Maui - Kapalua in August - Launches?

mpenfield · Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

Hi - I'll be in Kapalua and am interested in launches that aren't too far away e.g. kanaha and south coast. Someone mentioned a launch near the Embassy Suites...It's so windy in August, there must be someplace decent to launch on that part of the island?.?.?...Thanks for recommendations!

fxop · Joined: 13 Jun 1998 Posts: 202

Kind of offshore, isn't it? Of course, you've always got Molokai there to back you up. Kiters do launch from the Flemings-Honolua area, I'm told, but I don't know the exact launch.

SAS · Joined: 18 Feb 1997 Posts: 177 Location: planet earth

I don't know of anything good that way; you're wind shadowed by the mountains and away from the major effect the valley between Haleakala and Kahalewai (AKA the west Maui mountains).

I suggest you make the drive to Kanaha; it's long, but would be worth it

Steve

keycocker · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 3598

The drive can be scenic. These days the traffic is half the usual because so many folks have left.
There is a lot to say about launching among other sailors in case of gear trouble. I left the launch twice now staright to the emergency room.
Kanaha is not crowded even on weekends.

weihlac · Joined: 21 Apr 2000 Posts: 12 Location: Maui

Just bite the bullet and drive to Kanaha ~ 45 min from Kapalua. Wind direction in Kapalua is often off shore and fluky, few sailors (if any) around if you have a problem, and no equipment to rent.

Kanaha has consistently good or great conditions at this time of year (25+ mph yesterday, very powered up on a 5.2), great rentals within a mile of the beach, and plenty of experienced sailors to talk to, parking, grass to rig on, showers etc.

Alternatively north Kihei in the mid to late- afternoon can be good, but not as reliable as Kanaha, and no rental gear.

Al from Maui

mpenfield · Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

ok...I'm convinced to do the drive...thanks!

spyder · Joined: 24 Sep 1996 Posts: 2790 Location: oahu

dabull1 · Joined: 19 Mar 1997 Posts: 556

Embassy Suites and environs is sailable and fun during Winter when the Kona Winds blow. Make the run to Kanaha for the midday session, then when wind angles North, Kihei goes off for the cocktail sunset cruise! Just watch the tide charts for Kihei, don't even think about low tide sailing. Maui Sunset and Kalama Park are good launches and plenty windy. Remember to take or rent snorkle gear'cause Honolua Bay is a short drive from Kapalua,just look beyond the first parking lot with stairs to the next hairpin turn and hike down to the beach on the jungle trail, some of the best snorkeling you'll find. One more hot tip... Willie K at the Rusty Harpoon in Kaanapali on Tuesday, or Mulligan's on the Blue Wednesday in Wialea, if you like great live music DON'T MISS WILLIE K. [ check him out on YouTube]!!! For rentals, see my Buds at Hawaiian Island Surf and Sports, just tell 'em Koa's Godfather sent you and they'll give you the bro deal! They're good guys and gals, and close to Kanaha for gear switches. Try out the new Starboard Kody, a perfect board for Maui conditions! Have fun, Aloha, Da Bull

noshuzbluz · Joined: 18 May 2000 Posts: 791

We stayed at the Kahana Reef Condos near Kapalaua and to our surprise, one day we came home to windsurfers and kiters all over the place. They were launching about 100 yards up the beach from us. right next door was a local house and next door to them was a resort I think every one was using for access. We had a front row seat. Very Cool. Below is a map of where we were, where they launched from and the view we had. To hell with the big resorts!......

mpenfield · Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks for the additional info!

Da Bull - we will check out the snorkeling and music and probably rent surf boards and snorkel gear from your guys. Thanks!

Noshuzbluz - great shot! if the wind is right will check it out and report back. We leave in 2 weeks...