Ho’okipa
Surf Guide
Wind/kitesurfers and paddle surfers actually play quite well together at Ho'okipa Beach Park, on Maui's north-central coast. With a mostly unobstructed window to the North Pacific, Ho'okipa can pump out some serious surf in the winter months -- usually best for surfers in the early-morning hours when the predominant E-NE trade wind has yet to flair up. Ho'okipa consists of four different spots: 1. Pavilions is the most easterly spot, just below the Ho'okipa Lookout. Pavilions is predominantly a righthander; 2. Heading west from Pavilions is Middles, the main spot for surfers. The wave breaks both right and left, though the lefts handle the wind better; 3. H'Poko, or Point, is located on the west end of Ho'okipa Beach. Point offers up fun righthanders in the morning but becomes the sole domain of the wind/kitesurfers in the afternoon; 4. Just west of Ho'okipa Beach is Wana Beach, where Lane is located. You can pick off both rights and lefts at Lane, but like the Point, Wana gets blown to bits in the afternoon.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels -- Depends on size of course.
Local Vibe
Doable
Humility and respect appreciated.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Usually always crowded with locals and tourists, especially if the winds are offshore.
Spot Rating
Fun
Very consistent spot with easterly tradeswell, but usually accompanied by onshore easterly trade winds as well. Best days are with a N to NE swell and an approaching front bringing S to SW wind, which is not very often.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Depends on the spot and size, but usually about average.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Anything from the NW to N to NE
Wind
Calm or offshore from the ESE to SSW, which happens in winter with passing fronts. ENE-E trades are OK, but often too strong.
Surf Height
Head high-3X overhead+
Tide
Medium to high