Central Maui

KANAHA BEACH PARK (KITE BEACH)
Action Beach, Pro Beach, Ka'a Point, Flash Beach, Kanaha Beach Park
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 the beach. 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.  Click here for more information about Kanaha Beach

WAIHEE BEACH PARK
Rest rooms, long wide beach, showers, parking, and picnic tables. Works best during strong easterly trades, and east through north swell. Expect strong onshore gusts. Use caution  and respect around other beachgoers. Lock your car. Do not  kite anywhere near divers, fishermen, or other beach goers, especially the locals. Use caution. This beach is narrow and relatively free of crowds. Mostly local families and fishermen who sometimes camp here. The beach faces east and is a popular fishing spot with surfing on the surrounding reef. The water here is mostly shallow with channels through the reef. Beware of shallow water and coral heads.

WAIEHU BEACH PARK
Parking and one restroom. Residential Area. Drive and park respectfully, Lock your car. Good to excellent kiting can be found here during strong easterly trades, especially during trade driven wind swell. Stay away from fishing lines, and skin divers.  Expect strong onshore wind.

KAHULUI BEACH
Kahului beach has no parking, restrooms, or tables. The area west and downwind of the Kahului waste-water treatment plant and immediately outside of Kanaha Beach Park is utilized by kite schools, fisherman and some cruise ship people, no crowds and a narrow launch. Beware of submerged debris near old jetty, Lock your car.

PIER ONE
Pier One can be paddled into, but nowadays is used by tow in surfers and the occasional kiteboarder. It gets big at Pier one, but you know it has a deep channel too on the downwind (western end). Kiters launch at kite beach or Kahului Beach and ride down to the break. If you trash your gear the only exit might be over the concrete "Jacks" at the harbor break wall. My good buddy told me that it was way tougher to tow-in than Jaws (not necessarily bigger), because the wave breaks faster and less predictably. He told me that one day he got caught inside a close out set and had to swim through "a seventeen wave set" before the jet ski could get him out. Experts only when it is big. Always ride here with a buddy. Sharky.

UPPER KANAHA (Uppers)
Uppers (Upper Kanaha) Access from lowers and ride upwind outside all the windsurfers, or ride downwind from Stable Road. Uppers is a great riding wave with plenty of size in the right swell. This spot will be shared with many windsurfers who are long time regulars here. Give everyone plenty of room and don't hog the waves. Do not fly your kite over the non-kiters. If you lose your gear it is a very long swim in. Beware of the "Weird Wave" Just downwind which can be very dangerous.

SPRECKS BEACH (also known as Euro beach)
No Kiting at Sprecks Beach. Sprecks has been very well know to windsurfers for many years. It is accessed from Stable road and then a winding dirt road that follows the shoreline under the kiawe trees. The road ends in a sandy parking area, there are porta-potties (toilets)  and shady trees. The beach is long and sandy with a shallow reef just offshore. The wind here is usually strong and side-shore. But unfortunately Sprecks lies too close to the Airport Runway. The Sprecks beach is off limits to kiteboarding. Kites launching here would interfere with the airport runway clear zone. Sprecks Beach lies within the mandated corridor that is specified in the FAA Waiver that allows kiteboarding on Maui's North Shore.

SUGAR COVE
Sugar Cove Beach. There is one public access way to the beach at Sugar Cove, to get there, Turn off highway 360, halfway between Stable Road and Baldwin beach, you will see Nonohe Place. Drive to the end of Nonohe and turn left at the "T". Drive to the end of Paani Place and park. There is not much parking, so do not block any driveways, and then you can walk down to the "Shoreline Access" path to the right, it that leads to a sandy beach at Sugar Cove. Try to launch away from the turbulent wind at the upwind end of the beach. the beach is narrow at high tide. You must only ride upwind (East) from this launch area. To ride downwind would put you in the no-fly zone of the runway flight path. Please be respectful of local residents, and local rules.

TAVARES BAY
No kite launching at Tavares. Tavares is an advanced surf break favored by short-boarders and body-boarders. There is a small parking area next to a house with a blue tile roof. There is a reef that you can paddle around and the break is off to the right in the bay. The wave is short and fast. Unless you are really desperate, you are better off leaving this wave to the locals. Tavares is protected from the wind and larger waves because it is situated deep in the bay. So it will be one of the last places on the north shore to get blown out when it is windy. This wave has a limited capacity for surfers, and any more than about ten surfers on the break is a crowd, so you better know your wave etiquette before paddling out here.

LANES (Wana Beach)
consists of a rock shelf and a keyhole for launching. It takes skills to launch here without getting dragged across the rocks. A good idea to wear booties. Have a reliable person launch your kite for you. You will have to wait for a good gust before you launch, because there is a bit of a wind shadow here. Just a few hundred yards offshore is a reef-line that creates the well formed waves. Some of the largest kite-able waves on Maui are found here. there are several deep channels that allow the rider to get out the back when the waves are big. This is an experts only area. With serious consequences if you bail in big waves. If you stall out your kite on a big wave and get slack lines, get out of there, go sideways if you can, but you do not want to get wrapped in your lines. On smaller days this spot is relatively easy to ride. It is the launching and landing that presents the biggest challenge. Also it could be "possible" to ride lanes in a Kona wind (side offshore), but it is extremely dangerous if you get blown out to sea. Which is a definite possibility. So it is generally not worth the risk.

HO'OKIPA BEACH PARK
Ho'okipa (kiting only allowed during contests)
Characterized by a rocky shoreline and strong currents. This beach is popular for surfing and windsurfing. The sandy part of the beach is actually not that big so it gets crowded very easily. A Ho'okipa there is a "ten man rule", which means that if there is more than ten surfers in the water, you can not go out on your windsurfer. In the morning the beach is the domain of divers and surfers. There is no windsurfing before 11am (11 o'clock rule), No windsurfing if there is more than 5 surfers at the "H'poko" break. This means that there is not much room left for kiteboarders. That is why we do not kite there except for during kiteboarding contests. Ho'okipa is an important beach for watersports, the crown jewel of the North Shore, and it should not be overused or abused. A There are three main breaks at Ho'okipa, From west to east they are, H'poko, Middles, and Pavilions. Pavilions is a surfing only break, and is usually in a wind shadow anyway (that's why it is a good surfing break), Mostly the waveriding is at H'poko with some cross-over to middles.  the waves can be ridden upwind,  than a downwind bear-away wave-ride towards the rocky point and a last minute exit out the channel.

South Maui

LA PEROUSE BAY (DUMPS)
Drive to the end of South Kihei Road going south. Turn right at a gravel parking area directly near the water. Kiteboarding at high and low tide is possible during northerly trades or south westerly. Strongly not recommended as the winds are known to change drastically in direction and speed.
 

KAMOLE BEACH PARKS I, II & III
Although kiting is possible at any one of these three beach parks it is not recommended as it is heavily utilized by the general public, resorts and condos in the surrounding area.

BIG BEACH MAKENA (ONELOA)
Kiting possible from any position on this beach during Kona winds and north north westerly.  West winds are too impacted here.  Use caution and give way to swimmers and snorkelers: the rule on Maui is kiters must be 150 feet from all other beach and water users.

ONEULI BEACH
North of Little beach accessible by driving - turn ocean side two rights before big beach.  Kiting possible during north, west and south winds. 

MAKENA BEACH
Kiteable during north, west and south winds.

POLO BEACH
Restrooms and showers are available.  Beach is heavily utilized by the resort. 

ULUA BEACH
Too small for kiting. Has excellent swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing. Early morning and sunset walkers and joggers abound. this beach is where many SCUBA instructors bring their students for their introductory beach dives, especially early in the morning. They have nice bathrooms and showers but the parking is tight.

MOKAPU BEACH PARK
Too small and too heavily utilized for kiting. Excellent swimming and snorkeling. Water sports equipment rentals are available at concessions in front of  the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort.

KEAWAKAPU BEACH
Kiteboarders can access from both ends of the beach - best in strong north, west and Kona winds makes this a very nice kiting beach.  Small waves during south  to south west swell.  Late afternoon this beach is kiteable on trade wind days. Great departure point for the kona-wind downwinder. Recommended.

KALAMA BEACH PARK
Although Kalama is heavily utilized by the general public, you can find opportunities to kite here which would not be intruding on the crowds. Launch at the storm-water canal at the northernmost parking lot. It is a rock-wall entry and very narrow beach. Remember to stay 150 feet away from the surfers and swimmers.  This area works great for access to the Cove and Waimahaihaia Beach.  Excellent surf breaks during south, west and north swells.  Be careful as it can be shallow in spots during low tide.  Recommended.

WAIMAHAIHAI BEACH
A long beach which can be accessed through several public beach right of ways - one directly behind/down the street from Star Market and another further south along the beach road. Kiteable, but be careful of shallow spots. Good “secret” beach which is recommended.  Be sure to lock your cars in this area and leave valuables at your room.

WAIPUILANI BEACH PARK (MAUI SUNSET)
Maui’s second most recommended kiteboarding spot. Parking and restrooms are available. Plenty of room to pump up and launch right in the park. Use caution at low tide. During south and west swells excellent waves can be found in the immediate area. Watch for the shallow fish pond south of the park as water is shallow here even at high tide. Access to other locations both up and down the coast can be easily reached from this park and launching area, Particularly Waimahaihai Beach. It should be noted that the water in this area (from Kalama to Maipoina Oe Lau) can be nasty certain times of the year due to inland runoff (brownwater).

KALEPOLEPO PARK (WHALE HOUSE)
Limited parking but a good beach for kiteboarding on trades with a northerly component. Stay clear of Hawaiian fishpond south of park.  Walk south past the pond and down the beach to rig at the mouth of the estuary.  This spot can also be reached (there is limited parking) from the beach access along the side of the road further south from the Whale house on South Kihei Road.

MAIPOINA OE LAU BEACH PARK (MEMORIAL PARK)
This park is used by everyone including windsurfers, kiteboarders, tourists, surfers, fishermen and locals (some walking their dogs which chase kites).  It has good wind, parking, grass rigging area, showers and restrooms - the whole show.  However, use caution as wind conditions here can change quickly especially in the late in the afternoon (close to sunset) when the wind is known to sometimes drop instantly or turn off shore. Further cautions are that the asphalt in close proximity to the beach may produce thermals, power lines within close proximity, busy traffic on the roadway, Kiawe trees and shallow reef in places can make your kiteboarding here that much more challenging. Best in a northerly wind, and sometimes works well in a kona wind too.

SUGAR BEACH, MUD FLATS, KEALIA BEACH.
As with other Kihei locations, this is a very good kona wind spot and very good spot when wind is direct north.  Limited road side parking and no restrooms.  Remember that when the wind is directly onshore you and your kite will be in very close proximity to the very busy road.  Only expert kiteboarders should utilize this area during onshore days. 

HAYCRAFT PARK (MAALAEA)
This is another “secret” spot. It is a small “hidden” beach park with limited parking, restrooms, shower and picnic tables. Due to the curve of the landscape where Sugar beach is the inside point of the bay, this area further up the coast will be side-onshore when Sugar beach is direct on-shore. This means easier launching and should you have to come in down wind, you have the whole of  Sugar beach as Plan B. Recommended for intermediate to expert.

McGREGGOR POINT
Difficult access and difficult launching.  Certain times of the year better launching can be found at a small cove a quarter mile east of Maaleaa, sometimes called "Little Cape St. Francis". Works on north east trades. Will not work if it is too north or too east. No restrooms or facilities.

West Maui

UKUMEHAME BEACH PARK
Parking, restrooms and picnic tables and small grassy area suitable for stringing your kite.  This beach is heavily utilized by surfers.   Not advised to launch here when the surf is up or when it is crowded.  It would be best to head west down the coast towards Thousand Peaks.

PAPALAUA BEACH PARK (THOUSAND PEAKS)
You are lucky if you get it good enough to kite here.  May work on direct east winds and kona’s south through west.  Parking is in beach park or along the road way.  The launching area is narrow, especially at high tide, and filled with kiawe thorns in the sand and lining the beach.  Use extreme caution at low tide.  You and your kite are very close to the busy highway; again, use extreme caution.  There are several breaks along the coastline that with the right wind and conditions (high tide south swell and no crowds) it can be fun. 

OLOWALU BEACH PARK (AWALUA BEACH)
During certain tides and seasons there exists a little bit of a launching area. Frequented by surfers and boogie boarders. A power line runs along the ocean side of the coast here which makes kiteboarding during onshore conditions dangerous.  The area is known for frequent shark sightings and has a documented shark attack. The winds here can change drastically in a short amount of time. Not recommended. 

LAUNIUPOKO WAYSIDE PARK
Parking, restrooms, picnic tables showers, and grassy areas. A small beach on the south side allows for great launch area. Use caution at low tide.  Good on kona wind days and strong north. Can be adversely affected by convection. It is a busy park used by surfers, tourists and locals; show respect and keep a distance of 150 feet from non-kiteboarders.

PUAMANA BEACH PARK
As with Launiupoko, this beach park with parking, restroom, showers and grass is used by surfers, boogie boarders, tourists and locals alike.  It has a small and limited beach which allows for one, maybe two people to rig and launch at a time at the south end.  Several breaks are accessible both north and south along the coast from the area.  Stay away from other water users.  Works well on south, west and strong north winds.  Use caution at low tide.

ARMORY PARK (505 FRONT STREET)
No showers, plenty of parking and grassy area with a wide beach to launch. Nearby restaurants and shops adds something for non-kiters to do within walking distance. Several surf spots are accessible from this area from Shark Pit, Breakwall and Lahaina Harbor.  Works very well during strong konas, south through southwest. It is too impacted and onshore during westerlies and will occasionally work with a strong north west. Use extreme caution at low tide especially near the reef break, and around surfers and beachgoers.

MALA WHARF
Located just south of Mala Wharf, just across from the Lahaina cannery mall. Very long left, great for long board surfing when the wind is easterly. Works best for kiting in strong North through Northwest winds. Works also in Kona winds (south through Southwest). High tide only. Mala has good swell exposure and picks up good south swell through north. Can be very localized at times.

WAIKULI WAYSIDE
Ample parking, showers, and restrooms. Everything but a good exposed launching zone. Waikuli is somewhat protected, so most kiteboarders head ½ mile north to Ka'anapali for better conditions. Works best on strong southwest.

HONAKOA'O BEACH PARK (CANOE BEACH)
Ample parking, showers, restrooms, and a lifeguard station. Easy access to Ka'anapali point. Works very good in Kona through strong northwest. Avoid when beach area is utilized by canoe paddlers.

KAANAPALI POINT  (DIG ME BEACH)
Very limited parking, very congested area due to high density resorts. The best kiting can be found in front of the Hyatt or the Marriott. A very wide beach which is very highly utilized by the nearby resorts. Use extreme caution and 150’ (50m) distance from other beachgoers/non-kiters. Ka'anapali Point has excellent wind exposure to winds from the south , west, and the east, although west winds can be impacted. The winds here can be steady one moment and change drastically or stop completely the next.  Works best during Kona winds and south west swell . Use extreme caution at low tide.

PUUKOLII BEACH, KAHEKILI (AIRPORT BEACH)
Extremely ample parking, restrooms, showers.  A very wide beach allows for excellent kiting here in wind conditions from Southwest through strong North.  Used caution around other beachgoers and careful of Kiawe (thorn) trees. 

EMBASSY (OSTERIZERS, RAINBOWS)
Has inconsistent exposure to Kona winds through Northerlies Very limited parking, showers, restrooms. A very small launching area even at high tide. Heavily utilized by the nearby resorts, can be extremely crowded with sunbathers and beach chairs. Definitely some "locals only" vibe, limited launch area, and can be very gusty launching. better in a northerly wind.

HONOKOWAI BEACH PARK
Parking, restrooms and showers located on  Honoapi'ilani Highway across from a small shopping mall. Small beach in front of the beach park allows for launching at any time during low tide a small channel on the north end of the park allows for easy access.  Use caution at low tide

S-TURNS (POHAKU PARK)
Very limited parking, showers and portable toilets.  Beach at the north end of  S-turns allows for launching during strong konas or north westerlies.  Access to several breaks north and south.  Also works well with a north swell.  The wind can be very fickle here and change at a moment’s notice - when it turns off-shore and you are still out there it is exceedingly dangerous.  This is an expert only location.

HAPPY OPU
No parking, no showers, no restrooms, no beach.  Happy Opu in Hawaiian means full stomach.  Low tide launch only; extremely limited and like S-Turns the wind can be fickle and change at a moments notice.  Do not ever kite alone at any of these spots and be prepared for a challenge.  Expert only.  The hotels next to the beach and number of tourists using the beach make launching and landing dangerous to others.  Use caution

IRONWOOD BEACH
Parking and showers. No restrooms. Heavily used by surfers particularly during north or west swells.  Wide beach allows for a launch into a rather narrow bay lined by lava rocks.  Many kites and boards have been lost here.  The wind can change off shore with little notice.  Use caution, especially at low tide when the reef is exposed.  Be alert for sharks and other sea life.

D.T. (David Thomas) Fleming Beach Park
Hwy. 30. Mile marker 31. E. of Kapalua. Picnic. Grills. Showers. Restrooms. Phone. A favorite for body and board surfing, this public park also features good swimming. Facilities include picnic tables and restrooms. Lifeguards on duty.

WINDMILLS (PUNALUU)
Known for surfing, Not for kitesurfing. Can be extremely treacherous. Narrow channel, narrow Beach, exposed rocks, shallow reef, very fickle winds, sharky water, and strong currents. Possible for the brave and the few during strong north-easterlies with a north swell.  Definitely not advised.

HONOLUA BAY
No kiteboarding, good surfing. Honolua Bay Beach is part of the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District. There is only a small sand beach here, so most water activities involve snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Water conditions vary dramatically in this area depending on ocean currents, rainfall, and the season. As this beach is located in a marine life preserve, the fish are numerous and the coral formations are spectacular. The right side of the bay has the best snorkeling and diving scenery.