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.
Alania: 0 mph Calm Flat: Mirror Like
Kānaʻi: Smooth pathways like roads on clam ocean surface.
Nao 1-3 mph light Breeze Small ruffles on surface
Not strong enough to push
Canoe
Hāuliuli: 3-6 mph Light Breeze Small Wavelets, Crests
Glassy Appearance, Not
Breaking. Can Just begin to push canoe along
Owē: 8-12 mph Gentle Wind Large wavelets, Crests
Begin To Break And
white caps are scattered. Good
Sailing
Hāluʻa: 13-17 mph Moderate Wind Small Waves, Few But Consistent
white Caps Appear
Really Good Sailing
Kai ʻAhulu: 18-24 mph Fresh Wind Moderate Longer
Waves Foam And
spray
Good Sailing but
needs good attention
Kūpiki'o: 25-30 mph Strong Wind Large Waves with foam crests and
Some Spray
Risky Sailing
ʻOʻoloku: 31-38 mph High Wind Sea Heaps Up And
foam begins to
steak
Should not be on
Water in Canoe
Kaikoʻo: 39 + mph Gale Force High Waves Breaking crests,
Streaks of foam