Maui
USA
Why Visit?
Maui is a can't-miss kiteboarding destination. With warm weather, consistent wind, and an endless list of no-wind activities, a visit to Maui is a no brainer. A strong, steady wind blows from the north most of the year. During the winter months, however, southerly Kona winds can light up the southern shores. The scenic crystal blue water and lush green hills are reason enough to visit Maui.
Wind and Weather
Maui has a reputation for being one of the most consistently windy locations in North America. The wind can be fairly strong, but it isn't always blowing off-the-charts. Plan on bringing your big kites and your small kites. The weather on Maui is warm, but not painfully hot. Some riders are more comfortable in a light wetsuit, and others do fine in just their board shorts. Be prepared to weather a little rain on Maui.
Getting Around
Kite beach, the main hub of kiteboarding action, is located just a few minutes from the Kahului Airpot. Even so, renting a vehicle is necessary when visiting Maui. The area surrounding kite beach isn't very pedestrian friendly, and most accommodations are at least a few miles from the launch site.
Food and Drink
Eating well on Maui is easy. The tropical island offers a vast amount of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Don't miss out on noshing on some fresh pineapple. Eating seafood straight out of the ocean is an important piece of the Maui dining experience. Cruise downtown Paia to find happening local restaurants of all flavours. If you're thirsty, find some fresh fruit juice to sip on. The passion fruit, orange, guava juice combo or, POG as it's commonly called, is a favourite.
No Wind?
Hiking, surfing, and SUP are just a few options to keep you busy if the wind isn't blowing. Maui is loaded with breathtaking hikes, many winding through the lush jungle and concluding at a swimming hole or waterfall. Surf breaks for all levels are easy to find on Maui. Check the swell forecast and respect the locals if you choose to paddle out.
Internet
You should have no problem staying connected on Maui.
Accommodation
Depending on your budget and willingness to drive, a variety of accommodation options exist, from vacation rentals to hotels. Look for options in Kahului or Paia on the north shore or Kihei on the south side. Maui is a hot-spot for tourism, so expect to pay tourist prices for a good nights sleep.
Nightlife
The day life on Maui is busy and energy consuming. Most people expend so much energy during the day that they don't end up staying out late at night. If you're looking for a good time, check out Charley's Restaurant and Saloon in Paia for pub food and occasional live music.
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By Lindsay McClure
Lindsay is a pro rider from Hood River in the USA, she works for IKSURFMAG as our Features Editor and is an integral part of the team. Lindsay is really into wakestyle riding and can be found in the Hood River Slider Park during the summer months, she also travels all over the world with the World Class Academy helping younger riders develop through kiteboarding!
Been to Maui? What did you think?
Where are the Best Kitesurfing Beaches in Maui?
Kite Beach is the hub for kiteboarding on the north shore of Maui. With most wind directions the launch is fairly straightforward. Once you get out, you can hang on the inside, where the riding is choppy with a small shore break. Or, head out to the reef. Depending on the swell, you could find small or overhead waves. Be aware; you won't want to take a tumble out there.
- Wind: Steady wind at 15-25mph most days
- Waves: Nice lines outside
- Shorebreak: Small shorebreak
As the name implies, beginning kiters and lessons are more common at teach beach. The conditions are similar to kite beach, with a small shore break, small chop, then breaking waves at the outer reef.
- Wind: Expect west wind in the 15- 25 mph range most days.
- Waves: Depending on the swell, you'll find nice waves breaking at the reef.
- Shorebreak: There's a small shorebreak at teaching beach that is more extreme with onshore wind.
Kihei is located on the south side of the island and rides best with southerly winds. Kihei is also rideable when the wind is blowing straight onshore at Kite Beach. Narrow launch sites and shallow sections of the reef can make Kihei a more-challenging zone for kiteboarding.
- Wind: Southerly winds are usually between 10-20mph. Northerly wind can be fairly strong, from 15- 30 mph.
- Waves: Small to large, and better with a south swell.
- Shorebreak: Minimal.
When is the Best Time to go Kitesurfing in Maui?
The windy months to go kitesurfing in Maui are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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Kitesurfing Articles that Mention Maui
Issue 84
The best photos without anywhere else to go!
Issue 82
Kitesurfing when it’s windy provides a much-needed hit of adrenalin that was denied to most of us during lockdown. The conditions finally turned on for an all-out, balls to the wall wave session at one of his local spots and Rou Chater was there for his fix. Read all about it right here...
Issue 82
COVID hit, and the industry went into panic mode, but then lockdown was eased, and sales went through the roof, “the best two months in the industry”, was a phrase we heard a lot, but what comes next? Rou Chater investigates, click here to check it out!
Issue 82
Robby Naish needs no introduction when a story fell through this issue a throwaway email on the off chance of an interview led to one of the most candid chats Rou Chater has ever had with the legend himself. You don’t want to miss this one, and you can also hear the whole interview on Rou’s podcast.
Issue 81
Kiteboarding was deemed too dangerous and extreme to be allowed during the lockdown, so just how dangerous is it? Rou Chater dissects a recent study from some Dutch scientists exploring the injury rate in the sport. Is kiteboarding dangerous? Find out right here!
Issue 80
This issue Cabrinha get issued with the same questions, but as ever the answers are always different. Find out what makes the brand tick and where their ethos lies right here!
Issue 80
In our relatively new feature looking at the talented women behind the scenes, we chat with the girls from Naish who work at the marketing department. Oodles of talent and that oh so important feminine touch! Get inspired by clicking here!
Issue 76
Incredible images with no particular place to go.
Issue 71
Rou fell off his mountain bike and won’t be doing much for the foreseeable future, but it has given him the incredible gift of time, which has led to him creating a new podcast series among other things! Check it out!
Issue 70
Incredible images with no particular place to go.
Issue 64
Maui is often overlooked as a “pros’ only” destination, but it is so much more than that, one of the best kite spots in the world it should be on your kitesurfing travel list. This handy guide from James Boulding is full of tips for travellers to the hallowed island in the Pacific.
Issue 17
Tom Court looks at Maui as a holiday destination, all to often we disregard it as being to hard core, but really it is a little drop of perfection waiting to be discovered.
Issue 6
With nowhere to go? Then check out our huge travel guide with some of our favourite locations explained. Plus the chance to win a Dakine Split Roller Bag!
Kitesurfing Videos and News in Maui
3 years ago
The legend himself, Robby Naish, shares an update on what he's been up to on Maui.
3 years ago
Premiering for the first time - This week we witnessed the fifth king take the throne while the fourth King, Jesse Richman, is working towards...
6 years ago
This is gold! Watch the iconic pioneers of kiteboarding including Robby Naish, Jalou Langaree, Kevin Langeree, Aaron Hadlow, Jesse Richman, Shawn Richman, Ruben Lenten, Pete...
6 years ago
Boom, drop it like it's hot! Cabrinha just dropped the 2019 product video and it's a banger! The man, the legend himself Pete Cabrinha is...
7 years ago
We just can't get enough of these CloudFoiling edits! The riding is so stylish & fluid, you just have to watch this. I love the...
7 years ago
Join Kai Lenny for another action packed VLOG! Made the most of my short time home to continue my physical training both in the gym...
7 years ago
Kai Lenny's VLOG is where it's at! Find out what he gets up to, you'll want to see his wave kiting in the second half...
7 years ago
An ideal day on the water. Maui is the best for kitesurfing because of the warm water and epic right handers, check out this awesome line...
![Best Video of 2017 [Nomination] - Boardriding Maui Cloudfoiling 9](https://www.iksurfmag.com/wp-content/themes/v3/cache/img/4d6022f5145d38d9a6a2c38d9e186b05.jpg)
7 years ago
What jiggery-pokery is this? Dark magic as far as kite and foiling skills are concerned as Greg Drexler brings us another gravity-defying instalment from his...
![Best Video of 2017 [Nomination] - KiaKai4](https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/654084739_640.jpg)
7 years ago
Kitefoiling is hard, we all know that, but legendary rider Greg Drexler makes it look easy in his cloud foiling series, and know he has...
7 years ago
Makes sure you watch this stylish edit from the guys at 'SnowKiteSurf' full of beautiful slow motion shots! With the current weather in the UK...
7 years ago
Jared Carlson literally does it all in this action packed edit. I love what I do and that's why I'm doing what I love. Kiteboarding,...
7 years ago
Drone footage of the cloud foiling guys is next level. This is a must see, it's mesmerising stuff! Lighter wind cruising under a drone Thanks...
7 years ago
Cloudfoiling edits are always so EPIC! This is strapless foiling like you've never seen before and all on a tiny board. make sure you watch...
7 years ago
Yet another outstanding CloudFoiling edit from the team in Maui. Father, daughter & friends all shredding above the water. This edit is not to be...
7 years ago
It's not very often you see an edit filmed from the 'kite mount' these days. However before drones took over they were the best way...
7 years ago
This young girl is likely to show all of you up on a foil! She's nailing foiling gybes and plenty of other moves. Super impressive!...
7 years ago
This youngster is just 9 years old, only been kiting for a year and already strapless foiling!! Epic! Kai learned to kite last year at...