Kihei Overview
Kihei has several very different faces. The beach faces west so it is protected from the summer time NE wind swell. So unless there is a south swell the sailing is mostly jump and jump with none of the big ocean wind swell of the north shore. But once a south swell hits Kihei takes on a very different face and offers good wave sailing.
The most popular launch is at Mai Poina Oe Iau Beach Park. The narrow park offers grassy rigging area, showers and a long thin ribbon of sandy beach. Traffic is heavy and parking is extremely crowded (there is now more parking as there are parking spots on both sides of the road) and if you get there late you may have a long walk. There has been an ongoing problem with theft here. There is usually a very small shore break but it is fast and can catch the unwary. When the shore break is big be careful at the water edge.
Leaving the narrow beach you cross a sharp and shallow reef with scattered coral heads. The reef is very close to shore. At low tides the depth over the reef ranges from one foot to some dry coral heads. It is a good idea to watch the path locals take on the way out if this is your first visit.
The wind is side offshore and can be very gusty and shifty. Sailing way outside here is taking a chance since it can die fast. There is also good sailing here in winter Kona winds.
Since the north shore has superior swell, parking, beach etc why do people sail Kihei? Well when the wind goes from NE to NNE Kihei offers much better wind. Likewise in the summer real wave sailing is more common on this side of the island. In addition the rental prices here (there are NO WINDSURFING EQUIPMENT RENTALS IN KIHEI anymore) are much lower and the drive is short. Just remember not to get stuck either here or on the north shore. One side can crank while the other is light.
Kalama Park and the grounds of the Sunset Maui offer more advanced wave sailing in the summer. Both have very shallow water over a reef and inside reef flats. Watch for a while and learn the shallow areas before launching and avoid low tides.
|
|
Local Expert? Edit this Page!
Regional Directory
|
Shops,
Schools,
Clubs,
Events,
Food,
Lodging,
More,
|
|
|
|
Season: |
Peak: March-Oct. |
|
Water: |
Warm, Clear |
|
Ability Level: |
Inter. - Adv. |
|
Familiness: |
Beach, park, lawn |
|
Parking: |
Very crowded |
|
Launch: |
Sandy, shallow reef |
|
|
|
|
Maps & Directions
From the Airport go east on Keolani Pl. and cross the Haleakala Hwy continuing on Dairy Rd. This continues as Kuihelani Hwy./Hwy 380. After seveal blocks go left on Hwy. 350/Mokulele Hwy. and cross the island. Merge with South Kihei Road and continue to the park.
|
|
|
Sensor Notes
This sensor sits on top of the most upwind condo before turning left to head to the site. It is in the direct line of the wind as it comes through the gap with no obstruction at all. Adjustments added are N & NNE 20%; NE & ENE 10%; and NNW 10%. It is said to be very close to wind at the sailing site located about a quarter mile downwind.
|
|
|