Maui Kiteboarding -
A Kitesurfers Tropical Paradise
Nothing beats kitesurfing under Hawaiian rainbows. In Maui kiteboarding is a year-round sport. It is warm and windy daily and Lower Kahana is a large designated kiting area. Even the windsurfers have their own spot further up wind.
When kiteboarding in Maui you are not competing with other beach goers as there are more beautiful beaches for snorkelling and lounging on in the south and west and better waves for surfing further east on the North Shore.
Nearly year-round side-onshore trade winds make Maui an ideal kiteboarding spot for beginners and advanced riders. Because it is located on Maui's North Shore you have soft sand for launching and landing.
Although the conditions are challenging, it is still a good place to learn because there is a lot of space to practice and relatively few obstacles to watch for in the water. I learned here so it's possible but try to come for longer than a couple weeks. Beginners should definitely take
lessons
with a qualified instructor that knows Maui well.
Advanced riders will love it too because you can go further from the shore to get the best wind and play on the waves without getting in anyones way.
The water is balmy with the warmest temperatures in August at 84 degrees and the coolest in February at 74 degrees, making wetsuits unnecessary. Yahoo!
In Maui kiteboarding is close to everything. Kite Beach is located in Kahalui on the North Shore in a central spot on the island. Whether you stay in the nearby town of Wailuku, at a hostel in the North Shore surf town of Paia or styling out in a condo further to the south in Kihei, you are looking at no more than a 20 minute drive. You will want to
rent a car
while in Maui for the best access to kiting.
Check out some of the best places to stay near the Maui kiteboarding beaches on Maui's North Shore.
Although it can be windy any day of the year, the tradewinds are the most consistent and predictable from April-September blowing from 10-20 knots. Kite sizes obviously range based on the size, skill and comfort level of the rider but you find most of them in the range of 6-9 metres.
Monitor conditions
with these great links.
Respect for the local fishing culture means that no kiteboarders can hit the water until 11am. This gives a visitor or local ample time to pursue other activities such as surfing, snorkelling, checking out a sunrise at the volcano, Haleakala, working or just taking it easy with a cup of the local Kona coffee.
In Maui you really can "get away from it all" as Hawai'i is the most isolated island group on the planet.
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