Kanaha Beach

Kahului, Maui

Directly next to the Kahului airport lies Maui's most hidden beach known as Kanaha Beach Park. A mile-long stretch of green grass lawns and tree-lined soft white sand beaches, it is a world-renown windsurfing and kite-boarding spot, attracting both experienced athletes and beginners. On any given windy afternoon there are swirls of butterfly-like sails off-shore. Kanaha also has some fine swimming, and though popular with locals on weekends, is wonderfully uncrowded during the weekdays. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: surf-protected swimming, surfing (winter), windsurfing and kite-boarding (both beginner and pro), proximity to the airport makes it a perfect last or first beach visit. LIFE GUARD: YES WARNINGS!: Be aware of far offshore reef; gets windy in the afternoons on windy days and this also creates currents. AMENITIES: Lifeguard tower, showers, restrooms, picnic tables and BBQ, beach volleyball courts, ADA accessible. Live Kanaha ocean camera link: http://www.mauiwindcam.com/liveView/kanaha/ County of Maui Kanaha park link: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Kanaha-Beach-Park-101 Directions: From the airport, keep to the right lane in the airport circular road past the terminal buildings and look for the car rental return signs. The right lane will turn right, into a side road heading between the car rental areas. Proceed on this road past all the car rental shops and extra cars' parking lots, to a STOP sign on Alamaha St. (0.3 mi from the right-hand turn). The park has three distinct usage areas, two of which are east and you would make a right at the STOP, one is left of the STOP. Park area 1: Easternmost portion of the park will be the 3rd left after taking right at the STOP sign. This portion of the park has ample parking. There is a grassy lawn that spreads throughout the picnic area. You will also notice multitudes of wind surfers setting up their gear in the afternoons on the lawn. Restroom building is centrally located, with sidewalks leading to it. Well-protected from the currents and wind, designated swimming area is located directly toward the ocean from the restrooms. Shallow and roped-off, this swim spot offers swim opportunity to the whole family and is popular with young moms. The windsurfer launch zones are on both sides of the swim area, an exciting and colorful people-watching opportunity. The sailing community is very friendly and on any given afternoon you will hear locals explaining the nuances of the site and hazards to look out for to visitors from around the globe. Park area 2: The central part of the park can be accessed by taking either the 1st or 2nd left-hand turns after turning right at the STOP sign. This area has the lifeguard tower, canoe house with colorful double-hull traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoes, and volleyball courts. There is also ample parking, picnic areas (some in the shade), and a restroom directly in t…