PacIOOS Wave Buoy 239: Lanai Southwest, Hawaii

Wave buoy 239 measures wave height, wave direction, wave period, and water temperature approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Kaumalapau Harbor on the leeward (western) coast of Lanai in the State of Hawaii. Data are transmitted every half hour. Moored in water 239 meters deep, this Datawell Directional Waverider Mark III (DWR-MkIII) buoy is equipped with three accelerometers measuring north/south, east/west, and vertical displacements, allowing it to measure both wave direction and wave energy. The 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 Kaumalapau wave buoy (cdip146) that operated between May 17, 2007 and May 3, 2017. The historical buoy location experienced significant damage during vessel strikes and was replaced by wave buoy 239 in a less frequented area to help avoid future collisions.