Through hours of research, videos, and reading about Hawaii, you’ve probably come across many local terms. Some are easy to grasp—like island hopping—while others, such as “aloha,” “leeward,” and “windward,” might take a bit more context to fully understand. For residents, these words are second nature, but for visitors, they can be confusing at first.
In Hawaii, “windward” and “leeward” are used daily to describe different sides of each island, though their meanings go beyond geography. Let’s take a closer look.
When you hear “Windward Oahu,” it refers to the side of the island that faces the trade winds—meaning the east coast. The Windward Coast of Oahu includes scenic towns like Kailua and Kaneohe, and stunning beaches such as Waimanalo Beach. This lush area is easily admired from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, where winds can reach up to 80 mph and rainfall creates a vibrant, tropical landscape.
On the opposite side lies the Leeward Coast, which faces away from the prevailing winds. This area includes the Waianae Coast and Ko Olina, home to beautiful resorts and golden-sand beaches. It’s known for being drier and more arid, offering a completely different feel than the Windward side, with wide open coastlines and small local towns scattered along the way.
Exploring both the Leeward and Windward coasts gives visitors a true sense of Oahu’s natural diversity—from its green, rain-soaked valleys to its warm, sunny shores. For a great overview, consider taking a Circle Island Tour to experience both sides in a single day. You can also end your adventure with a cultural evening at an Aloha Kai Luau for a perfect finale to your Oahu exploration.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year-round, our Oahu tours and activities sell out quickly, especially top sellers like the Sea Life Park Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving early. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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