dcsam

It's my mother's 80th birthday next Xmas, and I'm thinking a rental house or a more adult-oriented condominium on some island in Hawaii may be nice. Some friends have stayed in Hawaii over the holidays, and had rain the entire time. Which island would you suggest visiting to avoid the rain? I realize it's a chance anywhere, but I'm just trying to improve the chances of more sun.
Thanks much!
Caroline

offlady

It's not so much which island, it's which "side" of the island you stay on. Generally, the leeward side (south/west)will be dry as opposed to the windward side (north/east) which is usually wet and rainy.

iamq

I too have friends that experienced rain on Kaua'i. The sad thing is that I let their remarks and tales of rain keep me away from that island for years and years. (Pretty funny, eh Kal?)

You've been getting great advice and information about this from your other posts as well. Since rain is very important to you, pick the island/side with the least amount of rainfall and go for it, but remember, there are no guarantees.

More advice...do not check the weather forecasts just before you go. I used to do that and would freak out because they always seem to forecast rainy weather. It was always fine when I got there and I ended up worrying for no good reason.
Aloha!
-Bill

DawnCt

How about the Kohala coast of the Big Island? There are beautiful resorts and condominiums there, or Wailea on Maui?

here_today_gone2Maui

In the winter we get Kona winds, which bring Kona storms to the leeward sides. Two years ago it rained nonstop for days between Christmas and New Years, thanks to a nasty Kona storm. Last year Christmas day was perfectly clear and sunny over the entire island of Maui. I'm going sailing this Christmas and counting on having good weather. It is more likely that it won't rain on leeward Maui than that it will. Staying in Wailea or Kihei is a good bet for better weather.

auntiemaria

The winter weather storm patterns here in the islands _usually_ bring rain to the north and east sides. But there are winter days when we're sitting in sunshine here in Princeville, while Po`ipu and the westside are getting hammered with rain.

And remember, our daytime winter temps are usually near 80 -- so even if it's raining, you won't freeze.

You pays your money, and you takes your chances! 8-)

SusanEva

Dear dcsam,

I agree with the suggestions for Maui. My (Midwestern US) family spent a Christmas there and we loved it. The island is compact enough to drive away from rains, if they occur. And there is the added benefit that when it does rain, the rainbows over the west Maui mountains are unbelieveable. Maui has Haleakala, great scenery, good shopping and lots to do.

Best wishes, SusanEva

fdecarlo

Statistically, the west side of the Big Island gets the least annual rainfall anywhere in Hawaii. And of the two main population/tourist areas on the west side, Kohala/Waikoloa is preferable. The other (Kailua/Keauhou) often gets cloud runoff from Mauna Loa which can produce evening showers, or at least very humid conditions.

The other responses are correct -- if you want the best chance of sun, steer clear of the north and east sides of all the islands.