Best time to visit Hawaii

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing in Hawaii

A real Mecca for kitesurfers and windsurfers where surfing is a way of life

Best time: May–September

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Hawaii is a paradise for all kinds of surfing and the site of many international competitions. It is home for many professional kitesurfers and windsurfers, which also attracts thousands of visiting athletes. The islands of Maui and Oahu are especially famous among kite- and windsurfers for their steady wind and impressive waves. They are attracting wave riders and freeride enthusiasts from all over the world and feature designated beaches for the sport.

The best wind season on Oahu generally lasts from June to August. On Maui, it lasts from March to October (best May through September). The tradewinds on this island blow for 80% of the year. In the summer, it stays between 10 and 30 knots.

Kailua Beach on Oahu is perhaps the most famous kiting spot in Hawaii. However, only when it has good northeast wind. The chances are that it will happen for about five days during the summer. Oahu has plenty of windsurfing schools and rentals: Windward Water Sports, Hawaiian WaterSports Kailua, and Sammy's Aloha Watersports. Kailua Beach Park is a good spot for launching. The waves are moderate, and there is a safe section in the bay where the water is calm. Kites between 23-55 ft (7-8 meters) would work here.

Maui hosted the world's first kite competition in September 1996, and since then has established itself as a kite mecca. Local schools include Aqua Sports Maui Kiteboarding and Kiteboarding School Maui. Hookipa Beach Park is famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding due to regular side-shore wind and good swell. Kite Beach, Baby Beach, Naish/Flash Beach, and Waiehu Beach also have large kiting communities.

Hawaii is also the capital of windsurfing since the sport originated in the 1960s. Top windsurfers on the planet go to Hookipa Beach Park on Maui to demonstrate amazing tricks. It hosted the Professional Windsurfers Association competitions—PWA Hawaii Pro. Beginners can learn the sport in the waters near Kihei, Lahaina, or Paia.

On Oahu, Kailua Bay, Diamond Head Beach, and Fort DeRussy Beach near Waikiki are famous for windsurfing. On Kauai, head to Anini Beach or Tunnels. Kailua is home to legendary windsurfer Robbie Naish.

Practical info

When is the best time to go kitesurfing or windsurfing in Hawaii?

You can typically enjoy kitesurfing or windsurfing in Hawaii from March to October, but the best months are from May until September. The wind season in Oahu lasts from June until August, while the tradewinds on Maui blow for 80% of the year. During summer, the wind on Maui averages between 10 and 30 knots. Show more

Which are the best islands in Hawaii for kitesurfing and windsurfing?

Kite- and windsurfers tend to frequent Maui and Oahu in Hawaii more than the other islands. Maui is often considered a kite mecca after hosting the world's first kite competition in 1996. Hookipa Beach Park is a well-known spot for windsurfing, whereas kiteboarding enthusiasts often go to Hookipa Beach Park, Kite Beach, Baby Beach, Naish/Flash Beach, or Waiehu Beach. Kailua Bay, Diamond Head Beach, and Fort DeRussy Beach are among the popular spots for windsurfing in Oahu. Show more

What are the famous spots for kitesurfing or windsurfing in Maui?

Hookipa Beach Park is highly recommended for windsurfing and kiteboarding in Maui because of the favorable side-shore wind and the sizable swell, while Kahului Harbor and Kanaha Beach Park are both attractive spots for windsurfing that are appropriate for both beginners and advanced windsurfers. For kitesurfing, Kite Beach, Baby Beach, Naish/Flash Beach, and Waiehu Beach are all great options. Show more

Who are the local schools offering windsurfing or kitesurfing lessons in Hawaii?

Hawaii has several local schools that offer windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons. Some of the well-established schools in Oahu include Hawaiian Watersports Kailua, Windward Water Sports, and Sammy's Aloha Watersports, while Aqua Sports Maui Kiteboarding and Kiteboarding School Maui are both popular options for kiteboarding lessons in Maui. Some ideal places for beginners to learn windsurfing in Hawaii are Kihei, Lahaina, or Paia, and experienced windsurfers can go to famous spots like Hookipa Beach Park. Show more

Are there any big international competition events for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Hawaii?

Every year, Hawaii hosts numerous international kitesurfing and windsurfing competitions. Maui is famous as the ultimate destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing, and it is home to the yearly Maui Race Series, the Aloha Classic, and the Kiteboarding World Cup. Hookipa Beach Park brings some of the top windsurfers from around the world to Hawaii for the PWA Hawaii Pro. The Kite Surf Pro World Tour is among the few competitions held in Oahu. Show more

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Last updated: by Dari Vasiljeva