Maui next week

ronp · Since 05 Jul 2007 79 Posts west linn

Hi, I'm headed to Kaanapali Maui next week and haven't been to Maui for a while. Any suggestions for the best locations or maps for where to park for Kihei or other suggested loations? I looked on-line but it is hard to find the good materials from all the other stuff. Kite beach rules seem to be the same as 10 years ago. Any suggestions are welcome.

Is a shorty needed for March? I'm guessing is all else is even then Kihei is quicker from Kaanapali than Kite beach.

thanks

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 486 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

jus go to kite beach unless the wind is kona (south) or has lots of north in it. in kihei good spot is in front of maui sunset condos. have fun!
i'll be on the island next door spring break

burritobandit · Since 12 Jul 2012 8 Posts austin,tx Kook

I was there 2 weeks ago for 2 weeks, and I was fine in boardshorts & a rashguard every day I rode. We rode kite beach every day and had fun.

As for Kihei launches, I was there last August we launched with other kiters at the spot beech recommended (http://goo.gl/maps/NDyZj). Watch out for the trees and stickers in the grass. The winds were NNE, strong, and gusty, but it was pretty fun. NNE winds were coming over the trees made the kite do funky stuff on the way to the water at times, but we made it work. We saw other kiters launch from Kalepolepo Beach Park (http://goo.gl/maps/lTjJy) in similar winds. I wanted to try this spot last month, but was lazy and just did kite beach the whole time -_-

Waiehu Beach is supposed to be a good place when winds are really east at Kite Beach (http://goo.gl/maps/d6Wc0). The launch is really tight, so take that into consideration.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Ask for kevin,

Launch at Kanaha until you feel comfy!!

JonMalmberg · Since 15 Aug 2011 340 Posts Obsessed

Dude...

Right in the Kaanapali area is some of the most amazing kiting if the conditions are right and your skills are up for it. When I was working for Naish our best photo shoots were done over on that side. Check out the little wave right in front of the big pink hotel. Sick riding and a bar/pool to die for after your done.

But, if it ain't working... stay safe and go to all the normal Maui spots.

Jon

K2 · Since 30 Apr 2009 274 Posts Hood River, OR Obsessed

I just got back from Maui and didn't have anything for warmth on the water besides my boardshorts. I don't remember being cold but if it gets cloudy, you would probably appreciate a rashy at least. I've kited on the west side but I recommend sticking to the normal kite beaches on the north side unless you're with somebody who knows what's up.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I thought I had heard somewhere that the Kaanapali side was now off limits to kiteboarding. Is it unrestricted at Kaanapali?

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

I have not seen kiting at Kaanapali - but earlier this year I saw someone kiting at the rocky beach really close to the road just a few miles south of Lahaina. I had been hunting for wind all week and there was 9 meter wind blowing in that one spot. He was just coming in and it was getting dark - so I decided not to go out. I would have been all alone/ self launching near road / it was getting dark / I didn't want to be that tourist that gives kiting a bad name by having a kitemare in a wierd spot...................

achen · Since 03 Apr 2012 39 Posts

im going to maui first two weeks of april, it seems like maui has been skunked all this week. Is the kanaha ikite wind meter pretty accurate?

ronp · Since 05 Jul 2007 79 Posts west linn

Thanks for the comments so far. Last time I was there I used a 6 m and 11 m. I also can't get an idea of kites for this season. would 8 and 6 be enough or does it make sense to bring a 12m & 8 and skip the 6 for March?
Last time I was in Kihei was years ago. I remember the shallow reef since I cut my leg on it and another kiter complained that I shoudl get out of the water so the sharks wouldn't come in. is it easy enough to launch without boots or does the reef come to the shoreline? I don't remember much of it.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1780 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

don't remember much of it. YEAH, GETTIN OLD SUCKS, BUT IT BEATS THE ALTERNATIVE!

achen · Since 03 Apr 2012 39 Posts

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Boardshorts and rashguard.

It's been blowing Kona all week. Hopefully that will change before you get here.

Just go to Kanaha. No reason to be some haole trailblazer on vacation in Kaanapali.

If you really want to ride in Kihei, the road you're looking for is Waipuilani. Take it all the way to the ocean.

But seriously, just go to Kanaha and then go to Da Kitchen afterwards.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

If you want to have fun and know exactly what is the dealio you should go to:

http://hawaiianisland.com/

Ask for Kevin, Chris, Aki or whoeva... Go in and they will help you get dialed on the restrictions and latest information that might make your trip the best of your life.

Aloha hui ho,

Shoots bra!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

The launch is sandy, but there is reef on the outside. There is reef and vauna everywhere there is reef and rock. For the most part don't put your feet down and don't dive if you don't know the depth.
I'd bring my big kite too If I was you. Summer is really windy and winter is really wavey, but really fun!