Kite Area guide
Kite Beach / Kanaha, Maui
Kanaha is where a great deal of modern kitesurfing was worked out — two launches, strong funnelled trades, and firm local rules.
When to kite
Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October.
About this Kite Area
Kanaha Beach Park sits on Maui's north shore beside Kahului airport, on a site chosen for its wind as far back as the 1920s. Trade winds funnel between Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains and accelerate onto this coast, which is why so much of the sport's development happened here.
North-east and east-north-east are the best directions, with easterlies opening up wave riding. There are two main launches. Naska — also called Old Man's or Naish Beach — is described as the smoothest and steadiest launch on the island and is beginner-friendly. Teach Beach, west of Kaʻa Point, is where the instructors work. Further out, the Pro Pool is a wake-style spot when the wind carries a northerly component.
The rules matter here and are enforced. The park gates open at 6am and close at 8pm, and kitesurfing is permitted only between 11am and 8pm; lifeguards on jet skis enforce this and provide emergency cover. Check the Kahului airport and harbour wind sensors before heading down.