If you’ve spent time in Hawaii, you’ve probably felt the famous trade winds — the steady breezes that help keep the islands cool year-round. But during certain times of year, the wind patterns can shift dramatically, bringing Kona winds, humidity, and even storms.
Here’s a simple guide to understanding Hawaii’s trade winds, Kona winds, and seasonal weather patterns, and what to expect if you’re visiting or living here.
What Are Trade Winds in Hawaii?
Trade winds account for 70% of all winds in Hawaii and are the most common winds over Hawaiian waters. These winds, which blow from a NE to ENE direction, became known as trade winds hundreds of years ago when trade ships carrying cargo depended on these easterly winds around the earth in the subtropics for speedy passage.
When Are Trade Winds Strongest?
During the summer, trades prevail more than 90% of the time, sometimes persisting throughout an entire month. However, in the winter (January through March), trade winds may occur only 40% to 60% of the time. Though pleasantly brisk and refreshingly cool on land, strong, gusty trade winds can cause problems for mariners. Blowing from the NE through East direction, these strong trades funnel through the major channels between the islands at speeds 5-20 knots faster than the speeds over the open ocean.
How Trade Winds Affect the Islands
On Maui’s North Shore, surfers often rely on the trade winds to shape wave conditions, while in Kona on the Big Island, the reversal of winds can bring still, humid days.
North Pacific high-pressure systems are responsible for the majority of gusty trade winds over Hawaiian waters, which commonly persist for several days before tapering off. Trade winds are strongest in the summertime. Trade winds are usually at their lowest frequency in September and October.
What Are Kona Winds?
Kona winds is a Hawaiian term for the stormy, rain-bearing winds that blow over the islands from the SW or SSW in the opposite direction of trade winds. The western, or leeward sides of the islands, then become windward in this case, as the predominant wind pattern is reversed.
When Do Kona Winds Occur in Hawaii?
Kona winds occur when a low-pressure center is within 500 miles Northwest of the Islands. Although strong Kona winds usually don’t last for more than a day or so.
Understanding Hawaii’s Seasonal Wind Patterns
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Summer (May–September): Strong, steady trade winds dominate.
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Fall (October–November): Trades weaken; variable winds more common.
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Winter (December–March): Trades alternate with Kona winds.
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Spring (April–May): Winds gradually strengthen again
Hawaii’s wind patterns shape our weather, surf, and even daily life. Whether you’re planning a surf trip, a hike, or buying a home in Hawaii, understanding Hawaii’s trade winds and Kona winds helps you make the most of island living.
Marisa Kagan
January 6, 2012
Great information!! I never exactly knew what the term Kona winds meant.
Beth Thoma Robinson R(B)
January 9, 2012
Today is a perfect example. Our “makani o kohala”, the tradewinds that are so characteristic of North Kohala, have died down. With the Kona wind, there is a haze on the horizon and I can’t see Maui from my home in Hawi.
One thing for buyers to look is how a home is oriented relative to the prevailing winds. In other words, in Kohala you would not want your lanai facing towards the Northeast…and in Kailua Kona you would want to ask whether the home is oriented mauka-makai to take advantage of the cooling onshore breezes.