Maui first timer tips?

[Pavel]

Finally booked a trip to Maui this May. Any tips for first timers? Where do you guys usually rent gear? Do you reserve gear ahead of time? Is it worth taking an intro to waves lesson to sail at Kanaha beach or can you just ease into it? I have no previous wave experience.

Any info would be great.

Cheers

[Michael]

Finally booked a trip to Maui this May. Any tips for first timers?
Cheers

Good stuff Pavel! When are you going? Kanaha Kai is close to Kanaha beach and they used to have good deals if you booked in advance. You could swap windsurf gear for a SUP if there was no wind as well. If the waves are small it's OK to ease into it but if it's big look out. Kanaha can get massive! Make sure you know all the rules, it can get busy out there and things can go wrong quickly. Stay away from the weird wave, ask the locals they will point it out.

[Cathulu]

I used to go regularly, and I also sailed mostly Kanaha. I think the weird wave works from reflections from waves going back out, you get a weird superposition.

If you stay in Kihei, you can also sail near the Sunset property. Watch out for Coral, especially at lower tide. Talk to a local, there is a gap to sail through.

If you get the chance, you can sail from Hookeipa to Kanaha. Don't do it solo!

There is a guy on YouTube that does POV wave sailing on Maui, and he launches at interesting spots... Check him out!

I used to rent from Kanaha Kai, not sure the shop status, and not the same owner I used to know, the Dutch guy who SUPed between Islands... Can't remember his name.

Have a great time!

[john m]

Bart is not at Kanaha kai anymore. Jeff Henderson runs it now. Great gear still. New JP boards for rent. Book your boards ahead so you get the size you want.

[john m]

https://youtu.be/3cI4UhR9xiw
Maui trip

[Pavel]

Thanks for the info guys.

If I rent from Kanaha Kai, can I just carry the gear to the launch area or is it a bit far?

Also do people windsurf at the Kahului Harbour? The initial plan was to stay at a hotel there, but we ended up booking a hotel on the West side. Is there a chance of windsurfing near Kanapali?

[Michael]

If I rent from Kanaha Kai, can I just carry the gear to the launch area or is it a bit far?

No, you need a car, you'll need one anyway in Maui. Get an old windsurfing van with a roof rack.

Also do people windsurf at the Kahului Harbour?

No, but you can wing and SUP there.

Is there a chance of windsurfing near Kanapali?

Very unlikely but it does happen. You can sail in Kihei though.

Kyla Barker is the new owner of Kanaha Kai.

If you can rent a SUP do it! It's so fun SUP surfing at 1000 peaks, there are probably some really nice SUP areas around Kaanpali as well. Plus, having a SUP for snorkelling is awesome.

[Pavel]

Thanks Michael,

We have a car rental booked with our package. I believe roof racks are included with gear rental, at least in some shops there from what I read.
Great idea grabbing a SUP for Kanapali.

Cool video btw

[Bryanl]

HI
You want to plan on Kanaha - Hookipa is experts only.
Kanaha Kai is closest Rental - you'll need a car for sure.
There are waves at Kanaha but you can stay inside & not deal with them (Reef is 3/4mile offshore at Uppers)
Waves are coming down in May - turns into more Slalom style sailing,
I'll be there until May 10th - I hang out at Uppers, Come & see me & I'll happily fil you in.
No need to rush in the AM - Parks closed to sailing 'till 11 AM
Mostly just chill - enjoy Maui - it's a special place

[Pavel]

Thanks for the info Bryan.

It would be awesome to sail with someone who knows the area, unfortunately we will be arriving on the 13th.

Does the parking lot fill up pretty quickly there? Is there a point of getting there before 11 then?