The trade winds,  nature’s wonderful marine zephyrs, keep Maui and the Hawaiian Islands cool. There are scientific reasons  why the “trades” are the prevailing winds of the tropics. They blow from the high-pressure of the horse latitudes near 30 degrees, toward the low-pressure area around the equator, at a velocity 10-30 mph. Because of the Corilios Effect, south of the equator the trade winds  blow from the southeast, but here in Hawaii at about 20 degrees north latitude, they blow from the northeast.

Back in sailing days, these breezes carried trading ships all across the world — thus the term “trade winds.” Today, most sailboats cruise for pleasure, but the trade winds bring other kinds of commerce and trade to the shores of Maui,  attracting surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers from around the world. Nature provides.

The trade winds keep Maui comfortable with almost constant breezes that allay the tropical heat. Air conditioning isn’t a foregone conclusion on Maui, at least on the north shore, the windward side of the island. Generally building in strength as the day and the heat progress, the trades keep Maui cool — literally and figuratively. How lucky we are!

Keep it breezy. Keep it cool. Keep it Maui.

– Haole Anna, Paia