Kanaha Beach Park on Maui's north shore is widely considered the birthplace of modern wingfoiling. Consistent NE trade winds blow 300+ days per year, and the spot played a crucial role in the sport's early development. According to Maui Wind Report, trade winds average 15-25 knots from May through September.
The beach is protected by an outer reef, creating manageable inside conditions (small chop, ankle to waist-deep water for 100m+) with waves breaking on the reef for advanced riders.
Detailed Wind & Conditions Chart
| Month | Wind Days | Avg Wind Speed | Peak Hours | Air Temp | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Swell Size | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18-20 days | 14-22 kts | 11-5 PM | 26°C | 24°C | Shorty | 2-4ft | Intermediate |
| February | 16-18 days | 14-20 kts | 11-5 PM | 26°C | 24°C | Shorty | 3-5ft | Intermediate |
| March | 18-20 days | 15-22 kts | 11-5 PM | 26°C | 24°C | Shorty | 2-4ft | All Levels |
| April | 20-22 days | 16-24 kts | 10-6 PM | 27°C | 25°C | Rashguard/Shorty | 1-3ft | All Levels |
| May | 26-28 days | 18-26 kts | 11-7 PM | 28°C | 25°C | Rashguard/Shorty | 1-2ft | All Levels |
| June | 28-29 days | 20-28 kts | 11-7 PM | 29°C | 26°C | Rashguard | 0-2ft | All Levels |
| July | 29-30 days | 20-30 kts | 11-7 PM | 30°C | 27°C | Rashguard | 0-1ft | All Levels |
| August | 29-30 days | 20-28 kts | 11-7 PM | 30°C | 27°C | Rashguard | 0-1ft | All Levels |
| September | 27-28 days | 18-26 kts | 11-6 PM | 30°C | 27°C | Rashguard | 0-2ft | All Levels |
| October | 22-24 days | 16-24 kts | 11-5 PM | 29°C | 26°C | Rashguard/Shorty | 1-3ft | All Levels |
| November | 20-22 days | 15-22 kts | 11-5 PM | 28°C | 25°C | Shorty | 2-4ft | Intermediate |
| December | 18-20 days | 14-20 kts | 11-5 PM | 27°C | 25°C | Shorty | 3-5ft | Intermediate |
*Data compiled from [M
aui Wind Report](https://www.mauiwindsurfcompany.com/weather/) and Wind Alert Maui (2020-2024).*
Primary Spots
Lower Kanaha (Main Beach)
The classic beginner/intermediate zone. Early morning (7-11 AM) offers glassy conditions before the wind fills in. Shallow reef inside (wear boots), deeper channels for intermediate riders. Porta-potties, outdoor showers, large parking lot.
Critical Rule: NO WINGING OR KITING BEFORE 11:00 AM. This time is reserved for swimmers, fishermen, and canoe paddlers. Enforcement is strict; violators face fines and confiscation of equipment.
Kanaha Point (Pro Pool)
Advanced zone at the eastern end of the beach. Stronger current, deeper water, freestyle hotspot. Less crowded than main beach. Experts only when swell is running.
Uppers (Kite Beach)
Direct beach access, side-shore wind. Busy kite zone; wings welcome but maintain awareness. Parking €5/day. Less reef, slightly choppier water.
Alternative Spots
Hookipa Beach
15 minutes east. World-famous wave spot. When trade winds are light at Kanaha (12-15 knots), Hookipa often has 18-22 knots due to point acceleration. Large surf (3-10ft); advanced only. Respect surfers; wings launch from specific zones.
Spreckelsville
5 minutes west. Lighter wind (subtract 3-5 knots), less crowded. Good for big board cruising or learning. Free parking.
Kihei (South Shore)
30 minutes south. Works when north shore is too windy or has big swell. Flatter water, lighter wind (10-18 knots). Multiple launch spots.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal: June-August. Near-guaranteed wind (28-30 days/month), warmest water (26-27°C), longest days (sunset 7:30 PM). Book accommodation and car rental 4-6 months ahead.
Shoulder: May and September. Excellent wind (26-28 days), slightly less crowded, 15-20% cheaper accommodation.
Winter: November-February. Variable wind (16-20 days), bigger swell, pleasant but not guaranteed. Good for experienced riders who surf when wind is light.
Reef Safety
Critical: Kanaha has sharp coral reef 50-200m offshore. Depth ranges from 1-4 feet depending on tide. Wear reef boots (available at all rental shops). If you fall on the reef:
- Stay calm, don't panic or thrash
- Push yourself horizontally off the reef, don't stand
- Clean cuts immediately with fresh water and antibacterial ointment
- Coral cuts infect easily; seek medical attention if redness/swelling develops
Gear Strategy
Rent. Airline board bag fees to Hawaii are $150-200 each way, and bags often arrive damaged. Maui has the world's best rental fleet (latest Duotone, Cabrinha, F-One, Naish gear).
Recommended Quiver: 4.5m and 5.5m wings cover 80% of conditions. Board: 90-110L for most riders. Consider a dedicated reef board (expect dings).
Accommodation & Dining
Hotels & Condos
- Proximity: The Kanaha Beach Condos - Walking distance to beach. $200-350/night.
- Mid-Range: Maui Seaside Hotel - Central Kahului location. $140-200/night. Book Here
- Vacation Rentals: VRBO Kahului - Many options $150-400/night.
Camping
- Kanaha Beach Park Camping: County permits required, $20/night. Often fully booked. Maui County Parks
Restaurants & Food
- Paia Town (10 min): Charley's, Cafe des Amis, Paia Fish Market. $12-25/meal.
- Grocery: Safeway and Whole Foods in Kahului (5 min). Stock up; eating out is expensive.
- Food Trucks: At Kanaha parking lot. Plate lunches $10-15.
- Mama's Fish House: Upscale dining, fresh catch. $40-70/meal. Reserve ahead. Visit Mama's
Schools & Rentals
Full-Service Centers
- Action Sports Maui: The original Maui wing school. IKO certified. Private lessons $120/hour, 3-day beginner package $550. Rentals: Wing + Board $100/day, weekly $500. Visit Action Sports
- Hi-Tech Surf Sports: Massive gear selection, on-site at Kanaha Point. Rental packages $85-110/day. Weekly rates $450-550. Launch service (they set up your gear). Visit Hi-Tech
- Kanaha Kai: Beachfront at Lower Kanaha. Lessons $100-130/hour, 2-day course $450. Gear rental $90/day. Visit Kanaha Kai
- Maui Watersports: Group lessons available (cheaper), SUP + wing combos. $80-100/hour private. Visit Maui Watersports
Rental Only
- Maui Toy Works: Budget gear rental. Wings $40-50/day, boards $35-45/day. Weekly packages $300-400. Visit Toy Works
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- Kahului Airport (OGG): 10 minutes from Kanaha. Direct flights from mainland USA (LAX, SFO, SEA, PDX, SAN).
- Car rental: Essential. Budget $50-80/day. Book in advance; island inventory is limited.
Driving:
- Kanaha is off Amala Place, near Kahului Airport. Follow signs to "Kanaha Beach Park."
- Parking fills up by 10 AM on weekends. Arrive early or use Kite Beach lot.
Inter-Island: Hawaiian Airlines operates frequent flights between islands if you want to explore Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island.
Local Rules & Culture
- 11 AM Rule: Absolutely no winging/kiting before 11 AM at Lower Kanaha. Zero tolerance.
- Right of Way: Starboard tack, downwind rider, rider on wave. Kitesurfers need more space.
- Respect locals: Maui has a strong local culture. Be friendly, yield space, don't hog waves.
- Reef protection: Do not touch/stand on coral. The reef is a protected ecosystem.
- Parking enforcement: Pay for parking where required; tickets are $50-100.
Health & Safety
- Sun: Extreme UV year-round. SPF 50+, reapply hourly. Reef-safe sunscreen only (Hawaii law).
- Reef cuts: Clean immediately. Lifeguards at Kanaha have first aid supplies.
- Dehydration: Bring 2-3 liters of water per session. Trade winds are deceptively dehydrating.
- Travel insurance: Ensure coverage for watersports. Medical care is expensive in Hawaii.
Resources
- Maui Wind Report - Real-time conditions
- Kanaha Beach Webcam - Live view
- Maui Kitesurfing Community - Local forums and gear swap
- Wind Alert Maui - SMS wind notifications
- iWindsurf Maui - Real-time sensors
- Kanaha Webcam - Live beach view
- Maui County Surf Report - Swell forecasts