Maui Kiteboarding Overview
Also known as the Valley of Isle, Maui is home to some of Hawaii’s most action-packed adventures. The island has 120 miles of coast with 30 miles of pristine beaches perfect for water sports like kiteboarding. Sometimes called kitesurfing, the sport harnesses the power of Maui’s winds and its surfable waves. If you want a wet, wild, and fun adventure, kitesurfing in Maui is the ticket.
Why Maui Kiteboarding is Great
The North Shore of Maui has epic conditions for kiteboarding. Kite surfers from around the world travel to the Valley Isle, in particular Kite Beach Maui, for its wind. With more windy days than any other kiteboarding destination in the world, Maui is THE spot to learn to kitesurf, hone your skills, and show off by sharing to your IG stories and YouTube channel.
Where to Kiteboard in Maui
The best kiteboarding in Maui is on the North Shore. The two most famous Maui kiteboarding spots are Kite Beach and Ho‘okipa Beach.
Kite Beach Maui
Kite Beach Maui is aptly named, and is a mecca for the global kiteboarding community. Located minutes from the Kahului Airport and in between Kanaha Beach Park and the Kahului Harbor, Kite Beach is a great place for kiteboard lessons in Maui. In fact, Ka’a Point (aka Pro Pool) is part of Kite Beach. Here you can witness professional kiteboarders get big air and nail stellar tricks. If you are not at that level, observe only and practice in other areas.
Ho‘okipa Beach
Ho‘okipa Beach is world-renowned for windsurfing. The North Shore beach has a well-shaped wave and consistent winds. However, Ho‘okipa Beach is also popular with kiteboarders and surfers. Be aware that this beach is for experienced kiteboarders only. You must be able to give surfers the right of way and share the wave with windsurfers. In the winter months, the spot has ten to fifteen foot waves.
When to Go Kiteboarding in Maui
The best kiteboarding in Maui is between March and October. The Hawaiian trade winds generate consistent 15-to-25 knot NE winds during summer and, due to the island’s topography, they accelerate as they reach the North Shore. The perfect combination of the West Maui Mountains and the 10,000 foot volcano, Haleakala, make Maui’s North Shore the crème de la crème of kiteboarding locations. Plus, the backdrop is priceless.
Getting to Maui
There are direct flights from various domestic airports to Kahului, Maui (OGG) airport. From the West Coast of the United States, the flight time is a little over five hours. If your favorite airport doesn’t have a direct flight, you can also book a flight to Honolulu and take a short, second leg of only forty minutes to Kahului, Maui. It is wise to rent a car while in Maui as it is one of the largest of the Hawaiian Islands with many interesting adventures that require a vehicle to get to the best Maui kiteboarding locations.
Maui Kiteboarding Rentals, Tours & Lessons
TripOutside features the absolute Maui kiteboard lessons and rental providers. Our Maui outfitters and guides are all four-star rated or above, and are some of the most experienced kiteboard instructors in all of Hawaii. We take the guesswork out of booking kiteboard lessons and rentals in Maui – all of our outfitters provide top notch service and safety.
Maui Kiteboarding FAQs
When is the best time of day to kiteboard in Maui?
Most of the Maui kiteboarding hotspots don’t allow it before 11 am. This stems from the Hawaiian culture and its respect for the ‘āina (land) and the kai (sea). Thus, before 11 am, local fishermen and families can enjoy the popular kitesurfing areas.
What time of year is best to kitesurf Maui?
The summer is the best Maui kitesurfing season, with the months of May through September being the best for wind and consistency. However, spring and fall months aren’t far behind. In the winter, there can be days or even weeks without wind. For those occasions, have a Plan B like trying snorkeling, kayaking, or mountain biking. Maui has something for every season.
