Seasonal· Oahu· Hawaii
Kona Wind Days (Windward Oahu)
21° 27.8′ N · 157° 48.6′ W
When the trades fail and south 'kona' winds blow, Oahu's normally leeward slopes become windward: the windward anchorages lose their predictable breeze and can see offshore gusts, while Kailua and Kahana briefly become calm.
Practical
Position is the center of Kaneohe Bay (Wikipedia). Coast Pilot 10: konas occur most frequently October through April, bringing heavy rain and cloud to the usual lee sides and near gales where air funnels through mountain passes; at such times leeward anchorages may become unsafe for small craft. Noodle's Notes: with light trades the windward onshore flow often dies at night and is replaced by a land breeze extending about a mile off windward Oahu; the Kaneohe Sandbar is suitable only in trade-wind or calm weather, so set a stern anchor or move into deeper water off the bar if the wind is forecast to go offshore. Kona days are the best chance of a calm anchorage in Kailua Bay.
Best for
Recognizing when to leave the Sandbar and when Kailua Bay works
Season
Mostly October-April
Nearby
- Kaneohe Bay Sandbar (Ahu o Laka)0.1 NM away
- Kaneohe Bay Ocean Waters Rules and Sandbar Alcohol Ban0.2 NM away
- Kapapa Island (Kaneohe Bay Barrier Reef)1.1 NM away
- Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor1.2 NM away
- Kaneohe Bay Patch Reefs (Checker Reef)1.5 NM away
- Heeia Fishpond1.6 NM away
- Kaneohe Bay Special Anchorage Areas2 NM away
- Coconut Island (Moku o Loe) Lee Anchorage2.1 NM away