Ho'okipa Beach Park
Ho'okipa Beach Park is Maui's most iconic destination for windsurfing and high-surf ocean sports. Located just past Pa'ia on the Hana Highway, this rugged north shore beach is a favorite among professional surfers and spectators alike. With a dramatic reef break, scenic lookouts, and frequent turtle sightings, Ho'okipa offers world-class action and coastal beauty, though it's not ideal for casual swimming.
Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui
Ho'okipa Beach Park (view panorama)×, located on Maui's well-known Hana Highway (Road to Hana), is perhaps the best and most popular windsurfing destination in the world. Two world-class competitions take place here every year. Visit this beach during the Aloha Classic or Red Bull contests to catch some of the best surfers in the world. Several other watersport competitions are held here annually.
At this popular cliff-lined beach, surfers come from all corners of the world to ride the unique break. The waves can be sizeable and the currents challenging, so novice surfing is discouraged. Spectators can watch surfers and windsurfers from an elevated overlook point. To prevent an overlap of the two sports, surfers have the bay to themselves in the mornings and windsurfers in the afternoons.
Ho'okipa Beach (view panorama) × is complemented by the presence of a large coral reef area that tames incoming waves, so when the ocean is calm, swimming and snorkeling are possible, but there are better beaches on Maui to do these activities. In the winter months, the waves can reach heights of 15 feet (4.6 m) and more at Ho'okipa.
The beach itself is little more than a strip of white sand behind a wide, rocky shelf. The nearshore ocean bottom is a mixture of reef and patches of sand. Because of this, the main water activities are windsurfing, surfing and fishing.
Key Features of Ho'okipa Beach Park
- World-renowned windsurfing and surfing destination
- Hosts major competitions like the Aloha Classic and Red Bull events
- Powerful surf and strong currents make it unsafe for beginners
- Scenic overlook and frequent turtle sightings on the sand
- Facilities include restrooms, showers, lifeguard, and picnic pavilions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ho'okipa Beach Park located?
Ho'okipa Beach Park is located near mile marker #9 on Hana Highway (Route 36), just past Pa'ia on Maui's north shore.
Why is Ho'okipa Beach famous?
It's considered one of the world's premier windsurfing beaches and hosts international competitions like the Aloha Classic and Red Bull events.
Is Ho'okipa good for beginner surfers?
No, the waves and currents are strong and conditions are best suited for experienced surfers and windsurfers.
Can I see sea turtles at Ho'okipa?
Yes, sea turtles often rest on the sand in the late afternoon, especially near the east end of the beach. Please observe from a distance.
Are there facilities at Ho'okipa Beach Park?
Yes, the beach has restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, parking, and a lifeguard station.