Geography of Oahu

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most isolated areas on planet earth, located in the middle of the open Pacific Ocean. The Hawaiian island of Oahu is located approximately 2,391 miles west of California and covers a total land area of approximately 600 square miles, with over 112 miles of coastline. There are two major mountain ranges on the island that run parallel to each other, the Wai`anae mountain range on the west of the island and the Ko`olau mountain range along the northern (Windward) side. The Ka`ala Peak on the Wai`anae mountain range is the highest peak on the island, towering some 4,050 feet above sea level.

The combination of beautiful white sand beaches meeting giant towering mountain ranges creates breath taking sceneries throughout the entire landscape of the island of Oahu. There are very few places in this world where such a magnificent aura can be seen and felt.

The year round land temperatures of Oahu range from 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, while the warm coastal water temperatures range from 76 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Although Oahu is located in a tropical region with a continuous exposure to the sun, the land is kept cool by the prevailing trade winds that blow across the island.

Yearly rainfall averages vary throughout the island and range from an average low of 26inc in Honolulu to an average high of over 150inc in the mountainous regions. It is generally cooler and rainier with an increase in altitude across the Oahu landscape. The coolest temperatures and the rainiest seasons occur during the winter months from November through to April. The winter months are however amongst the busiest of the tourist seasons on the island. Most visitors come for and are attracted to the renowned surfing conditions of the Hawaiian Islands during the winter season.