Hookipa Beach Maui Hawaii

by Dave Jackson

Hookipa Beach is well known for world-class windsurfing competitions. While not everyone is an expert windsurfer there is a small coral reef that provides an excellent calm area for taking a relaxing few minutes on this unique beach. Hookipa beach is known as the premier windsurfing beach in the world, with many world class competitions. The swimming beaches of Kihei, Wailea and Makena are located on the South Shore, and will be approximately 30 to 45 minutes by car. A mecca for surfers of all ages since the 1930′s and the home of contemporary surfing, Hookipa Beach is among Maui’s most popular sites for events large and small. There is also a bay and a number of beaches that are favorites of surfers and windsurfers. Hookipa Beach Park was once a wide white sand beach but after the tsunami of 1946, there was nothing left but a thin strip of white sand behind a wide rocky shelf.

It is the most popular break for windsurfing, and generally breaks as a right. With the prevailing trade wind direction being east to east-north-east, this is most frequently down-the-line sailing on starboard tack (wind from right when standing on the beach). The beach is best known as the premier windsurfing beach on Maui and, arguably, in the world. The bay plays host to the world ?s top windsurfers.

With strong trade winds predicted for most of the week, conditions should be good as the world’s best are here on Maui to tackle one of the best windsurfing breaks in the world. Prize money for the men’s and women’s event will total $30,000.

Are there certain days and times when the windsurfers flock? I know it depends on the surf (duh!) but other than that are there any other factors? Due to the strong surf, windsurfing at this beach should be limited to the experts. However, the beach has an 1/8 mile coral reef that makes a pond-like area perfect for taking a dip in the early morning or when the ocean in calmer.

With such world-class spots within 20 minutes of the college , it’s obvious why windsurfing is a popular sport with students on Maui. Hookipa Beach Park on the north side (East of Lower Paia) has become the windsurfing capital of the world and is the site of two major world-class competitions. Windsurfers will tell you the best views of Hookipa Beach’s gleaming white sands and towering palm trees are from the water, where surfers are privy to the beach’s spectacular setting. If jumping on a board and catching some wind doesn’t suit your fancy, relax ocean-side and watch one of two world-class competitions held in Hookipa, when windsurfing champions battle wind and sea. World-class windsurfing events are held here annually. After you’re done at the lookout, your best bet is to get back on Highway 36 and continue your journey.

In winter, monster surf rolls into the North Shore, with wave after wave and winds rolling in, making Hookipa a world class windsurf and kite surfing destination. Several professional competitions are held each year at Hookipa which attracts competitors from all over the world. Just outside of Spreckelsville is the windsurfing mecca of Hookipa Beach Park, where top-ranked wind surfers come to test themselves against the forces of nature. There is a high grassy bluff located on the far side of the beach that is a good place to stop and watch the wind surfers (which on an average windy day number in the dozens.) The park itself includes a pavilion, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a barbecue area.

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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Georgina M. Hunter January 25, 2009 at 5:01 pm

Hey that’s my video! I’m glad you liked it.

Dave Jackson January 27, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Yes, awesome! Thanks for sharing it. It is one of the few good ones that show the beach at Hookipa!

Dave

Sophie December 16, 2009 at 5:08 pm

Could you tell me where are the nearest lodges, hotels … from the
Hookipa Beach Maui Hawaii. Do you have some to recommend.
Is that Beach good for beginner windsurfers?
Thank you.

Sophie

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