Is the windward on Hawaii island really more windy and rainy than the other side ?

Question

Shoud we rent a house on the est side of Oahu , the windward coast ?
Is the weather very different to the other side of the island ?
Is the wind really strong ? ????
The rain ?

Answer 1

Probably more information than you asked for, but here is an explanation of the climate differences:

http://www.sandwichislands.com/climate.htm

Answer 2

The WEST is FINE - a little more rain is the LEAST of your concern..... there will be the occasional family or homeless group that is permanently stationed at a beach that has facilities and shelter. See comments below! Beaches are nice on the West.... but you will get a shower or two that keeps the temp. about 5-10 degrees cooler..... but trust me that's worth it!

BEWARE - DO NOT RENT on the East Side of Oahu....

Why? Cause my wife and I did.... and it was a major mistake!

Here's the top reasons why to stay away!!!

1. Oahu has a social problem - where they have short supply of social housing.... and thus, ALOT of homeless people on the island.
2. The Eastern beaches are over-run by the homeless and it isn't safe...... even for the locals. Unless your homeless yourself, and you feel comfortable with the numbers as a safety net.
3. There are only 5 POLICE officers on the ENTIRE East side of the island..... and they have no power. Island law was the "quote" from the officer! They have no backup and no power to move the homeless from the gorgeous beaches - PERIOD! If they do move them..... it's musical chairs.
4. They have a serious drug problem on the islands and on the eastern side - "CRYSTAL METH" is the drug of common use. This was stated by the Police to my wife and I. He actually - told us.... that it is not a safe place at night especially!
5. This social challenge is OUT of CONTROL and both landlords and the local police are powerless until the State Government addresses the real issues.
6. Absolutely NOT SUITABLE for children of any ages!

Summary:
- Don't rent anything over on the Eastern side.... it's not worth it.... plus, you're a sitting duck in the beaches for petty robbery .... which is common place.
- It's not a SMALL problem.... but Oahu is trying to keep it under the radar until the social housing projects are completed. Put it this way.... there are tarps flapping in the wind, clothes hanging on ropes, and couches set on the sand.... with tattered sheets over them..... it's NOT a good site. SAD for all involved!

Solution:
- Don't risk it..... don't believe the pictures you're provided..... we were mislead and sorely disappointed. Although, the west is beautiful and everywhere you read on the NET is enticing.... but when you arrive - it is a HOMELESS HAVEN!
- The West is alot better for safety..... and you'll be able to sleep at night and go out for an ice cream cone without risking your own safety and that of your families.

I hope I have made myself clear...... I'd hate for anyone to have to experience and lose what we did!!!

Answer 3

It can vary a lot from the windard to the leeward side. You can have a tropical rainforest on the windward side of the island then go to the leeward side and see cactus and other desert plants.
It's windier which is why they get all the rain and it does rain significantly more on the windward side of the islands. But it also depends what island and where you are. I think the windward side of the Big Island around Hilo is a lot wetter than the windward side of Oahu around Kanehoe Bay. The difference between leeward and windward in Oahu is less pronounced than on the Big Island in my opinion. Kona has much better weather than Hilo.

If you don't want that much rain or clouds, then the leeward side is where you should try to rent.

Answer 4

east side is more wet and windy normally

but east side besides kalihi and china town and couple places on the west has higher crime rate, unlike waikiki the government dont really give a **** about our side. thats why they make a monorail on the west side and make us pay for it. the angry person above really makes like east side is the ghetto it aint, but there are like no hotels on the east side and like bob said before higher crime rate.
east side is more laidback, but it comes with its cons. and no there isnt just 5 cops on the windward side.

BUT CHINA TOWN and kalihi is worse and that aint east side.

Answer 5

yes, but it's prettier too, better beaches, etc.