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.
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.
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 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.”
FAQ
Why is it called windward side of Oahu?
You’ve likely come across the term “Windward Oahu”, and while this is accurate, there is not place on the map that says “Windward.” Put simply, “windward” is the side of the island that faces the wind. In this case, the Windward side of Oahu is the eastern shore, as that is where the wind blows across the island.
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 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.
Which is the dry side of Oahu? In general, Oahu is usually much drier on the west side of the island (the leeward side) than the east side (the windward side), so you will find most of the greener landscape along the coastal areas to the east.
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!
Is Kailua windward or leeward? On Oahu, the quaint beach town of Kailua, home to Kolea Estates and Pineapple Ohana, is located on the Windward side of the Island.
Where should you not live on Oahu?
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Honolulu, HI
- Airport. Population 20,331. 57 % …
- Wahiawa. Population 46,562. 45 % …
- Waianae. Population 37,608. 40 % …
- Kalihi-Palama. Population 39,960. 40 % …
- Mokapu. Population 9,948. 39 % …
- Ewa. Population 68,101. 26 % …
- Aliamanu. Population 37,217. 25 % …
- Downtown. Population 11,955. 24 %
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.
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.
Is the North Shore Oahu windy?
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.
Where is the east side 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.
Is leeward east or west? Leeward Mountain Slopes Encourage Warm, Dry Climates
Opposite from the windward side is the lee side—the side sheltered from the prevailing wind. This is often the eastern side of the mountain range because prevailing winds in the mid-latitudes blow from the west, but that is not necessarily always the case.
Is there a volcano on Oahu?
Today, there are no active volcanoes in Oahu. Most of the action is over on the island of Hawaii.
Do you have to wear a mask on the beach in Oahu? Do I have to wear a face covering in the park or at the beach? No, you are not required to wear a mask outdoors.
Which Hawaiian island has the best food?
From funky North Shore food trucks to the world-class culinary mecca of Honolulu, Oahu is truly paradise for foodies. True to its nickname, The Gathering Place, Oahu’s dining scene combines diverse global influences with locally grown ingredients, creating a melting pot of flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Which side of Oahu has the calmest waters? Re: What Oahu beach area has calmest waves in winter? Waikiki and the windward side (Kailua area) will all have calm surf in the winter months. There are some wonderful beaches in Waikiki that get very little wave action then. The Waikiki area will also have the best weather.
Is Oahu always cloudy?
Luckily, the majority of the accommodations on Oahu are in very dry and sunny locations. Most can be found in Honolulu or the Waikiki area, which only averages about 20″-40″ (50-102 cm) of rain annually.
What side of Oahu has the best weather? Oahu is generally drier on the Leeward Coast (west) and wetter and greener on the Windward Coast (east). The resort area of Waikiki and the surfing mecca of the North Shore offer pleasant weather year round.
What is the best month to go to Oahu?
The best time to visit Oahu is from mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December. During these shoulder seasons, attractions are less crowded, festivals are plentiful and airfare and room rates are at their lowest.
