Air Flow in the Central Valley of Maui, Hawaii

Abstract

Low-level winds in the central valley of the island of Maui were investigated in a field program during August 1976. Forty-one sites were occupied using three mobile stations during a period of persistent trade winds. Contemporaneous data from the Kahului Weather Service Office as well as other Hawaiian stations were collected to relate field observations to large-scale events. Streamline analyses reflect the diurnal variation of the low-level circulation which is profoundly influenced by Haleakala and West Maui volcanoes. The field survey was utilized in planning new fixed stations to monitor wind characteristics for wind power applications. Preliminary fixed station results are discussed. The importance of diurnal mesoscale patterns on wind power planning was emphasized.