Brace for Impact: Gusty Trade Winds Slam Weekend Start
Wind Advisory Issued for Hawaiian Islands: What You Need to Know
Download HNN’s weather app for everything you need to plan your day. (Hawaii News Now)
What’s Happening?
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for three Hawaiian islands. Think of this like a "heads up" from weather experts saying, "Hey, it’s going to get pretty windy, so be careful!"
Islands affected:
- Oahu
- Maui County (includes Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe)
- Hawaii Island (often called the Big Island)
Why Is It Getting So Windy?
Imagine a big balloon of high-pressure air sitting north of Hawaii. This balloon is getting stronger and bigger. As it pushes down, it squeezes the air between it and Hawaii, making the wind blow faster — kind of like when you squeeze a balloon and air rushes out the opening.
This creates what we call trade winds — the normal breezes Hawaii gets — but supercharged.
When Will It Be Windiest?
Timeline:
- Friday afternoon — Winds start picking up
- Saturday — Peak windiness
- Mid-week — Things might change again (more on that below)
Where Will Winds Be Strongest?
IMPORTANT: WIND HOTSPOTS
The wind won’t be the same everywhere. It will be much stronger in these places:
- Mountain ridges (tops of mountains)
- Downslope areas (where wind rushes down mountains)
- Valleys (wind gets funneled through like a tunnel)
How Strong Are We Talking?
- Sustained winds: 25 to 35 mph (that’s like sticking your head out a car window on the highway)
- Gusts: Up to 50 mph (sudden bursts that can knock over unsecured items)
Good News: Less Muggy!
A drier air mass is moving in with the wind. This means:
- Less sticky/humid weather
- More comfortable feeling air
- Still some showers — but only in the usual spots:
- Windward areas (northeast sides of islands, facing the wind)
- Mauka areas (mountain slopes — "mauka" means "toward the mountain" in Hawaiian)
Mid-Week Curveball: Tropical Storm Genevieve
Just when things settle down, leftovers from Tropical Storm Genevieve might stir things up again around mid-week.
- Genevieve is weakening (losing strength)
- But its remnant circulation (leftover spinning air) is heading toward where our high-pressure balloon usually sits in summer
- This could disrupt the trade winds again — meaning winds might die down or shift direction
Surf Report
| Shore | Wave Trend | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| South | Declining | Swells fading |
| East | Rising | Stronger trades + Genevieve swells |
| North | Small to flat | No real swell source |
| West | Small to flat | No real swell source |
East shores will get choppier as the week goes on.
How to Stay Updated
The Hawaii News Now First Alert Weather Team has you covered:
Chief Meteorologist: Jennifer Robbins
Meteorologist: Drew Davis
Weather Anchors: Guy Hagi, Ben Gutierrez, Billy V
Download their free app for real-time alerts:
Or check online: HawaiiNewsNow.com/weather
Quick Safety Checklist (Numbered Steps)
- Secure loose items — patio furniture, trash cans, decorations
- Avoid ridge/valley hikes — wind gusts can be dangerous
- Drive carefully — high-profile vehicles (trucks, vans) get pushed
- Check on neighbors — especially elderly or those with medical needs
- Keep the weather app handy — alerts can change quickly
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Alert | Wind Advisory for Oahu, Maui County, Hawaii Island |
| Cause | Strengthening high pressure north of islands |
| Peak | Friday afternoon through Saturday |
| Wind Speed | 25–35 mph sustained, gusts to 50 mph |
| Hotspots | Ridges, downslope areas, valleys |
| Bonus | Drier air = less muggy! |
| Mid-week | Genevieve remnants may shake things up |
| Surf | East up, South down, North/West flat |
| Best Tool | HNN Weather App (free) |
FAQ
What exactly is a "Wind Advisory"?
It’s an official notice from weather experts saying: "Winds will be strong enough to cause minor problems (like blowing around unsecured objects or making driving tricky), but not strong enough to cause major damage." It’s a be aware level — not an emergency.
What does "mauka" mean?
Mauka (mow-kah) is Hawaiian for "toward the mountain" or "inland." The opposite is makai (mah-kai) — "toward the ocean." Weather folks use these all the time in Hawaii!
Should I cancel my weekend plans?
Not necessarily! Just:
- Skip exposed ridge hikes or valley camping
- Secure anything in your yard
- Have a backup indoor plan
- Check the app before heading out
Why do valleys get windier?
Wind acts like water in a hose. When it gets squeezed through a narrow valley, it speeds up — this is called the Venturi effect. Same wind, tighter space = faster flow.
Is Tropical Storm Genevieve going to hit Hawaii?
No. It’s weakening far away. Only its leftover moisture and spin might drift near the islands mid-week, possibly changing wind patterns. No direct hit expected.
Stay safe, stay informed, and aloha!
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