Why is Kauai the rainiest island?

As the northernmost large Hawaiian island, Kauai gets exposed to winter rains and front winds more than other islands in the chain. Because of the mountain's shape and height, it lies under the trade wind inversion layer, which keeps trade winds from rising away and escaping before rain can fall.



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MOUNT WAIALEALE, Kauai — This legendary peak dominates the geography of Kauai, jutting to an altitude of 5,148 feet and constituting possibly the wettest place on Earth. Or possibly the second-wettest, after Mawsynram, a mountain in India.

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Nicknamed the “Garden Isle” for its magically lush appearance, Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on earth. Over 460 inches of rain fall annually on this tiny Hawaiian island, making it prone of some flooding at certain times throughout the year.

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When is Rainy Season in Kauai? Kauai enjoys a tropical climate marked by warm temperatures and an abundance of rain. The island has only two seasons: dry from April to October and wet or rainy from November to March, with December and January experiencing the most rainfall.

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The north shore of Kauai experiences much more rain compared to the south.

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As the northernmost large Hawaiian island, Kauai gets exposed to winter rains and front winds more than other islands in the chain. Because of the mountain's shape and height, it lies under the trade wind inversion layer, which keeps trade winds from rising away and escaping before rain can fall.

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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.

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Temperatures on land range from 70 to 85 and between 70 and 80 in the ocean, year round. You will not ever experience a cold snap on this balmy isle, but in fall, winter, and early spring, pack a sweater or jacket for nighttime temps in the low 60s.

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Kauai is the winner It 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.

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Kauai is a bit more humid than the other popular islands of Maui and Oahu due to its rainfall. From October to March, it can be more humid in the mornings (from 77 percent to 81 percent) and go down to 65 percent to 69 percent in the afternoons.

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Cherrapunji, India The town Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, can be found in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Despite being the second wettest place in the world averaging 11,777 mm of rainfall a year, the region faces acute annual water shortages during the dry months of winter.

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For years, two villages have claimed the title as the wettest place on earth. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji are just 10 miles apart, but Mawsynram beats its competitor by a mere 4 inches of rainfall. Although it doesn't rain all day in Meghalaya, it does rain every day, Chapple told weather.com.

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The Atacama is the driest place on earth, other than the poles. It receives less than 1 mm of precipitation each year, and some areas haven't seen a drop of rain in more than 500 years. Forget “photo-worthy” or “memorable.” The landscapes here inspired Salvador Dalí paintings.

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With an average ocean temperature of 77F – 83F, Kauai's water temperature is also perfect for swimming year-round! While some beaches can get pretty crowded, you can easily enjoy a peaceful snorkeling session or find a secluded spot with miles of shoreline to settle on.

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A Kauai Blog Winter storms leave snow on the volcanos of Mauna Loa (“Long Peak” at 13,415' or 4089m) and Mauna Kea (“White Peak” at 13796' or 4205m), though it rarely builds up.

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If you're ready to trade the hustle and bustle for variety and adventure in your life, Maui probably sounds like the perfect escape. If you're looking for something quieter and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Kauai is the ideal island paradise.

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Why Kauai, you ask? Well, let's start with the fact that it's known as the “Garden Island,” thanks to its lush greenery and vibrant flowers. But that's not all! Kauai is also famous for its stunning natural attractions, from the majestic Waimea Canyon to the awe-inspiring Napali Coast.

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Regarding dramatic Hawaiian scenery, Maui and Kauai are both exactly what most travelers imagine. Stunning coastlines, towering mountains, and lush jungles abound on both islands. However, the main difference between the two islands comes down to the variety in the landscapes, which Maui wins by a narrow margin.

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