Maui – Kanaha

United States · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil

  • Best winds NE (trade wind)
  • Level Intermediate · Pro
  • Water Mixed
  • Best months Ganzjährig (stärker May–Sep)

About this spot

Kanaha Beach Park lies on Maui's north shore, just minutes from Kahului Airport – the western end is known as "Kite Beach". It is the island's everyday spot: less demanding than Hookipa, but with reliable wind and well-tiered water.

The wind comes from the NE trade, which the valley between the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala accelerates like a venturi – most consistent and strongest from May to October. The water is layered: a sandy cove inside a protective reef stays flat – good for practising – while the wave breaks at the reef further out. Is there a wave here? Yes, from November to February the largest waves break on the outside, turning it into wave terrain for experts.

Overall a spot for advanced to experienced kiters and windsurfers, with a flatter inside area and a reef wave further out.

Last updated:

Location

Wind & weather through the year

According to model data for 2021–2025, July is the windiest month: on 92 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the north-east. The most reliable period runs from June to September. The least wind is in January (18 %). The water ranges from about 25 to 27 °C over the year.

Month Wind days ≥ 12 kn Avg wind Direction Air Water
January
18 %
8 kn NE 23 °C 25 °C
February
36 %
9 kn NE 23 °C 25 °C
March
37 %
10 kn NE 23 °C 25 °C
April
47 %
11 kn NE 24 °C 25 °C
May
61 %
11 kn NE 24 °C 26 °C
June
77 %
13 kn NE 25 °C 26 °C
July
92 %
14 kn NE 25 °C 26 °C
August
74 %
13 kn NE 26 °C 27 °C
September
71 %
12 kn NE 26 °C 27 °C
October
49 %
11 kn NE 26 °C 27 °C
November
41 %
10 kn NE 25 °C 26 °C
December
35 %
9 kn NE 24 °C 26 °C

Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from NE (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)

Insider tips

For practising and flatter water, stay in the inside of the sheltered cove; wave riding is on the outer reef, biggest Nov–Feb. Most wind-reliable months May–October.

⚠︎ Hazards

Shallow reef inside and out – know the reef passages and wear shoes. In winter powerful waves break outside; only head out with solid skills.

All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Maui – Kanaha suitable for beginners?

Not really. According to the spot info, Maui – Kanaha is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Mixed).

Which wind works at Maui – Kanaha?

Best with wind from NE (trade wind). In the windiest month (July), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-east.

When is the best time for Maui – Kanaha?

The best months are considered to be Ganzjährig (stärker May–Sep). According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days (92 % of days).

How warm is the water at Maui – Kanaha?

Over the year about 25 °C in March to 27 °C in September (model data).

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