How is wave height measured in Hawaii? I know it differs from the mainland measuring but how?

Question

How is wave height measured in Hawaii? I know it differs from the mainland measuring but how?

Answer 1

They measure the wave height from the back, instead of the face of the wave like the rest of the world does (at least the mainland).

"Wave heights are a little tricky. There are so many different ways to look at the size of the wave. If you took two people and had them look at exactly the same wave they would come up with totally different sizes."

An 6-8' set wave for California would probably be 3-4' in Hawaii.

http://www.surfline.com/community/whokno...

Answer 2

On the mainland, they measure the wave from the bottom of the trough in front of it to the crest of the wave. In Hawaii, they measure it at the back -- that is, from the ambient surface of the water to the crest of the wave. So if you have a 10 foot wave in California, it would be a 5 foot wave in Hawaii. They're the same sized waves, it just depends on whether you measure from the front or the back.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Just watched a program on waves and surfing. There are four sensors floating 200 miles out off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands. Just as I was going to get more info, I had to leave the house. IT was on the Discovery channel. Sorry I could`nt be of more help.

Answer 4

In Hawaii, waves are measured from the back of the wave, which is how waves are measured scientifically. This height usually results in 2/3 to 1/2 the height of the face of the waves. In Hawaii when we say waves are 8 - 10 feet, that means the face of the wave is about 16 - 20 feet high.