Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is a sport similar to surfing that is becoming increasingly popular in tropical areas. A kiteboard is a short surfboard, similar to a snowboard, that may or may not have foot straps. Kitesurfers hold onto a kite—which resembles a parachute—to steer and propel themselves across the water, using the wind as their power source. Because of its clear weather, wind and waves, Hawaii is an excellent place to learn how to kitesurf.
Maui
According to The Lonely Planet’s book “Hawaii,” Maui is the best place to learn to kitesurf because it has more windy days than any other kiteboarding destination in the world. The southwestern end of Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului is actually called Kite Beach. If you are a beginner, “Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook” says that the two best kitesurfing schools are Action Sports and the Kiteboarding School of Maui, where three-hour to four-hour classes range in price from $240 to $290.
Oahu
Because of its year-round tradewinds and flat water and wave conditions, “Hawaii” rates the Windward Coast in Kailua on Oahu as a kitesurfing hotspot. Also recommended are Diamond Head Beach, Malaekahana State Recreation Area and Sunset Beach Park on the North Shore. For kitesurfing lessons on Oahu, try Hawaiian Watersports or Naish Hawai’i. A 90-minute lesson will cost approximately $130.
Kauai
The best place to kitesurf in Kauai is in the town of Hanalei. According to “The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed,” Kauai is not the best place to learn to kitesurf, but Hanalei is a good location for the more experienced kitesurfer. If you have your heart set on learning to kitesurf and will only be visiting Kauai, you can get a lesson at Aloha Surf & Kitesurfing School, where three lessons cost $195.
Molokai
Molokai's abundant winds make the island an excellent place for surfing and kitesurfing. Because of its close proximity to Maui, taking a day trip to kitesurf off of Molokai is quite possible. Experienced kiteboarders can even kitesurf from one island to the other.
Island of Hawai'i
Hawai’i, also known as The Big Island, has six major kitesurfing districts. These districts are Kohala, Kona, Ka’u, Puna, Hilo and Hamakua. Because The Big Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, this is not the best place for beginner kitesurfers. Its coastline is still quite rugged. But for the more experienced surfers and kiteboarders, “Hawaii” recommends the Kona Coast as the best location because of its north and south swell exposure and offshore tradewinds.
References
- "Hawaii"; Lonely Planet; 2009
- "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed"; Andrew Doughty; 2010
- "Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook"; Andrew Doughty; 2010
- "Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki and Beyond"; Andrew Doughty; 2010
- I Kiteboarding: "Hawaii Kiteboard Crossing"
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