Wind Strength and Sea Conditons
Understanding how strong the wind is blowing and how that wind affects sea surface conditions is critical to not only effectively operating a canoes but ensuring crew safety. . The wind and sea surface categories described below are based on traditional Hawaiian sea descriptions. We have used these traditional descriptions to form a relationship to the modern method of determining wind strength by miles per hour.
Kānaʻi: Smooth pathways like roads on clam ocean surface.
Alania: 0 mph Calm Flat: Mirror Like
Nao 1+ mph light Breeze Small ruffles on surface
Not strong enough to push Canoe
Hāuliuli: 3+ mph Light Breeze SmallWavelets, Crests Glassy Appearance, Not Breaking. Can just begin to push canoe along
Owē: 8+ mph Gentle Wind Large wavelets, Crests Begin To Break And
white caps are scattered. Good Sailing
Hāluʻa: 13+ mph Moderate Wind Small Waves, Few But Consistent
white Caps appear
Really Good Sailing
Kai ʻAhulu: 18+ mph Fresh Wind Moderate Longer
Waves, Foam And spray
Good Sailing but needs good attention
Kūpiki'ō 25+ mph Strong Wind Large Waves with foam crests and some spray Risky Sailing
