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Kanaha is
home to a variety of watersports activities. Fishing, Diving, Swimming,
Surfing, Windsurfing, Outrigger Canoes and Kiteboarding. Kanaha is a large beach
park that includes several smaller beaches. The geography includes an embayed
coastline, open ocean, surf beaches, coves, headlands, wetlands, forests,
scrubland, dunes, streams and ponds. Its
location on the Kahului bay on Maui's north shore gives it the ideal
characteristics that have made it the ideal
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Beautiful, Kanaha Beach Park rests on a peaceful coastal expanse between Kahului Bay and Spreckelsville Beach. Breath-taking views of the West Maui Mountains and Iao Valley await visitors, a swim, a picnic in the shade of the tall trees flanking the beach, or game of beach volleyball can be enjoyed as well. Lae’ula O Kai Canoe Club’s headquarters is maintained at the beachfront pavilion, and windsurfers often make good use of Kanaha's favorable onshore breezes. Street signs along Amala Place point the way: the beach is within walking distance of Kahului Airport and easily-accessible from Hana Highway (36) with ample parking available. Quote from Maui county website |
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 Kanaha
Beach is a model beach park. Many different water users and beach users
use the area harmoniously. The beach community includes, swimmers, divers,
fishermen, canoe paddlers, windsurfers, surfers and others, all of whom
coexist with mutual respect for each other. Kanaha Beach Park is
actually a section of coastline with four major beaches, punctuated by
rock jetties and headlands and streams. At Kanaha users have segregated
themselves into different areas where they enjoy the Beach and ocean.
Kanaha Beach Park is a public area that relies heavily on community
support for maintenance, cleanup, and restoration. Many local beach users
will remember the creation of the swim zone back in 1998 before there were
lifeguards there.
Kanaha is successful because of
the cooperation between all the users. There has always been compromise
and dialogue. There is a tremendous amount of volunteer efforts from so
many different groups that love Kanaha. The list of volunteer, non-profit,
and user groups and clubs that donate their resources are too numerous to
mention here. For the most part the efforts of these groups go unnoticed.
Kanaha is where it is today because of the community's continuing efforts
over the last few decades. Community groups should be appreciated,
respected and supported for doing their part to create a better
environment for all.
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KITEBOARDING: KITEBOARD ZONES: In order to safely accommodate different beach user groups, there are both formal and informal areas or "Zones" designated to each group. This prevents confusion, and allows different users to get the best access to the different conditions that they require. The Maps below are examples of the Kiteboarding Zone Maps.
Kite Beach
(Kanaha)
Kiteboard Schools,
June: Maui Kite Festival, Kiteboarding Contest at Kanaha, 808-877-2111
September: Red Bull King of the Air, Kiteboarding Contest at Kanaha |
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SURFING SURFING TRADITION: The Hawaiian sport of kings, called He'e Nalu (Wave sliding) has a long history on Maui. Surfing contests between royalty were a public spectacle and became the stuff of legends. Surfing prowess was aspired to by the Ali'i (royalty) and commoners alike. There was a strict code governing the construction and distribution of surf boards, (Papa He'e nalu). Certain board types were reserved for only the highest ranks. Women and children used the smallest boards. Surfing history is a fascinating subject, much can be found in libraries and online. Some good examples of traditional Hawaiian surf boards are in the collections at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.
SURF BREAKS; Kanaha has many surf breaks along the offshore reefs. In the middle of Kanaha is the "weird wave", sometimes referred to as the Bermuda triangle. This wave can be pointed out to you by any local. The weird wave is dangerous and should be avoided by all water users. The weird wave breaks almost perpendicular to shore because it is created by a strong current flowing over shallow reef. Not unlike a "hydraulic" Standing wave in a fast flowing river. Surfers have been stuck in the vortex of this wave and been unable to get out. Even some experienced water users have died there. Always surf with a buddy. Don't surf alone. |
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 DIVING
& FISHING In the morning the ocean is the domain or the shoreline
fishermen and the "Tako" divers. Do not swim close to fishermen,
their lines, or nets. Fishermen will often camp overnight at Kanaha to fish
for Ulua and Papio.
DIVERS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY AT ALL TIMES: but windsurfers will not launch until 11am to give the divers the water all to themselves. August: Larry
Libres Memorial Fishing & Diving Tournament, 808-877-2111 |
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 SWIMMING,
Swimming is allowed on every part of the beach, but be very cautious
swimming around watercraft and
fishermen. Swimming is best in the mornings before the wind gets too strong.
Swimming is not recommended when there is large surf or when there has been
heavy rain. After rain there may be an increase in waterborne bacteria that
can get into open cuts and cause infections. There is also a higher risk
from submerged debris. Do not dive into shallow water. Do not dive into
murky water, because you may hit a rock or submerged object causing a
possible head or spinal injury. Stay close to shore when swimming. There are
strong currents offshore. If you get caught in an outgoing current (rip)
swim across it (not against the current). Then try to make it to shore in
another location. Signal for help by waving your arms if you are in trouble.SWIM ZONE: There is a marked swim zone in the center of the beach in front of the Lifeguard tower. this is the safest place to swim when the lifeguards are on duty. Look for the lifeguard's posted warning signs about possible hazards. There is no windsurfing before 11am so there is plenty of room to swim all along the beach in the mornings. After 11am, it is best to swim in the marked swim zone where the lifeguards can see you. There is a little known fact that for the last 18 years the windsurfers have provided and maintained the buoys that mark the swim zone at Kanaha. The Maui Boardsailing Association (MBA) has donated time and money every year to inform the windsurfing community of the swim zones, beach rules and rights of all water users. The MBA distributes Maps and Safe Sailing guidelines to visitors and locals to ensure that everyone is informed. |
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KANAHA POND:
Adjacent to Kanaha is the Kanaha pond, a wildlife (waterfowl) sanctuary,
incorporating a large pond that is home to rare and endangered
wildlife, notably the rare Hawaiian Stilt (or Ae'o)
 and Coot.
Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is an important breeding
area for endangered Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana), Coot (Fulica
americana alai), and Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni); and
the endangered sphinx moth (Manduca blackburni).
The pond is also a haven in winter for migratory Canadian geese. Up to 90
bird species have been observed at the pond. There is a public viewing
area accessible from the Kahului side with a small parking area. Nature walks around
the ponds are sometimes arranged.
Kanaha pond is historically significant. In the early
1700's Kapiiohookalani, King of Maui, ordered the construction of twin
fish ponds, one of them is the present-day Kanaha Pond. Stones of the
walls of the ponds were passed from hand to hand for half a mile by a long
line of workmen, many imported from Moloka'i, according to legend. The
ponds were used for storing and fattening fish, because Hawaiian custom
prohibited catching or eating fish from the sea during the yearly
three-to-five month breeding season. It was permissible, however, to eat
fish taken from freshwater ponds.
Quote from http://www.birdinghawaii.co.uk/XKanaha2.htm by Christian Melgar |
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Kanaha Pond, managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, is home to many rare and endangered waterfowl such as the Hawaiian stilt or ae'o. Restoration has been ongoing for many years, and continues today. Activities include clearing alien species and planting native Hawaiian plants. Volunteers meet at Kanaha Pond every Tuesday from 8am-noon. Appointment can also be arranged for large school groups and science clubs. For more information on the Tues. trips call Lorna Harrison with the Native Hawaiian Plant Society at (808)572-6338. For information on scheduling large groups or other questions call Fern Duvall, the pond Manager, at (808) 873-3502 or e-mail Fern.P.Duvall@hawaii.gov. |
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NATIVE PLANTS:
native Plants include, indigenous, endemic and endangered
species. native plants have persisted despite competition from invasive
species. Re-vegetation programs, and weed control have brought back the
flora to near pristine condition in many areas. Native plants are best
suited to the dry coastal environment and once established thrive here.
Natives provide an important part of the coastal ecosystem, Stabilizing
dunes, trapping moisture, shading the ground, habitat and food source for
native insects and fauna. Kanaha's established flora has become a repository
for many species. Seeds are
collected here for the reforestation projects on the island of Kaho'olawe and other areas.
Indigenous plants are used in traditional Lei making, and for medicine and
other practical purposes. Native plant destruction from off-road beach driving has been reduced and controlled
with the addition of beach fences and designated driveways and parking
areas. The efforts of many hard working volunteers have made all the
difference in the revival of Kanaha's Flora over the years. To ensure that
Kanaha's natural beauty will be preserved for future generations.Indigenous and endemic Native Species: These plants occur naturally in Hawaii, either migrating here as seeds floating on the ocean, or carried by birds and wind. The endemic plants have evolved into unique species that are found nowhere else in the world. Many plants are endangered because of the destruction to their natural habitat. Some of the endemic/endangered plants at Kanaha are species unique to Maui. In some cases there are only several hundred individual plants of a single species remaining in the wild, therefore every individual plant is important for the perpetuation of the species. Indigenous or endemic plants at Kanaha include: Iliahialoe (Santalum ellipticum), Naupaka (Scaevola sericea), Dwarf Naupaka (Scaevola coriacea), Pohuehue (Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis), (ipomoea_indica), Pohinahina (Vitex rotundifolia), Akia (Wikstroemia uva-ursi), Ilima papa (sida fallax), Nehe (Lipochaeta integrifolia), Nama (Nama sandwicensis) Aeae (Bacopa monnieri), Ihi (portulaca_lutea, portulaca molokiniensis), Wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis), Loulu (Pritchardia sp.), Popolo (Solanum nelsonii), Hinahina (Heliotropium anomalum var. argenteum), Nena (Heliotropium curassavicum), Ohai (Sesbania tomentosa), Naio (Myoporum sandwicense).Hawaiian (Polynesian) Traditional Plants: It is believed that this group of plants were first brought to Hawaii by the early Polynesian settlers hundreds of years ago. Chants and oral history tell how these highly valued plants were brought along on the original sailing-canoe voyages from (Tahiti). The best known examples include, Milo (Thespesia populnea), Hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus), Kou (Cordia subcordata ), Ti leaf (Cordyline fruticosa), Taro (), Coconut (Niu) Hala tree (Pandanus tectorus). These trees are considered sacred to Hawaiians and have many uses in traditional culture. The living plant, the wood, sap, leaves, roots, fruits and flowers may be used in a variety of ways. Some woods are used in canoe building, fish-trap making, tools, and sacred objects. The spiny leaves of the Hala tree called "Lau hala" were made into cloth by weaving. The flowers of certain plants have medicinal properties, and the flowers, seeds, sap and bark are sometimes used to make dyes. Non-native (introduced) Plant species: Some of these plants were deliberately introduced since western contact with the islands. Most plants were introduced for a particular purpose. Some to be used commercially as food for livestock, or for wood for lumbar or charcoal. Some plants were brought purely for aesthetic reasons to decorate ornamental gardens. Due to lack of competition from native plants and insects, introduced plants have often spread quickly and in some cases displaced the natives. Several plant and insect species may have arrived here by accident, hitching a ride here on cargo or luggage, or a transport ship etc. Some plants have gotten out of hand and become a big problem. Some plants are now considered pests, and are listed as noxious weeds, and invasive species. Non-native plants are not all bad. In fact many are appreciated and utilized by the population in positive ways. Many of the flowers of introduced species have found their way into lei making and other traditional crafts. Some examples of introduced plants at Kanaha are: Kiawe trees (Prosopis pallida), Ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia), Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis). For more information on Hawaiian plants go to: Plants of Hawaii Website |
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 Many
beachgoers are outdoor enthusiasts who believe in maintaining our natural
environment, through active participation in community work days, beach
cleaning, trash recycling, and awareness of native flora and fauna.
Replanting native plant species, Dune regeneration through stabilization &
re-vegetation, and habitat conservation for shoreline and ocean wildlife
species. Wherever you see these signs, there have been replantings and
restoration work. Do not drive over, or disturb plants in these areas. Stay
on trails when walking to the beach and help to preserve the native plants
in these areas. |
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Mammals @ Kanaha Beach: Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) were introduced to help control rats. They now run wild all over the island, they probably do more harm to bird species than any rats. Mongoose move very fast and are usually shy, Most people will catch a fleeting glimpse of one when they dart in to the bushes at the edge of the roadway. In several camping areas mongoose have become emboldened and less wary of Man. They will stroll around the campgrounds looking for food scraps. Feral Cats (are abundant in the coastal areas. Most of the cats you see are part of cat communities set up by the humane society. Individual cats have been captured then spayed or neutered to prevent further breeding. Then they are released into one of several "communities" where they are monitored and fed by volunteers. Cat communities are a humane alternative to the immediate destruction of wild cats. Rats (Polynesian rat, Brown rat, and black rat) and Mice are present in all coastal areas. Kanaha in no exception. Some rats live up in the top of coconut trees. Hence the metal bands you see on many of the coconut (Niu) trees on the island. Axis Deer, Feral Pigs, Goats, Cows and Horses. Birds: Native birds, introduced species, and migratory birds inhabit the coastal regions at Kanaha. Kanaha Pond and the Wastewater reclamation facility pond attract many species. Bird watchers have observed over 90 species of birds in the Kanaha area. Feral chickens do run wild in many coastal areas of Maui where they can be seen darting through the bush or running across the trails. They are sometimes caught by children, or adults who use them for sport or food. Reptiles: Gecko, lizards. Amphibians: Toads. Insects: Scorpions, centipede, Sphinx moth, Monarch butterfly, caterpillar, spider, ants, flies, Bees, wasps. SHORELIFE: Sandturtles, Ghost crabs (Ocypode ceratopthalmus), |
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SEALIFE:
 SEA
LIFE, Turtles life year round in the waters off Kanaha, some will
occasionally come ashore to build nests and lay egg. If you find a
turtle's nest do not disturb it, perhaps you could report its location to
the lifeguards so that they can protect it from harm. Turtle species include
some
 endangered species such as the green sea turtle, hawksbill, and
leatherback. Turtles (Honu) do their part eating algae and sometimes jellyfish.
Unfortunately they occasionally eat trash (perhaps mistaking plastic bags for
jellyfish) and get sick. Marine mammals include the Hawaiian monk seal (`Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua.),
Dolphins (spinner, bottlenose, and spotted) (Nai'a in
Hawaiian) and Whales (Kohola). All marine
mammals are protected from harm or harassment in Hawaiian waters. Do not
approach a marine mammal or attempt to interfere with them in any way. Other
sea life includes invertebrates like the; plankton, Portuguese man-o-war
jellyfish (‘ili mane‘o, palalia,),
Octopus (He'e
mauli),
Spiny lobster (Ula), Urchins (Wana, Ina kea, Ina,
Hauke uke, Ula ula,
Wana halula), shrimp
(Opae kai), starfish (), sea cucumbers (Loli),
Corals (Pohaku puna) and shells (Opihi). Moray eel (Puhi), Stingrays
(Hihimanu), Manta rays (Hahalua). Fish species include; Tuna (Ahi), Flyingfish
(Malolo), Parrot fish (Uhu), Moonfish (Opah), tropical reef fish like the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (Clown trigger fish), Puffer
fish (O'opu hue), and Trevally (Ulua).
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OUTRIGGER CANOE
CLUB:
"Lae Ula O Kai canoe club was founded
in 1991. The small group of members worked hard over the years. Instead of
the tiny trail to get to the beach we now have a cleared, open space with
native/Polynesian plants thriving and a open air Halau Wa`a which we
built".
Quote from the Lae 'ula O Kai webpage. Outrigger Canoe club at Kanaha Beach, Lae 'ula O Kai www.mauipaddle.com/ lae.html |
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BEACH
SECURITY:
Personal Security: Do not go into beach parks alone at night ! |
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KITE CANOE Kite-canoeing was said to be invented by the legendary Maui himself. The modern sport of kite-canoeing was reinvented by Don Montague and friends on the North Shore and Kanaha Beach.
For
information and pictures on the modern Kite-Canoe go to
www.kitecanoe.com
For
a story/myth about Maui's Kite according to the legend go to
Maui's Kite Story |
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 WINDSURFING
Maui is the heart of the windsurfing world because of the reliability of the trade-winds. Maui has the greatest number of windy days of any place on earth (other than Antarctica). The trade-wind blows at a perfect angle to the north shore, making it a haven for every level of rider. Kanaha Beach, located on Maui’s north shore, is the most popular windsurfing beach in Hawaii. Kanaha offers a variety of conditions to suit every level of windsurfer. The "trades" start to blow lightly in the morning, So the beginners usually start at 9am. The winds get stronger during the day, so intermediates generally launch at noon. Advanced riders will revel in the strongest winds that tend to peak in the afternoon. Windsurfing is an ideal family activity. The average person will be up and riding in their first lesson. Advanced windsurfers can tackle the stronger winds in the afternoon WINDSURFING
AREAS Click here to go see the 'Safe Sailing Guidelines' Page
You can arrange a windsurfing lesson at Kanaha. There are several fine windsurfing schools offering lessons. Beginner lessons run in the mornings when the wind is lighter. Advanced lessons run from about noon onwards to take advantage of the stronger trade winds. There is no "Walk up lessons" at the beach so please call ahead to make a booking. SCHOOLS: Action Sports Maui, HST Windsurfing School, Maui Watersports Unlimited.
WINDSURF RENTAL
SHOPS: Hawaiian
Island, Kanaha Kai, Hi-Tech, Second Wind, Neil Pryde, Maui
Windsurf Co.
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PARA-KITING
 Just invented
in 2005 at Kanaha beach, The paraglider pulls
the kiteboarder, the kiteboard supplies the lateral resistance to keep
the paraglider aloft. Paul Franco has been Paragliding since he
was five, and kiteboarding since 2000. Monte is a former Hanglider
designer/test pilot. They are both experienced certified instructors in
paragliding and Kiteboarding. So this hybridized sport is a logical
step for them. Easy!!Rider- Paul Franco, Flyer - Monte. |
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CAMPING
 The
County of Maui has only one park for camping, Kanaha beach park, close
to the Kahului airport. The park has areas for individual campers and
groups. Each camper is charged $3/day ($.50 for children under 18).
There is a time limit of three days. The park, a favorite with
windsurfers, has drinking water and restroom facilities. For
information, write or appear at the Department of Parks and
Recreation, War Memorial Gym, 1580-C Kaahumanu Avenue, Wailuku, Hawaii
96793; phone (808) 243-7389, fax (808) 243-7982.
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| VOLUNTEER GROUPS Mike "John" Perry saved Kanaha from becoming a weed patch (recipient of the volunteer of the year award). He has worked thousands of man-hours, caring for the plants of Kanaha. Anna Palomino from Hoolawa Farms donated native plants for the replanting at the kiteboarder parking area and the kite beach dunes (she is active in numerous community projects relating to Native Plants. Kim & Forrest Starr are legendary, and have photographed almost every native plant at Kanaha, and so much more. David & Tracey Nakashima donated Native hibiscus for the kiteboarder parking area at Kanaha. |
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LIFEGUARDS  Please always follow the directions of the lifeguards. Lifeguards
protect the safety of the public by warning or dangerous conditions
and areas. There are designated swim zones that are closely watched by
the lifeguards. This is the best place to swim. It also ensures that
you will not be bothered by the other water users. Lifeguards will watch the offshore areas and do rescues of surfers, windsurfers, and
kiteboarders, however they are not obliged to bring the equipment
ashore. If you venture away from shore, do so at your own risk.
Lifeguards at Kanaha have a difficult job monitoring all the different
activities and areas. Lifeguards will often only patrol during
specific hours and may finish at 3.30pm daily. After these times you
will be swimming at your own risk. If you need emergency help call
911. The lifeguards are on the emergency response team.
Lifeguards will post warning signs to warn the public about dangerous ocean conditions. |
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BEACH
SECURITY:
Personal Security: Do not go into beach parks alone at night !
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 Tsunami
Although extremely rare, Tsunamis (Tidal Waves) are very destructive. Kanaha Beach, like much of Hawaii's coastline is in a tsunami zone. There is a warning system that is tested periodically and scientific data is collected to predict tsunamis better and give some warning. After an earthquake a tsunami may follow. Move quickly to higher ground. Tsunami evacuation maps are available in the Maui phone directory. for more info on tsunamis go to: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/tidal
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OTHER ACTIVITIES YOU MAY SEE AT KANAHA: KAYAK FISHING, WIND FISHING, TOW-IN SURFING, BODYSURFING, VOYAGING, WHALE WATCHING, BIRD WATCHING, BICYCLE RIDING, PICNICS, BARBEQUES, WINDSURF COMPETITIONS, KITEBOARD COMPETITIONS, JUNIOR LIFEGUARD TRAINING, JOGGING, ROLLERBLADING, VOLLEYBALL, SUMMER KIDS WINDSURF CLINICS, SKIM BOARDING, CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES, SAILING CANOES, KAYAK SURFING, LONG BOARD PADDLE SURFING, PADDLE-BOARDING, WEDDINGS, TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES, FUNERAL SERVICES, TRIATHLONS, Summer Pals Kids Program. FISHING TOURNAMENTS, STAND-UP PADDLE SURFING.
ACTIVITIES YOU WON'T SEE AT KANAHA:
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KANAHA BEACH MAP
First posted 2005, Revised 2006, 2007, 2008, Copyright © David Dorn, all rights reserved |
ocean
recreation area. Kanaha has camping areas, barbeques, picnic tables,
public restrooms, showers, bicycle paths, nature areas and other amenities.
Kanaha has developed areas
and undeveloped. Constantly improving and growing with the help of volunteer
groups and some county, state and federal funding.
The waves
are a long distance from shore,
Tako is the local name for an
octopus ("He'e mauli" in Hawaiian). The Tako divers have been catching octopus
at Kanaha for generations. Some divers will tow a buoy to make them more
visible, Some will display a dive flag (some divers do not use them at all).
Do not leave your valuables
unattended. Cameras, wallets and backpacks left on the beach may be
stolen. Some times cars are broken into. Lock your valuables in the trunk
of your car. Do not leave anything of value in a visible area of your car.
Do not hide your keys on the car. People watch where you hide them and
gain entry into your vehicle.
No windsurfing is
allowed before 11am. With the exception of beginners who have a special
area where they can go from 9am. This rule gives swimmers and divers
time to enjoy themselves in peace. There is a marked "swim zone" where
no windsurfing is allowed at any time. Lifeguards help enforce the
rules. For more information on windsurfing rules on Maui. Pick up a copy
of the "Safe Sailing Guidelines" from any windsurf shop. 
WINDSURF
LESSONS
Windsurf equipment
is supplied for beginner lessons. All other windsurfing equipment should
be rented at one of several large windsurfing stores (in Kahului) close
to the beach. The stores are happy to give you roof racks for your car
(included in the price of board rental) and help you load up your gear.
Maui windsurfing stores have the largest and latest selection of
equipment imaginable. Some stores have over 200 boards to choose from. Please
do not overstate your ability when renting. The store might send you out
with equipment or in conditions beyond your ability. If you are unsure
about your skills, they will happily refer you to a school for a
refresher lesson.
