MAUI WIND MAPS
Here on Maui we enjoy prevailing Tradewinds out of the northeast. These warm winds blow fairly consistently almost every day. It's one of the reasons why windsurfers and kiteboarders love it here, along with the warm ocean water and wave action. The tradewinds are so consistent that many of us are using this resource to power our homes - by way of wind turbines. As more and more people are experimenting with "green living", the trend is likely to increase. If you're thinking about harnessing the wind for your own use, it's nice to know if it would be feasible in your area. How can you tell? What if you wanted to move here - would you like to know which parts of the island are windy or not windy?
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), Maui Electric Company (MECO), and others have funded a study to produce high-resolution wind resource maps for the islands of Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai. CLICK HERE to view the list of maps. The purpose is to provide current data, when considering areas favorable for wind energy production in the Hawaiian islands.
Maui has already jumped on board with a 20 turbine project called the Kaheawa Wind Farm, which provides about 10% of our electrical needs.
For more info about Maui and moving to Maui, be sure to call your favorite Realtor, for the local perspective.
Aloha from Maui, and may the tradewinds always be blowing!
Okay this is cool. I am using your maps Georgie and head to Kanaha for a evening windsurf session.
Steve Maui
Steve - haha - like you need a map! Have fun at the beach - I'll be sweating it out in my garden.
This is pretty cool Georgie. It is a little surprising too. I expected the map to look a little different. This might be a good post for the eco-group too.
Pete - OK you're right, and I did post it into the eco group ... : )
Nice pictures. Looks like its very windy out there!
Converting wind to energy is rapidly gaining popularity.
Are there any good wind resource maps for us main landers?
Ruthmarie - yes, but we love the wind, it brings all that clean fresh air in, and blows away the pollution.
Sabrina - that's a good question.... probably. If I find some I'll let you know.
Georgina~
I love the idea of renewable and net zero energy possibilities. I can imagine how GOOD it must feel...especially in Hawaii =)
JaneAnne - we are letting a lot of free energy blow away
The more I read about your state the more convinced I am that I need to visit it!!!!!!!!!!!