Hawaii, U.S. Situated 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Honolulu, it spreads from the foothills of the Koolau Range to Kaneohe Bay. Like neighbouring Kailua to the east, the Kaneohe (meaning “Bamboo Husband”) area was once the home of the island’s early kings.
Is windward East?
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.
What is considered East Oahu? East Honolulu consists of the area directly east of the center of Honolulu, beginning at the Wai’alae Country Club and extending east to Makapu’u Point, the easternmost point on the island of Oahu. It consists of mostly upscale neighborhoods.
What’s on the Eastside of Oahu?
Here’s the quick list of things to do on the east side of Oahu:
- Koko Head Hike.
- Hanauma Bay.
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.
- Makapuu Beach.
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike.
- Lanikai Beach.
- Kailua Beach.
- Puu Maelieli Trail.
Which is the leeward side of the Big Island? 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.
