PacIOOS Wave Buoy 238: Kalaeloa Barbers Point, Oahu, Hawaii

Wave buoy 238 measures wave height, wave direction, wave period, water temperature, and surface currents in the vicinity of Kalaeloa Barbers Point on the leeward (western) coast of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. Wave data are transmitted every half hour. Surface currents data are transmitted every 10 minutes. Water temperature data are transmitted every 5 minutes. Originally a Datawell Directional Waverider Mark III (DWR-MkIII) buoy, this was replaced with a newer model Datawell Directional Waverider DRW4 buoy on March 2, 2022. Moored in water 291 meters deep, this buoy is equipped with three accelerometers measuring north/south, east/west, and vertical displacements, allowing it to measure both wave direction and wave energy. This buoy also uses an acoustic current meter (ACM) to measure the speed and direction of ocean currents at approximately 1 meter below the surface. The water temperature sensor is located at the base of the 0.9 meter spherical buoy, approximately 45 cm or 18 inches below the ocean surface. Wave buoys are useful tools for forecasting local waves and are used by recreational and professional ocean users alike. For historical wave observations at a nearby location, please visit the archive of the Barbers Point wave buoy (cdip165) that operated between October 11, 2010 and February 19, 2017. The historical buoy location experienced significant damage during vessel strikes and was replaced by wave buoy 238 in a less frequented location to help avoid future collisions.