Hawaii

[zoharl]

I'd like to spend a week in Hawaii in the middle of July. I read a few posts on forums, and it seems that the majority votes for Maui (kitesurfing or otherwise - hiking, etc.). Did I get it right?
I have only 9m kite, and I prefer winds up to 30knots with flat water.
In case I'll have to get a 6m kite, can I buy (cheap, second hand) or rent one in the area?

(Other tips such as accommodation, food, and what to do on the island would be welcomed as well.)

[tautologies]

I'd like to spend a week in Hawaii in the middle of July. I read a few posts on forums, and it seems that the majority votes for Maui (kitesurfing or otherwise). Did I get it right?
I have only 9m kite, and I prefer winds up to 30knots with flat water.
In case I'll have to get a 6m kite, can I buy or rent one in the area?

Yup. Maui has the most wind and tons of shops in the area.

[dracop]

Maui is your best bet, unlikely the other islands will have strong winds. Renting is easy, if you need help finding gear for rental you can msg me and I can get you in touch with my school's gear person or with a few other shops/schools that offer it. Do you have an IKO card showing L3 certification?

[zoharl]

I don't have any certification - I've been surfing way before there was IKO...
Okay, I'll be in touch if I need 6m and can't find one.
Actually, I don't prefer a strong wind. I have a 9m (f.one bandit 2010), which has a low range - upto ~30knots, and above that it becomes unpleasant. But if it means more windy days, then of course it's preferable.

[zoharl]

I'm debating between:

1. Go to a (shabby?) hotel in Kahului 3km from the spot such as Maui Seaside Hotel or Maui Beach Hotel. Then, if my focus is on surfing, I hope to walk there, and avoid car rental.

2. Rent a nice condo in Kihei (also should be a nicer area), and drive 25min to the spot. Car rental including loss damage waiver (LDW) insurance should cost around 60$ with one of the big car rental companies.

What do you think?

Are there any kitesurfing spots in a North wind in Kihei? The following site gives more details about the north spot than the others:
http://www.mauikiteboardingassociation. ... emaps.html

[pmaggie]

In Kihei go near the Sunset Hotel. Anyway, if you want to enjoy Maui you'll definitely need a car. The island is gorgeous, it's not only surf, kite, and ws. Take your time to visit the Haleakala, the Hana Highway, to snorkel in La Perouse and so on. My first choice to sleep would be Paia (5 minutes driving to kite beach /kahului) on Haiku (15-20 minutes driving to kite beach / Kahului). Have a coffee in Makawao also.

[Pumma]

you can ride most of the days with your 9m
Maui is really awesome for kiting , flat water only at ''pro pool'' but for me it wasnt so cool to try unhooked - passing tricks , big tiger sharks were always on my mind
locals are used of them but not me!!
as soon as accommodation i stayed in Kihei (many things to do there as surf,skate,cycling) but i think wherever you stay kitebeach is really close no worries
hope i visit Maui again soon
have fun !!

[irwe]

We always stay in Kihei. It's nice to stay in Kihei and chill after kiteboarding all day. We get to Naish beach early (just east of Kite beach). Only have to worry about the "Bone Yard" at low tide when kiting rest is pure heaven. You will get good wind. Usually ~ 10 kts more then what windguru forecasts.

[zoharl]

Thanks for the further tips. I wasn't clear, though, if it's possible to surf in Kihei in a north wind, or it's only possible to surf in a north wind on the north part of the island (kite beach area)?

[markymarc]

I was there last year in July. Kanaha beach park is the placYou will need your 9m. Wind strenght is exaggerated. Winds are also warm so less strong than cold winds.

Nice place but I like kiting in Europe / Holland more.. haha.

You can rent with e.g. the Cabrinha shop. Don't need IKO, if you can really kitesurf!

Have fun