Kalama Beach Park
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 10–15 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Kalama Beach Park (Wailea/Kihei) combines warm, generally clear coastal conditions with a shallow reef environment that strongly affects wind and water-sport planning. The water is described as small/flat with chop and crystal-clear water, but there is a reef hazard that sits close enough to demand careful launch and line choice for any kiting/foiling. Reef booties and reef-aware navigation are emphasized due to sharp reef and sea-urchin risk. For wind sports, the spot is described as Kona-oriented, with guidance warning not to go out in the trades because winds can blow offshore and feel gusty and unsafe for kiters/wing-foilers. Wind is also reported to be low reliability, and there can be heavy turbulence/wind shadows near trees and buildings if the wind shifts too far northerly. Kitesurfing has a strict time rule—no kiteboarding before 11 AM—and sessions are expected to respect separation from the swim/surf zones at the south end. Surfing is the most broadly highlighted activity for the park’s south end (“The Cove”). Here, waves are reported as small, gentle, and beginner-friendly with long, slow-peeling right-hand rides. Conditions are described as semi-sheltered overall, with the cleanest surfing in light morning winds or light Kona winds, while very large southern swells can close out or turn messy. Amenities and access are practical for multi-activity trips: the park offers core facilities such as showers, toilets, and parking, plus nearby visitor infrastructure in the Wailea/Kihei corridor for food and rentals. Overall, the park is a good choice if you match the day to the sport—gentle conditions for learning surfing at the Cove, and Kona/wind-event days for careful, reef-conscious kiting and foiling.
- Beginner-friendly surfing at the south end (The Cove)
- Warm water year-round and clear visibility
- Kona wind orientation for wind sports (avoid trades/onshore assumptions)
- Reef hazard and shallow launch depth require caution
- Clear, warm water and straightforward access from South Kihei Road
- Good for beginner surfing at the south end (The Cove) with gentle, long rides
- Kona-wind days can provide rideable wind for freeride/foil styles
- Shallow reef and sharp lava-rock/sea-urchin hazards near launch and offshore
- Wind can be unreliable (reported low reliability) and gusty offshore during trades
- For wind sports, restrictions apply (no kiting before 11 AM and separation from swim/surf zones)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, SW, W, NW, SSW
- Offshore directions
- S, SSW, SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Works with N to SSW winds; described as a Kona wind spot as well (avoid going out in trades due to offshore/gusty conditions).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Reported as gusty offshore here (especially in trades).
- Shadow Zones
- Heavy turbulence and wind shadows near trees/buildings if wind is too northerly.
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: N · Regionally, conditions often strengthen midday into the afternoon; Kona/wind-event days can be more favorable for wind sports.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Some mixed areas with lava rocks near launch; sand patches are present.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small, gentle waves reported for the south end/surf area.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Reported as flat with chop.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy patches with lava rocks/boulders; narrow launch area at high tide.
Through the year
Always crowded at the south end for surfing; quiet for wind sports except during Kona events.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kalama is described as a flat/shallow water area with reef hazard and a technical/narrow-shallow launch profile. It is treated as an advanced/technical spot in Kona conditions due to shallow reef clearance and narrow launch; beginner freeride is also noted.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Rarely used unless Kona winds are present; shallow reef makes it tricky for long fins.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Becoming popular during Kona winds and light-wind days, but foilers must be extremely cautious due to shallow reef depth.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions are limited by shallow reef depth; deeper further out.
- Min Depth
- 0.8m over the reef, deeper further out
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
At the south end of Kalama Beach Park (The Cove), surfing is described as very gentle with long, slow-peeling right-hand waves; conditions can get messy on very large southern swells.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide reported as optimal.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered overall.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest in light morning winds or light Kona winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Closes out or becomes messy on very large southern swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Average wave quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Very gentle and beginner-friendly described for the south end area.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Mushy shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Long, slow-peeling rights are typical near The Cove/south end.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Long, slow-peeling rights ideal for longboarding.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long, slow-peeling rights ideal for longboarding.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kalama Beach Park in the full forecast view.
Kalama Beach Park wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- NNE20°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2312 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–0.7 m10s period
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kalama Beach Park is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.5–0.7 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Reefs
- Shallow reef
- Lava rocks
- Sea urchins
- Sharp reef near launch and offshore reef hazard (reported around ~2,000 feet offshore)
- Crowded surfing zone at the south end
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — Reported as none.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Reported as no dedicated coastguard base on-site; local volunteer rescue available in Kihei.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: 911. Rescue is reported as limited in the corridor; no dedicated coastguard base on-site.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Reported localism: none; mild local tips are mentioned.
Rules of the spot
Standard Maui kiteboarding time restriction: no kiteboarding before 11 AM. Kitesurfing is allowed 11 AM–8 PM (gates open 6 AM–8 PM). Kite/windsurf setup must stay at least 100 yards away from the swim/surf zones at the south end.
- No kitesurfing before 11 AM
- No kitesurfing in designated swimming areas
- Launch only from designated sandy patches
- Stay at least 100 yards away from the swim/surf zones at the south end of the park
- Do not go out in the trades here—winds are offshore and gusty. Favor Kona conditions instead.
- Watch the reef depth; it is shallow and can be technical.
- Wear reef booties to protect against sharp coral/sea urchins.
- Wear or plan for protection suitable for shallow reef impacts/foot protection; check tide before foiling for enough clearance.
- Launch only from designated sandy patches and do not kite in designated swimming areas.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kahului
- Nearest Town
- Kihei
- Nearest Airport
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Parking
- Large free public parking lots are available within the park.
- Public Transport
- Maui Bus provides connectivity along coastal routes (Kihei Islander / Wailea Islander).
- Access
- About 4 miles south of Kihei, on South Kihei Road, Maui
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous condos and hotels are available within walking distance in Kihei.
- Food & Drink
- Many restaurants and food trucks are located directly across the street.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available via surf shops across the street offering surfboard and SUP rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated storage is described as limited via local surf shops and select resort concierges.
- Gear Repair
- Board repair services available through specialty surf shops in Kihei and nearby Kahului.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kalama Beach Park?
The best overall months at Kalama Beach Park are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Kalama Beach Park?
Kalama Beach Park works with N, NNE, SW, W, NW, SSW winds. Offshore directions are S, SSW, SW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Kalama Beach Park?
Recommended equipment sizes at Kalama Beach Park: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–15 kts.
What skill level is Kalama Beach Park suitable for?
Kalama Beach Park suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced to Expert · Wingfoiling: Intermediate to Advanced · Surfing: Beginner.