Leeward Coast Overview

The Leeward Coast has been called the Wild West of Oahu. Driving from Honolulu to the Leeward side of the island is like entering New Mexico—arid brown mountains replace lush green ones, and thick tangles of dry undergrowth supplant the canopy of tall trees. This sunnier, drier side of the island has a striking, stark beauty, complemented by some of the least-spoiled and most beautiful beaches on the island, due to a lack of development and tourism; this is also the reason for worse socioeconomic conditions on this part of the island. On calm days, the Pacific resembles a rippling mirror, and in winter, the surf can surge up to 20 ft. in height. Depending on the waves, the Leeward Coast has great conditions for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, canoeing, bodyboarding, and surfing. Anyone is bound to get a rush while admiring some of the most liberating swaths of land and sea Oahu has to offer.

The Leeward Coast is home to a large population of Native Hawaiians; despite some foreign development in the area, many locals are possessive of their land and way of life. While there are plentiful campgrounds, if you plan to camp, it’s a smart idea to bring some friends along. Don’t get caught in the Leeward area alone at night; it’s among the more dangerous areas of the island.