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What is the windward and leeward side of Oahu?

Author

Daniel Martin

Updated on April 06, 2026

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 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 does windward side mean in Hawaii?

Perhaps you’ve heard the terms windward and leeward when referring to different parts of the Hawaiian Islands. 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 the leeward 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. At the very end of the road, you can hike to Oahu’s western-most point at sacred Kaena Point for incredible Pacific Ocean views.

Which 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.

What are the windward and Leeward Islands?

In English, the term Leeward Islands refers to the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain. The more southerly part of this chain, starting with Dominica, is called the Windward Islands.

What is the east side of Oahu called?

Windward 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’s the windward side?

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. As trade winds blow across the ocean, they pick up moist air from the water.

What are the different sides of Oahu?

Home to the majority of Hawaii’s population plus a wealth of activities and attractions, the island of Oahu is carved into five distinct and dynamic regions: Honolulu, the Windward Coast, Central Oahu, the Leeward Coast and the North Shore.

Is windward West?

Windward (/ˈwɪndwərd, ˈwɪnərd/) is the direction upwind from the point of reference, i.e. towards the direction from which the wind is coming. Leeward (/ˈliːwərd, ˈljuːərd/) is the direction downwind from the point of reference, i.e. along the direction towards which the wind is going.

What are the Leeward Islands?

The Leeward Islands are composed of the many smaller islands that make up the Lesser Antilles, including Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Nevis, Redonda, Saba, St. Barts, Saint Kitts, Saint Martin, Sint Eustatius, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.