KITE BEACH MAUI, Kiteboarding in paradise.

KITE BEACH MAUI

The western end of Kanaha Beach is known as Kite Beach. Just a few minutes from Kahului Airport, This beach is the jewel of the north shore. Kite beach offers a variety of conditions to suit different levels of riders. There is a long curving sandy beach that is great for beginners. The side-onshore winds bring the beginners safely back to shore. The area closest to the beach lies inside a protective reef, keeping the water flat in the beginner's area. A little farther from shore the waves start to break and create a great venue for intermediate and advanced riders. In winter, the largest waves breaking on the outside reef are strictly for expert riders only. The wind at kite beach blows all year round. The steadiest and strongest winds blow through the summer months. In winter the winds can be more diverse, and larger kites are often used. Occasionally Kona winds will blow from the south, creating an offshore at Kite beach. Kite Beach Maui has more windy days than any other kiteboarding destination in the world. The valley in central Maui creates a wind tunnel effect that funnels the wind into kite beach, in a better direction and strength.

Aerial Photo of Kite Beach, Kanaha, from www.bluehawaiian.com

Please Note: Kiteboarding is permitted after 11:00 am

HKA Brochure Kiteboarding map

With the increasing popularity of kiteboarding, kiteboarders on Maui see the need to step up self-regulating efforts to keep the sport growing in a positive direction. In addition, all kiteboarders are under specific FAA waiver stipulations. The FAA waiver stipulates that all kiteboarders must comply with:

No maneuvers shall be performed over persons or property not involved with kiteboarding activities;
No kiteboarding in the 2 mile long by one mile wide corridor at the end of the runway in Spreckelsville (see map);
The waiver is applicable and only valid between the hours of official sunrise and sunset;
All kiteboarders operating within the area from Ho`okipa to Waihee Point shall be responsible for seeing and avoiding non-participants; and
The kite will not be operated 125 feet above sea level.

Maui County requires that windsurfers and kiteboarders observe the 11 o'clock rule , which was adopted by windsurfers, fishermen, spear fishermen and swimmers in 1988. That rule allows for swimmers and fishermen to have exclusive access to the ocean on the north shore prior to 11 am. After 11 am, when the winds pick up to near-full strength, windsurfers and kiteboarders have shared access, while watching out for any fishermen who may still be practicing their sport. If you're planning a kiteboarding trip to Maui in the near future, please stop by any of the windsurfing/kiteboarding shops when you arrive and pick up a copy of the safe riding guidelines brochure. Mahalo

This is a view (looking East) of the Kiteboarder launch area at Kanaha (Kite Beach). Photo: D.Dorn

This is a view (looking West) of the Kiteboarder launch area at Kanaha (Kite Beach). Photo: D.Dorn

KANAHA BEACH MAP

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