Seasonal· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii

Kona Storms and the Southeast Coast

19° 7.8′ N · 155° 30.0′ W · approximate

Winter kona storms flip the wind to the south and west, turning the normally sheltered leeward coast dangerous - and sending boats to seek shelter on the island's southeast side instead.

Practical

Coordinate is representative (off the Kau coast). Coast Pilot: storms from the southwest to northwest are most frequent in January and February; boats sometimes seek shelter along the southeast side of the island during them. But the southeast coast's own small-craft spots (Kaalualu, Kaulana) are exposed in kona weather - Hilo is the safe harbor. Kona storms also bring blizzards to the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and heavy swell along north, east and southwest shores.

Best for

Winter weather planning

Season

Mainly Jan-Feb

Nearby