Waiehee Beach Park (Maui)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Wave, Shortboard
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Mixed
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Waiehee Beach Park on Maui’s north shore is a rugged reef/point area where conditions can stay reasonably consistent, especially in the winter surfing window. The spot is exposed, and while the beach provides a sandy access/launch approach, the seabed is predominantly reef—so depth can change quickly near the shoreline and around reef passes. For water sports, the wind regime is dominated by North-East trade winds. Best wind months are reported as May through October, with typical conditions in the range of about 15–25 knots. Winds are described as reliable during the trade-wind season, though nearshore gustiness can happen in the presence of coastal trees. For kitesurfing, the inner lagoon/flatwater is paired with more technical reef-wave exposure outside, making it an advanced venue. For surfing, the reef/point setup can produce peeling waves, with an exposed character and risks from shallow reef and sharp underwater hazards. Wingfoiling is possible but only with extreme caution because shallow lagoon depth and reef proximity reduce margin for error. Safety planning is critical here. Strong currents and very shallow reef conditions at low tide (especially through reef passes) are specifically highlighted as a danger for anyone without local knowledge. Hazards reported include sea urchins, sharp coral/rocks, and sharks; there is no formal rescue service reported for the spot, so riders should take responsibility for their decisions. Wearing reef booties is strongly recommended, and checking tide conditions before committing to the reef is essential.

  • Advanced reef/point break with reasonably consistent surf
  • Trade winds: NE to E directions; best May–October
  • Risk-heavy access due to shallow reef passes/low-tide depth changes
  • Beach-park amenities including showers, toilets, and picnic area
Great for
Surfing shortboardKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilKitesurfing straplessWindsurfing waveWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Consistent trade-wind season with typically reliable NE-to-E directions (good for advanced kiting)
  • Surf is described as reasonably consistent with reef/point character
  • Basic beach-park amenities available (restrooms, showers, picnic area)
Heads up
  • Exposed reef and point break with shallow/reef-pass hazards
  • Sea urchins (wana), sharp rocks/coral, and strong currents possible
  • Wind can be gustier nearshore due to trees
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, ENE, E
Offshore directions
S
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Dominant North-East trade winds; NE to E directions are reported as best.
Reliability
High during trade wind season
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gustier conditions can occur nearshore due to coastal trees.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach with an almost entirely reef bottom.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Surf described as medium; overall water conditions vary by swell and reef state.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach launch area; can be narrow in some sections with trees nearby.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–28 °C
Water Temperature
20–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Apr: shorty or 3/2mm full suitMay–Sep: rashguard / 1mm top
Crowds by Season

Can be busy with locals on weekends; generally less crowded than central Maui spots

Storm/Rain Season

December through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Advanced spot with a mix of flat water in an inner lagoon and waves on the outer reef; more technical than nearby alternatives due to gustier winds and reef proximity.

WaveFreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for wave sailing and freeriding; requires navigating shallow reef areas; less popular than major central Maui spots.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.5–5.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but requires extreme caution due to shallow reef depth in the lagoon; deeper water is outside the reef.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef/point break with reasonably consistent surf; shallow and sharp with reef risks.

Reef breakPoint break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW, NE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef/point with limited natural shelter.
Wind Effect
Cross-shore trade winds can ruffle the face; south winds are offshore.
Bigger Swell
Can close out or become very heavy on large winter swells
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling — Often described as peeling/reef point behavior.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Ride length described as medium; can be longer on the right swell but sections can get out.
Ride Length Details
Can offer long rides on the right swell, but often sections out.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Waiehee Beach Park (Maui) in the full forecast view.

Waiehee Beach Park (Maui) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
NE56°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2911 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–2.0 m9s period
Temperature
23–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Waiehee Beach Park (Maui) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.2–2.0 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Shallow reef (reef passes can be very shallow at low tide)
  • Sea urchins (wana)
  • Sharp rocks and coral
  • Strong currents / strong rip currents possible
  • Sharks
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsImpact vestWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facilities are in Kahului; in an emergency call 911.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Reported moderate localism.

Rules of the spot

Standard beach park regulations apply; respect local residents and the sensitive coastal environment.

Restrictions
  • No motorized watercraft
  • Keep clear of swimmers
Local Tips
  • Wear reef booties to protect against urchins and sharp coral
  • Wind is often cleaner further out from shore
  • Check the tide before heading out as the reef can become dangerously shallow at low tide

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Kahului
Nearest Town
Waihee-Waiehu
Nearest Airport
Kahului Airport (OGG)
Parking
Paved parking lot available at the beach park
Access
Accessible by car from Kahului by driving northwest along the coast toward Waiehee Beach Park (Waiehu Beach Road / Hwy 3400).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various hotels and rentals available in nearby Kahului and Wailuku.
Food & Drink
Local markets and eateries are located in nearby Wailuku.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals on-site; equipment must be brought from shops in Kahului.
Gear Storage
None available at the spot.
Gear Repair
Repair shops are located in Kahului.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Waiehee Beach Park (Maui)?

The best overall months at Waiehee Beach Park (Maui) are May, June, July, August, September, November, December. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Waiehee Beach Park (Maui)?

Waiehee Beach Park (Maui) works with NE, ENE, E winds. Offshore directions are S.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Waiehee Beach Park (Maui)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Waiehee Beach Park (Maui): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Waiehee Beach Park (Maui) suitable for?

Waiehee Beach Park (Maui) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.