Pohaku Park (Napili)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pohaku Park (Napili), also known as S-Turns, is a small West Maui beach park where water is typically crystal-clear and conditions are characterized by chop and small-to-medium waves. The shoreline includes rocks and reef features, and the sandy launch area can be very narrow—making it a technically demanding setup and exit for wind and water riders. For kitesurfing, the spot is possible but not a primary Maui kite destination. It is described as specialized for west-leaning conditions (Kona/winter-front type sessions) rather than standard trade winds, which are often wind-shadowed by the West Maui Mountains. Even when wind is available, local rules and space constraints matter: there is a Maui-wide no-kiteboarding-before-11 AM rule and riders must keep a minimum 200 feet from other ocean users. Surfing is a major focus at this beach. The break is described as a reef break that can produce fun, peaky waves; however, it can also become very heavy or close out on larger North-West swells. Wind direction can affect wave cleanliness, with East/South-East winds tending to keep things cleaner while Northwest winds can make conditions messier. Safety considerations are a priority here. Multiple warnings highlight the narrow launch, rocks, and the risk profile of the area—there are no lifeguards reported and swimming is described as marginal. Because the beach can be significantly limited at high tide, riders are advised to check tide and beach conditions before committing.
- Specialized west-side riding during Kona/winter-front conditions.
- Crystal-clear water and reef-influenced surf.
- No lifeguards; narrow, rocky launch requires advanced judgment.
- Crystal-clear water with small-to-medium wave and chop conditions for riders when conditions line up.
- Works during Kona/winter-front wind situations on the west side.
- Popular local surf reef area known as S-Turns.
- Very narrow, tricky launch with rocks and limited space (especially with tide changes).
- Not suitable for standard trade-wind sessions due to wind shadow.
- Crowds can build on weekends; surf can get busy during winter swells.
- No lifeguards; swimming can be marginal.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, WNW, NNW, W, WSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds dominate the area, with occasional Kona/winter-front conditions that can work at this spot.
- Reliability
- low-profile
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with nearby rocks and vegetation.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Kitesurfing context: small-to-medium waves; surfing context: described as a moderate-power reef break.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is a defining condition at the spot.
- Launch
- Small — Grass lawns and paved parking area suitable for rigging; walk to beach from parking. Launch is described as narrow with nearby rocks and vegetation.
Through the year
Quiet for kiting, but winter can be very crowded for surfers; weekends can be busy.
November through March is the wettest period.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible but not a primary Maui kitesurfing spot. This spot is small with chop and a technically demanding, narrow launch with rocks nearby. Commonly works during Kona/winter-front conditions; trade winds are typically wind-shadowed here.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Occasionally used by wave sailors during Kona winds, but the narrow launch makes it less popular than other wave locations.
Possible during Kona winds, but navigation is challenging due to rocky shoreline and reef during entry and exit.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Known locally as S-Turns, it’s a popular surf reef break with peaky waves that can get crowded on good winter swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, N
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Clean with East or South-East winds; messy with Northwest winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out or become very heavy during massive North-West swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Peak provides short to medium rides depending on swell angle.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Peak provides short to medium rides depending on swell angle.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pohaku Park (Napili) in the full forecast view.
Pohaku Park (Napili) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–12 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- NE49°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2412 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.3 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pohaku Park (Napili) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.0–1.3 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- rocks
- very narrow beach/launch
- shore break
- shallow reef
- submerged reef heads
- localism
- marginal-swimming-conditions
- no lifeguards
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability reported for the spot; regional area rescue is limited and typically depends on available services.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911 in an emergency.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
No kiteboarding before 11 AM; keep a minimum 200 feet from other ocean users (swimmers, fishermen, surfers, and other watersport enthusiasts). Give way to surfers and swimmers; do not launch if the beach is crowded with beachgoers.
- No kiting during typical trade wind conditions due to wind shadow.
- Very limited beach space at high tide.
- Only kiteboard in designated spots (per local rules).
- No kiteboarding before 11 AM (Maui-wide rule).
- Maintain minimum 200 feet distance from other ocean users.
- Check the tide before heading out; the beach can effectively disappear at high tide.
- Weekends can be crowded; midweek is quieter.
- Only ride when wind is suitable for the spot (west/northwest/Kona-type sessions).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lahaina
- Nearest Town
- Napili-Honokowai
- Nearest Airport
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Parking
- Small parking lot at the park; can fill up quickly.
- Public Transport
- Maui Bus serves West Maui; carrying sports equipment may have restrictions; rental car recommended.
- Access
- Located between Kaanapali and Kapalua, off Lower Honoapiilani Road. Short walk from parking to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous condos and resorts in the Napili and Kahana area.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and a grocery store are within walking distance in the Kahana area.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available directly at the park; shops are located in Lahaina or Kahana.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Lahaina coast is a major tourism corridor with historic sites, winter marine-life activity, and many family and adventure options across the West Maui coastline.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pohaku Park (Napili)?
The best overall months at Pohaku Park (Napili) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Pohaku Park (Napili)?
Pohaku Park (Napili) works with N, NW, WNW, NNW, W, WSW, SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pohaku Park (Napili)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pohaku Park (Napili): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Pohaku Park (Napili) suitable for?
Pohaku Park (Napili) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.