View of China Mans Hat from Me viewing the Kualoa Mountain from the Kualoa Regional Park on the windward side

Windward Side of Oahu: Everything You Need to Know (2023)

Trysta B Updated on

Have you ever been to Oahu? If so, have you visited the windward side of Oahu?

The Windward side of Oahu is an excellent place for those who love nature and want to experience the beauty of Hawaii. This is also where you can find some of the best beaches in Oahu.

It’s also a great place if you are looking for something different from the Waikiki/Honolulu area. There are many things to do on this side of the island that will make your vacation special.

You can visit some of the most serene, beautiful beaches like Kailua Beach, Kalama Beach, or Lanikai Beach, go hiking at the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, take a tour of Kualoa Ranch, explore Waimanalo Bay, and so much more! 

City views on the Lanikai Pillbox hike on the windward side of Oahu
Lanikai Pillbox hike views

This part of Oahu has some amazing attractions that visitors should not miss out on when visiting Hawaii.

If you’re looking for an escape from your busy life, this might just be exactly what you need. If you love nature, this is definitely a place worth visiting!

What are you waiting for? Keep reading below to learn more about this amazing side of Oahu!

Mountain and city views from the Lanikai Pillbox
Lanikai Pillbox Views
Plan your trip to Oahu Cheat Sheet with a Map of the Island
    Me viewing the Kualoa Mountain from the Kualoa Regional Park on the windward side
    Kualoa Regional Park

    Overview of the Windward Side of Oahu

    The windward side of Oahu is located 30 minutes from Waikiki and Honolulu. The Ko’olau Range borders it on the east, south, and west (Makapu’u Point Lighthouse to Kahana Bay) and Kualoa Ranch (White Plains Beach to Waimanalo Bay) to the north.

    One of the more scenic and varied areas on Oahu, this is where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in Hawaii.

    Me and Cody taking photos at the Windward Baptist Church, overlooking a river and the Koalau Mountain Range.

    The landscape here is quite different from that of Waikiki Beach. There are also many things to do that will make your trip memorable.

    You can spend a relaxing day strolling along the serene beaches of Kailua Beach Park or Lanikai Beach, go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, fly a kite at Kalama Beach, kayak to the Mokulua Islands, and so much more!

    SEE ALSO: 25 Best Beaches in Hawaii For A Spectacular Trip

    Overall, the Windward side is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a beautiful place for people who love nature and enjoy a quiet holiday surrounded by beautiful scenery.

    Me on a random swing we found on our way to the Pali Lookout in Oahu
    Random swing we found on the way to the Pali Lookout in Oahu

    Windward Side of Oahu: Weather

    The windward side of Oahu is more green and lush than the other parts of the island. You will find cooler temperatures here as well.

    Lush and green means that the windward side receives more rain than Oahu’s leeward side. This happens because the tradewinds blow in from the northeast.

    Me on top of the Lanikai Pillbox hike on the windward side of Oahu right after the second pillbox
    This picture was taken at the Lanikai Pillbox hike right after the second pillbox

    On average, the windward side of Oahu receives about 200 inches of rain, while the leeward side gets about 15 inches of rain per year.

    Although the windward side of Oahu has fewer sunny days than other parts of the island, it does not necessarily mean that you won’t see any sunny days.

    There are many times when you will be able to enjoy a day at the beach or a hiking trail without getting wet! 

    However, an umbrella or raincoat would come in handy just in case you do get caught in the rain. Don’t forget to add these to your Hawaii vacation packing list.

    Me hiking the Lanikai Pillbox on the windward side of Oahu with mountain views
    Lanikai Pillbox Trail

    Things to Do On the Windward Side of Oahu

    Here are some of the most amazing things to do on the east side of Oahu. We will mainly break it down to beaches and outdoor activities such as hiking and nature.

    Let’s start with the beaches on this side of the island.

    Windward Side of Oahu: Beaches

    Hanauma Bay

    Hanauma Bay is a world-famous snorkeling destination and one of the most popular attractions on Oahu. Here you will find some of the best snorkeling on the island of Oahu.

    If you are in Oahu, don’t miss out on this experience! It’s definitely something you will never forget.

    Lanikai Beach

    Lanikai is one of the most popular beaches in Oahu, and for a good reason.

    Cody at Lanikai Beach on the windward side of Oahu. You can see a view of the Mokolua Island and the clear blue water
    Me at Lanikai Beach with a view of the gorgeous blue water and the Mokes

    Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, here you can snorkel, swim or just relax and enjoy Lanikai Beach’s views. It will take your breath away with its beauty!

    Kailua Beach 

    Kailua Beach Park is another well-known beach on the windward side. It’s great for swimming and is one of the best places to kayak in Oahu. It’s also a very popular spot for kite surfing and windsurfing.

    View of Kailua Beach on the windward side of Oahu with gorgeous blue water

    Kalama Beach

    Kalama Beach is another beach to visit on the windward side. It’s one of the best spots for stand up paddleboarding and is also a popular location for kite surfing and windsurfing.

    Gorgeous ocean views at Kalama Beach on the windward side of Oahu while the sun is setting.

    Kaneohe Bay/Coconut Island (Moku-o-lo’e)

    Coconut Island is a small island near Kaneohe. This place is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.

    Waimanalo Beach Park

    Drone shot of Waimanalo Beach on the windward side of Oahu

    Waimanalo Beach Park is another popular beach situated on Oahu’s windward side. It’s an excellent place for swimming; there are also lifeguards at this beach, so it’s perfect for families. Be aware of jellyfish while swimming here or walking on the beach.

    Kahana Bay Beach Park

    Kahana Bay Beach Park is another windward side beach perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Here you will get excellent views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range as a backdrop.