One of the world's best-known windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations — Ho'okipa Beach on Maui's North Shore is the site of world championship windsurfing competitions, with afternoon trade winds that regularly reach 30 mph. Watch from the clifftop lookout or learn at beginner spots in Paia.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Ho'okipa Beach is the premier windsurfing destination on Earth — the convergence of the North Shore's powerful north swells and Maui's consistent afternoon trade winds creates conditions that have produced world champions for four decades. The world windsurfing and kitesurfing championships are held here. The clifftop lookout above the beach is one of the best spectator perches in Hawaii — watch world-class athletes use 30 mph winds to fly 30 feet above 15-foot waves. Do not attempt to surf or windsurf Ho'okipa without significant experience — conditions are expert level. Beginner windsurfing lessons are available at Kanaha Beach in Kahului.
What Stands Out
- Windsurfing capital of the world — world championships held here
- Clifftop lookout — one of the best spectator spots in Hawaii
- Consistent afternoon trade winds 20–35 mph
- World-class athletes visible from shore daily in good conditions
- Beginner lessons at Kanaha Beach in Kahului — not Ho'okipa