Mount Waialeale, the wettest spot (meaning “rippling water” or “overflowing water” in Hawaiian) is found in Kauai's interior and stands at 5,148 feet high.
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Nestled in the heart of Kauai, Mount Waialeale boasts a mesmerizing beauty, but its most distinguishing feature is its astounding rainfall. Touted as one of the rainiest places on our planet, this majestic mountain receives an astonishing amount of precipitation annually.
While most people head to Kauai for sun and sand, hikers who head into the interior of the island will find themselves in one of the wettest places on Earth. Mount Waialeale in the island's interior receives an average of 450 inches of rain each year, which accounts for its lush vegetation and plentiful waterfalls.
Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on the planet. Of course, that's one of the reasons it's also so lush. You can often find sunshine on the southern side, but it's not guaranteed, especially in the winter. Maui receives less rainfall than Kauai.
Hilo, HawaiiKnown for its dramatic waterfalls, lush rainforests and blooming gardens, Hilo is full of amazing sites and world-class beauty. It's also known as the wettest place in the United States, averaging about 12 in. of rain per month.
Embracing Sun-Kissed Days on Kauai's South ShoreRandom rain showers happen all over a tropical island, but the South Shore is known as the sunny side of Kauai and gets about 35 inches of rain annually versus the 85 inches the North gets. The North is wetter due to the tradewinds and the mountains.
Summary. The north shore of Kauai sees more rain, whereas the south shore is comparatively dry most of the year. Winter swells on the north can be dangerous and it is advisable to check the surf reports before indulging in water activities.
Even during the dry season, it can still rain anywhere on the island. With an average annual rainfall of 41.2 inches, Kauai bags the title the rainiest place in Hawaii. It is also home to one of the planet's wettest spots, Mount Wai'ale'ale. If you worry the rain in Kauai will ruin your holiday, don't.
The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!
Since the south shore is the sunny side of Kauai, it gets lots of tourist traffic and is more commercialized. It's also a better choice in terms of beach proximity. South Shore is home to some of the best beaches in Kauai, such as the Kiahuna Beach at Poipu and the Brennecke Beach.
So, if you're heading to Kauai in the winter, leave the north shore for the surfers and head to the south shore beaches for better swimming conditions. While the south shore is swimmable year-round, the summer months can bring choppier waters to Kauai beaches on the south end.
The numbers: Princeville gets about 78 inches of rain a year. It's pretty even as to when it comes down too. People think it only rains in the winter but the fall is actually the wettest season on the North shore of Kauai.
Weather on Kauai and MauiAverage high temperatures at sea level are a few degrees warmer on Maui than on Kauai, which is 225 miles to the northwest. And we do mean a few — 79 versus 82 degrees in December, for example. There is, however, more of a difference when it comes to rainfall.
Kauai sees the heaviest rain of the winter period between December and March. However, even if you are travelling to Kauai in the rainy season, you are unlikely to see rain all day and every day. Generally, it rains overnight and clears up. Otherwise, it may rain sporadically during the day and come out of nowhere.
The driest and sunniest area of the Island is found on the Kohala Coast. Home to the Kohala Resort Area, the sunny Kohala Coast gets an average of just 10 inches of rainfall per year, making it the most popular part of the Island for vacationers!
On Kauai, Mount Waialeale (one of the wettest places on earth) set an all-time monthly record of 93.71 inches of rain. Part of the reason for all of the rainfall is the current La Niña. During La Niña conditions, Hawaii is expected to have above-average rainfall totals.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.
Oahu is Hawaii's most popular island, famous for great hikes like Diamond Head and stunning white sands like Waikiki Beach. On the other hand, Kauai is Hawaii's most tropical island and is a paradise for those after rugged coastlines and vibrant rainforests.