Hi All - looking at a winging trip to Hawaii in Sept/Oct this year. Will be there for a 3-4 weeks. I'm a beginner-to-intermediate rider (got foiling gybes down, working on foiling foot switch, little experience in waves but comfortable on the ocean in 10-30mph winds). First trip to Hawaii.

The thought is to get a car and stay on 1 island/1 town as we prefer to set up base once and then explore with day trips from there. Want to wing 4-5 days a week depending on the wind so hoping the drive is less than 1 hour to different launch points. Will also want to hike and have access to decent grocery stores/food markets.

From those who have been there before during that time, what's your suggestions? Thanks!

kiwiupover said..
Hi All - looking at a winging trip to Hawaii in Sept/Oct this year. Will be there for a 3-4 weeks. I'm a beginner-to-intermediate rider (got foiling gybes down, working on foiling foot switch, little experience in waves but comfortable on the ocean in 10-30mph winds). First trip to Hawaii.

The thought is to get a car and stay on 1 island/1 town as we prefer to set up base once and then explore with day trips from there. Want to wing 4-5 days a week depending on the wind so hoping the drive is less than 1 hour to different launch points. Will also want to hike and have access to decent grocery stores/food markets.

From those who have been there before during that time, what's your suggestions? Thanks!

Can't entirely comment on those dates - but just got back from Oahu in late April. 13 knots with 17 knot gusts in Kailua almost daily. Some super sick sessions there!
Super easy to start with relatively flat water beach entrance and awesome waves if you head out to the reef.

I only recommend this spot, as this is a beginner through to advanced spot. When I went out, there were heaps of beginners. Only a few would head out to the break, so you can chill out in the surf on your own very easily.

I rode a sinker and used a 5m. Never had issue with power on a HA 1000cm foil. About a 30 minute drive from Waikiki although if you're staying that long, stay over there. As you loose more time than you think going from hotel - beach. Plus if budget is t an issue there were some great Airbnb's on the beach. Just walk straight out!

robbo1111 said..
I've been in Maui for the last month and the winging has been epic - 3'0 most days and if I had a smaller wing I'd be on it. Got another month but the swell has gone so downwinders are the go.
The time you are planning should see the return of swell and plenty of wind. Kanaha is the mecca for winging in Hawaii, from beginner to expert there's something for everyone.
Ive been coming to Maui for over 30 years and it's got super-expensive since Covid so be prepared. Rent a cheap car from Kimo's or similar renta-wreck and try and stay on the north shore (Paia, Kuau, Haiku). If you're travelling with a family you'll probably want to stay on the south side, somewhere like Maui Sunset.
Lots of American tourists here at the moment so roads are busy but the water isn't.

I would revert back on Oahu and confirm Maui is the island to go to. Just super expensive for AU/NZ, no idea how expensive multiple months were for you, but I guess avoid hotels and try a longer rental.

I am currently in Maui, Hawaii. Kanaha is the place to be. Great community--you'll be meeting people from around the world. Check out JD 'FollowCam' on YouTube. He records a lot of great wingers (best wing foil videos, in my opinion). The harbor (just downwind of Kanaha) is a great place to work on new skills. There'll also be days when trade or Kona winds blow along the southern and southwestern part of the island, which means that you'd be able to wing in Wailea or Lahaina.