SouthShore Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
Maui Sunset
The Maui Sunset is the best location to stay and sail Kihei from the
condo. Last year I sailed with a couple guys from the SF Bay that
windsurfed for an hour, left their gear on the shore as they sat in the Jacuzzi,
then went back to sail some more! Does it get any better?!
Maui Sunset sits on a public park offering one of the few launch sites in
Kihei. You can rig off your lanai, and walk your gear to the water.
Winds are side-shore and waves typically fairly small. Winds come
across the island before hitting the water, so the swell is moderate
to light. I often sail 3-5 foot swell on the outside in 20-25 knot winds
(April conditions).
The Maui Sunset can be sailed in most conditions, with the exception of full
low tide. There is a reef to the south end of the launch that is exposed
in low tide. Be sure to stay well clear of this if you wish to keep your
fin in tact (fin-savers recommended if sailing marginal tides).
Kiteboarding South-Shore
The park at the Maui Sunset offers one of the few places open enough for kite
launching in Kihei. Kites are typically launched in the park, and
walked into the water. There are palm trees along the water, but spacing
is adequate for clearance in between. There are a couple companies
offering windsurfing and kite-surfing lessons from the park. I believe Action Sports
teaches from there regularly.
Whale Watch Center Windsurfing
There is a small group that sails from the Maui Whale Watch center in Kihei.
Conditions are similar to the other Kihei launches, with a little more
wave/break. If you have not sailed there, be sure to get the inside scoop
before venturing out. There are shallow reefs and obstacles you NEED to
know about.
I've sailed the Whale Watch center, but never launched there. I came
off the Maui Sunset and worked upwind to join the windsurfers from this
location. One interesting thing about this site is the
sea-turtles that are regularly seen near the buoy. Although normally not
an issue for windsurfers, losing fins due to sea-turtle encounters can be an
issue.
As this site is similar to others, my recommendation is to pass on this and
sail the more regularly used launch sites.
Kihei Public Windsurf Park
There is a public park about a mile North of Maui Sunset where most people
launch to sail Kihei. There is a good rigging area, and easy launch.
Park use if free and there is a public restroom.
There is a shallow reef there, but even at low tide it does not appear to be
an issue. If sailing really low tide I recommend asking the regulars to
get the onsite information on reef conditions. From my experience as long
as you stay upwind you will clear the reef in most (if not all?) tidal
conditions.
