Seasonal· Oahu· Hawaii
Kona Storm Season (Oahu)
21° 18.4′ N · 157° 52.0′ W · approximate
When the trades fail in autumn and winter, southerly 'kona' winds and storms turn Oahu's normally sheltered leeward harbors and anchorages into lee shores.
Practical
Position is Honolulu (approx). Coast Pilot 10: kona weather (kona storms when stormy) is more likely later in autumn or early winter when the trades diminish and give way to south winds; Ala Wai can be entered in all weather except kona storms; the Maunalua Bay anchorage shelters small craft in all weather except kona storms; leave the Mamala Bay anchorages in strong kona winds. Noodle's Notes adds that winds can shift suddenly in the night, so always anchor with room to swing. Ko Olina is Noodle's chosen refuge when a hurricane threatens.
Best for
Knowing when the south shore stops being the lee
Season
Mostly Oct-Apr
Nearby
- Honolulu Harbor and Aloha TowerRight here
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture Vessel Arrival Inspection0.3 NM away
- Honolulu Port of Entry (CBP)0.3 NM away
- Iolani Palace0.4 NM away
- West Marine Honolulu0.4 NM away
- City Mill Honolulu (Iwilei hardware)0.5 NM away
- Moku Kitchen (SALT at Kakaako)0.6 NM away
- The Queen's Medical Center (Honolulu)0.7 NM away