Tavares Bay (Kuau)
- Wave, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tavares Bay (Kuau) is a small, crescent-shaped sandy beach on Maui’s North Shore with crystal-clear water and a reef bottom. The spot is described as a medium-wave location where conditions favor experienced riders who can manage the narrow/limited launch area and quickly clear the reef zone. Wind is most consistently available from May through October, aligning with the region’s Northeast Trade-wind pattern. Directional reports for this spot commonly fall in the east-to-northeast range, with typical winds around 15 to 25 knots. Close in, wind can be gusty or shadowed very near the beach due to nearby shoreline features, so planning for variations right at the launch is important. Kitesurfing is best suited to intermediate-to-advanced skill levels, with styles including freeride and wave riding; foil and strapless are also mentioned as part of the wave-oriented use case. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also supported by the conditions, though the launch/landing geometry and reef access mean these disciplines are generally recommended for stronger riders. Safety at Tavares Bay centers on the reef and the strong-current/reef-channel considerations (plus sea turtles). Sources also warn that there is no designated sport zone and that kiting is restricted within swim zones. With no lifeguards reported and limited rescue, self-rescue readiness and careful coordination in the cove area are essential.
- Reliable May–October trade-wind season
- Crystal-clear water over reef
- Advanced-friendly wave/reef conditions with deep-water options outside
- Reliable Northeast Trade winds during May to October
- Crystal-clear water and generally strong ocean conditions
- Wave-capable riding options with deep-water access past the reef
- Reef hazard and sharp underwater bottom; launch/exit requires speed to get out past the reef
- Limited launching/setup space on a small beach
- No lifeguards reported and rescue availability is described as no
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Regional Northeast Trade winds; spot can also feel thermal-boosted later in the day.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Can be gusty very close to the beach due to nearby shoreline features; wind may also shadow close in.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Wind can be gusty or shadowed very close to the beach due to shoreline trees/nearby features.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand/mixed beach composition reported; reef channels and rocky outcrops surround the launch.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium-wave conditions for kiting and surfing use cases.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy section nestled between rocky outcrops and reefs; described as an easy-access crescent beach in some notes, but launch can still be tricky due to the reef.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Also described as difficult for some disciplines due to limited access space and reef timing.
Through the year
Uncrowded weekdays; crowded weekends/holidays; busier during summer afternoons and consistent trade winds.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing in medium-wave conditions with reef-bottom exposure. Advanced riders are preferred due to sharp reef and deep-water/outside riding options. The spot is described as a wave-oriented alternative for experienced kiters.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Used for wave riding and foil-style sessions; launch/landing can be tricky due to the narrow rocky access and reef.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Popular for wingfoiling due to the ability to get past the reef to ride swells outside.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly beyond the immediate reef zone.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters beyond the immediate reef
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tavares Bay (Kuau) in the full forecast view.
Tavares Bay (Kuau) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–10 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- ENE62°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2310 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.4–2.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tavares Bay (Kuau) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.4–2.2 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
- reef
- sharp reef
- rocks
- sea turtles
- limited launching space
- strong currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability is described as no.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility cited as Maui Memorial Medical Center (Wailuku) / local emergency services 911; nearby facilities also cited as in Paia or Kahului.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Sources describe localism as mild/moderate.
Rules of the spot
No designated sport zone; follow standard Maui water-safety practices and yield to swimmers and surfers within the cove.
- No kiting within swim zones.
- Launch is tricky because it’s a small sandy patch between rocks—be able to get past the reef quickly.
- Keep an eye out for sea turtles (common here).
- The beach is small—only pump up when you’re ready to launch.
- Self-rescue guidance: Lanes is the next self-rescue beach; Tavares is listed as the next self-rescue beach about 1/2 mile further than Lanes.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Paia
- Nearest Town
- Lower Paia
- Nearest Airport
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Parking
- Ample parking reported near the beach access point; another source notes a very small parking lot that fills quickly.
- Public Transport
- Maui Bus serves the area but is generally not suitable for transporting large sports equipment; car rentals are recommended.
- Access
- From Kahului, drive northeast on Hana Hwy (Hwy 36) to Tavares; turn left at the bottom of the hill just past an 'Ocean access' sign after passing a Buddhist temple. Short walk to a small crescent beach with a generally unmarked beach access sign.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels and inns in Paia to vacation rentals and larger hotels in nearby Kahului.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drinks are available within walking distance at Kuau Store.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through specialty shops in nearby Kanaha or Paia.
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the beach.
- Gear Repair
- Repair shops are available in the Kahului and Kanaha area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Maui’s North Shore around Paia is a global destination for ocean sports, combining high-performance wind and wave conditions with a relaxed tropical lifestyle.
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Historic plantation town turned into a vibrant hub with independent art galleries and local boutiques.
Massive volcanic crater offering sunrise views and extensive hiking trails.
Renowned beachfront dining destination focusing on fresh, locally caught fish.
Aquarium showcasing local marine life and coral reefs.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tavares Bay (Kuau)?
The best overall months at Tavares Bay (Kuau) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Tavares Bay (Kuau)?
Tavares Bay (Kuau) works with NE, ENE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Tavares Bay (Kuau)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Tavares Bay (Kuau): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Tavares Bay (Kuau) suitable for?
Tavares Bay (Kuau) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.