Travel

The island of Maui, considered the Mecca for windsurfing, is quickly becoming the destination for beginning kiteboarders and is the proving ground for many of the world's best professionals in the sport. The venturi effect created by the gap between the West Maui Mountains (elev. 5788 '-extinct volcano) and Haleakala (10023'- dormant volcano) results in a nearly year-round, side-onshore, 10-20 knot trade wind. Warm waters, beautiful sandy beaches and areas set aside solely for practicing the sport make Maui one of the foremost kiteboarding spots.
The most common kite sizes for local riders range from 5 to 6.5 sq. meters for men and 4 to 5 sq. meters for women, in the spring and summer. In the late fall and winter, when the winds become less predictable, due to low and high pressure centers moving in and out of the area, sizes range from 3 to 23 sq. meters. Currently, there are several different areas where riders are launching. The most popular is the west (downwind) end of Kanaha Beach Park. Kihei and west side (above Lahaina) areas are also popular with intermediate to advanced riders. Each of these sites has its own unique challenges so we recommend, before jumping into your rental car at the airport and heading off with your equipment to ride, stop at a nearby shop for the safe riding guidelines brochure for Maui. Remember, with safety and consideration for other beach users, we can continue to enjoy the wide variety of beaches and conditions that Maui has to offer. The reliable N.E. trade wind blows constantly night and day and is stronger in the daytime when accompanied with the thermal wind that starts to kick in around 1-2 pm. It continues through to around 5 or 6 pm and starts to die down again just in time for that happy hour cocktail at one of the many local beach bars. Alternately, you could visit the city of Lahaina and experience night life at it's best from early evening to early morning.
North Shore of Maui May through mid November northeast side-on-shore 18-25 knots. South Shore of Maui November through April south/southwest side-on-shore 18-22 knots (beginner to advanced conditions) or north winds side-off-shore 22+ knots for intermediate to advanced only Lahaina side May through mid November northeast side-off-shore 20+ knots intermediate to advanced only Apart from the excellent kiteboarding conditions, there are other activities on Maui, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking and mountain biking in state and national parks, surfing, paragliding and windsurfing. If you want to take yourself away and see more of what Maui has to offer, then you can visit Hana and see the seven sacred pools and the accompanying waterfalls. Haleakala National Park is a must see as the sheer beauty and splendor of this dormant volcano with its lunar surface appearance and magical feel will overwhelm you. For the ultimate experience, reserve one of the three cabins on the crater floor for up to three days and really explore the area. MAUI WINDSURFARI KITE BEACH MAUI CAM MAUI KITE CAMP