Western Hawaii Buoy (NDBC 51003)
Source: NOAA NDBC
Strong swell
Height
2.7m
Hs
Period
8s
Tp
Direction
E
73°
Water
—
Last update: 3 Nov, 16:40
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Western Hawaii Buoy records
Since September 2026, over 47 days of measurements.
- Highest sea (Hs)
- 5.4 m
- Last big swell
- 3.7 m
- Above 3.5 m: the roughest 10% of days here.
Biggest days
- 1.Hs 5.4 m
- 2.Hs 3.7 m
- 3.Hs 3.0 m
- 4.Hs 2.7 m
- 5.Hs 2.6 m
Hs, the significant wave height, is the mean height of the highest third of the waves: the “wave height” of forecasts. Hmax is the highest single wave measured.
About the Western Hawaii Buoy
Western Hawaii is a wave buoy in the NDBC network (station 51003). It is moored out at sea, 294 km offshore.
Geographic location
Hawaii, United States of America · 293.8 km offshore
Position: 19.1510° N, 160.6170° W
Its history
Its records go back to September 2026. The swell comes mostly from the east (38% of days).
Latest reading
On 3 November 2026 at 16:40 GMT-10: 2.7 m significant wave height, 8 s period, from the E (73°).
Measured data
It measures wave height, period and direction.
About this data source
This buoy's observations are supplied through NOAA National Data Buoy Center by NOAA.
How to read buoy data
Significant Height (Hs)
The average of the highest third of waves. This is the most representative measure of the wave size you'll see on the water.
Maximum Height (Hmax)
The highest wave recorded during the measurement period. Generally 1.5 to 2 times the significant height.
Period (Tp)
The time in seconds between two wave crests. A long period (>12s) indicates more powerful and consistent groundswell.
Direction
The direction the swell is coming from. The impact on the coast depends on the shoreline orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between significant and maximum height?▼
Significant height (Hs) is the average of the highest third of waves, representing what you typically observe. Maximum height (Hmax) is the largest wave measured, often 1.5 to 2 times higher than Hs. A set of large waves can occasionally exceed Hs.
Why is the period important?▼
A long period (>12s) means waves have traveled far and carry more energy (groundswell). A short period (<8s) indicates local wind-generated swell, more disorganized. For surfing, longer periods produce more powerful and better-shaped waves.
How often is the data updated?▼
Buoys typically transmit their data every 30 minutes to 1 hour. The delay between measurement and display depends on the transmission network and our collection system.
Why doesn't the direction match the waves on the beach?▼
The buoy measures direction offshore. Waves change direction as they approach the coast due to refraction (seabed effect). Beach orientation and coastal obstacles also influence the final wave direction.