The Greatest Kitesurfing Spots of Maui
Western End of Kahana Beach
Kite Beach isn’t marked on the map, but if you make your way to Kanaha Beach you’ll find it at the Western tip. Park your car in the sandy alcoves that lead down to the beach, unpack your quiver, and prepare to shred. There are strict rules on Maui that you can’t kite prior to 11AM, but we arrived around 10:30AM each day to secure a cozy spot for our gear.
Located just a few minutes from the Kahului Airport (Maui’s main pub), you’ll find this beach is the kitesurfing gem you’ve been looking for – whether novice or pro.
The onshore winds will bring beginners back to shore, and the long sandy beach offers plenty of room for launching and beach skills. There’s also a protective reef that shields this area from larger waves. For the more advanced, you can kite out beyond the reef for more wavy waters.
Best Time to Visit
Summer you’ll find steady and strong winds. Winter winds are more unpredictable. But really, the stats say it all: Kite Beach Maui has more windy days than any other kiteboarding destination in the world.
Kitesurfing Lessons
Some of our crew took lessons with Action Sports Maui and they did a terrific job with some really impressive rental gear (helmets with walkie talkies, for example).
Equipment — Kite Hawaii (KITE HI)
Some of our crew took lessons with Action Sports Maui and they did a terrific job with some really impressive rental gear (helmets with walkie talkies, for example).
Where to Stay – Paia
Paia is smack in the middle of kite/surf paradise on the Northern Shore of Maui. It’s the least touristy and most islandy feeling part of the island.
Darling Beach House is our top choice for where to stay if you’re visiting with a group of 4-6. It’s budget-friendly, and incredibly cute. Beautiful gardens and flowers surround the property, and there’s a gourmet shop down the road that serves delicious breakfast and has all the thing you might need for a beach day, from sunscreen to snacks. We went in the heat of May, so be forewarned that there is only one room with Air Conditioning. However, the fans and cool drinks do the trick throughout the rest of the house.
Best Eats in Paia
Sure, you’ll hear all about Paia Fish Market, Mama’s Fish House, but we found our favorite eats a little further down the TripAdvisor list: