Kanaha Park / Maui kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot

United States · Hawaï

Spot currently openIntermediate level 20.9 | -156.44

Overview

Kanaha Beach Park is the most famous kitesurfing and windsurfing spot in Maui and one of the most iconic in the world, located on the north shore of the island near Kahului Airport. This legendary spot is the birthplace of wave windsurfing and remains a stronghold of Hawaiian kitesurfing. The Pacific trade winds blow reliably from March to September, offering side-onshore conditions of 15 to 30 knots. The water combines a protective reef creating a flatter inside area and quality waves on the outside. Kanaha is a world reference for wave riding, freeride and wind sports in general. The setting is spectacular with the view of Haleakala volcano in the background.

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Spot forecast for Kanaha Park / Maui

Sunrise 06:23 · Sunset 17:57

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

Swell and tides over 8 days. Premium members see the swell and tides over 8 days. Without a subscription: 5 days.

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Tides

Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 4.3 km from the spot.

6:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:00Tue 20Wed 21Thu 22Fri 23Sat 24 Now03:410.4 m11:120.7 m18:170.3 m23:540.5 m04:510.4 m11:370.8 m18:200.3 m00:230.6 m05:440.4 m12:000.8 m18:290.2 m00:520.7 m06:320.4 m12:240.7 m18:460.2 m01:240.8 m07:180.4 m12:490.7 m19:080.1 m
  • Tuesday 20 October Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.5 m
  • Wednesday 21 October Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.3 m
  • Thursday 22 October High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.2 m
  • Friday 23 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.2 m
  • Saturday 24 October High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.1 m

Kanaha Park / Maui: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

457h

in July · 31 rideable days

The season runs from March to November, peaking in July: 29 rideable days a month and 457 hours of usable wind, at 29 °C. The low point is January, at 11 days.

Rideable days per month

0 10 20 30 40 January: 11 rideable days11 d J February: 17 rideable days F March: 29.5 rideable days M April: 26.5 rideable days A May: 29 rideable days M June: 30 rideable days J July: 31 rideable days31 d J August: 30.5 rideable days A September: 29.5 rideable days S October: 29.5 rideable days O November: 28.5 rideable days N December: 21 rideable days D 0 10 20 30 40 January: 11 rideable days11 d J February: 17 rideable days F March: 29.5 rideable days M April: 26.5 rideable days A May: 29 rideable days M June: 30 rideable days J July: 31 rideable days31 d J August: 30.5 rideable days A September: 29.5 rideable days S October: 29.5 rideable days O November: 28.5 rideable days N December: 21 rideable days D

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 35%13-20 knots · 60%21-30 knots · 6%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 60% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is February, at 26 °C. The wettest month is January, with 56 mm.

Monthly averages: Kanaha Park / Maui
Monthly averages — Kanaha Park / Maui — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month Rideable days Usable wind Temperature Rain
January 11.0 103 h 27 °C 56 mm
February 17.0 174 h 26 °C 28 mm
March 29.5 345 h 26 °C 36 mm
April 26.5 285 h 28 °C 27 mm
May 29.0 376 h 28 °C 7 mm
June 30.0 435 h 29 °C 5 mm
July 31.0 457 h 29 °C 6 mm
August 30.5 396 h 30 °C 26 mm
September 29.5 347 h 29 °C 4 mm
October 29.5 329 h 30 °C 13 mm
November 28.5 287 h 28 °C 42 mm
December 21.0 181 h 28 °C 7 mm

Photo gallery of Kanaha Park / Maui

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Technical details of Kanaha Park / Maui spot

N: Not rideable NNE: Rideable NE: Rideable ENE: Rideable E: Rideable ESE: Not rideable SE: Not rideable SSE: Not rideable S: Not rideable SSW: Not rideable SW: Not rideable WSW: Not rideable W: Not rideable WNW: Not rideable NW: Not rideable NNW: Not rideable N E S W

The spot works with winds from NNE, NE, ENE, E.

Rideable Not rideable
Spot functioning

Kanaha works mainly with the NE trade winds (March-September). The offshore coral reef creates two distinct zones: inside the reef offers a flatter and more protected riding area (ideal for freeride and freestyle), while outside the reef offers quality waves for wave riding. The spot works at all tides but conditions vary: at low tide, the inside is very shallow and the reef is more exposed; at high tide, waves pass over the reef and the inside becomes choppier. Kite and windsurf zones are separated — respect the designated areas.

Spot opening date · Required level
Spot opening date
Open all year round
Required level
Intermediate
On the water

Warm Pacific water (24-27°C), shorty or boardshorts depending on season. Two environments: inside the reef, shallow turquoise water (50 cm to 2 m) with sandy and dead coral bottom; outside the reef, waves of 1 to 3 meters breaking on the reef with stronger currents. Sea turtles are frequently visible in the water. North swell in winter can create massive waves on the outside. Moderate lateral current toward the west inside the reef.

Parking

Large free parking lot at Kanaha Beach Park, directly beachfront. Parking can fill up quickly on strong wind days, especially on weekends. Arrive early (before noon) to guarantee a spot. Public toilets and showers are available in the park. The spot is 5 minutes by car from Kahului Airport. Several launch areas along the beach — kiters mainly use the western section (left side when facing the sea).

Wind specificities

Pacific northeast to easterly trade winds, reinforced by the Venturi effect created by the valleys between Haleakala volcano and the West Maui Mountains. Wind picks up late morning and peaks in mid-afternoon, typically blowing 15 to 30 knots. The main season runs from March to September. The windiest days can reach 35+ knots. Wind arrives side-onshore at Kanaha beach. Winter (October-February) is more inconsistent but offers sessions with north winds and powerful North Pacific swells.

Hazards

Shallow coral reef that can cause severe cuts — reef booties strongly recommended. Sea urchins and fire coral in reef areas. Strong currents outside the reef. Protected sea turtles — avoid any contact. Shared water with many windsurfers — respect zones and right-of-way rules. Wind can be very strong (30+ knots) and gusty. Powerful swell in winter outside the reef. Intense tropical sun. Sharks are rare but present in Hawaiian waters — avoid riding at sunrise/sunset.

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