Light aircraft ferry pilot Louise Sacchi in "Ocean Pilot" says most of the year the west coast to Hawaii route you can count on mild weather and light winds. In winter when the cold Siberian airmass pushes well below 40° they often had to wait many days for the strong westerlies to abate. The trade winds in the northern hemisphere (Hawaii) will be from the northeast, which is what your mate would be referring to at the bug smasher altitudes. Difference in comparison is you're talking high altitude and your mate low.
Hawaii?s Trade Winds And Kona Winds | Hawaii Life