Ho’okipa Beach Park is an internationally known beach in the northern part of Maui, where the informed few go not to get in the water but to watch the action. The beach is particularly exciting during the winter months when the waves of Hawaii are relentless. So at the beginning of this winter season, me and my friends Joy and Irish island hopped from O’ahu to Maui and headed straight for this beach: one of the most highly sought-after venue to ride the wind. It’s here where the windsurfers blew our minds at the Makani Classic windsurfing competition.
The beach itself is not a big one, compared to the others that surrounds it. Basically it’s just a small strip along a main highway. The parking lot is on a bluff overlooking the beach and ocean below. Several covered picnic areas with bar-b-que grills are available. There is even a small cove for the little ones to play. But be aware the sand here is mostly coarse and the currents in the water are typically strong. This beach is not a place meant for weak swimmers or even the faint of heart.
For us, we were lucky. We went to watch the competition on a Saturday (the only weekend of the competition), when on that exact day, the male professionals were competing. And sure enough we got to watch a great show. We even ended up in Levi Silver’s tent area to watch part of the it with his friends, unknowing that he was a hot shot in the sport. It was overall a great day with strong winds, sunny skies, and high waves. The conditions made the ticks and maneuvers at this windsurfing freestyle competition even more exciting to watch.
Between my two friends and I, we were able to take close to a thousand photos of the competition. As sunset was approaching, the sky began turning overcast, while the wind just kept getting stronger. And that’s when my favorite photo of the entire competition (above) was shot. It shows exactly how rough the waters are here and how incredible these athletes looked on their colorful sails.
I’ve been to several surfing competition in my lifetime. Having grown up in Hawaii, it was part of our culture, but this was my first ever windsurfing competition. It took me a while to go to one because I had always believed, before seeing this spectacle, that windsurfing was like surf cheating. I thought since the wind usually kept the rider upright that it wasn’t fair. But, I learned that while the wind helps, it also adds a bit of difficulty. That indeed they do actually surf the wave, too. The wind only adds fun. I suppose in the end, it’s how you look at it.
It’s good to note that the windsurfers are not only here during the competition. They’re actually here most of the year. In addition you’ll also see kite surfers, paddle boarders, and surf boarders. There is always something to watch at this beach.
Turns out, we weren’t the only ones enjoying the show. Wild sea turtles of the Pacific ocean are often found here as well, either swimming in the water or laying on the sands. But on the day we went, we didn’t get too excited with the turtles. Because we fell in love with this dog. The expression on her face is priceless. Can’t you tell by her wind-swept fur that she too, was blown away at Ho’okipa!
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So cool. I saw Wind Surfers right at this beach when we were in Maui this summer. No competition was going on, but there were tonnes out on the water. Great photos and I want to be there now too!
It’s good to know there are still tons of windsurfers out there sans competition. The wind was fierce when we went.
Oh my gosh I could never windsurf lol. I loove your photos!!! (As always)
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Neither can I, I admit. I don’t have enough coordination to manage the wind and the surf. It’s such a talent.
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I’d LOVE to be on that beach right now, it’s so darn cold in Canada!
Pretty photos. Looks like you spent a fun day there.
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If you can believe it, I’ve been back in Hawaii for a few months, and I have not once gone in the ocean. Usually I stay on the beach, to watch people, like at this event, but never in the water itself. I think a lot of locals take the ocean and beach for granted because they are always around and they always will be. You should come down someday and let me know.
the dog looks cute.
My little god-daughter commenting on my site is what’s cute.
I’m always super-impressed with wind surfers — looks so difficult! I’d love to watch this
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Interestingly, I was never impressed with them before I saw them perform here. Impressive, indeed!
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I would love to learn how to windsurf, but those waves look pretty insane to windsurf on..!
Well, I don’t think it would be a great idea to lean on this beach as the waves were indeed ferocious.
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Tried windsurfing in the 80s. These Hawaiian waves look a bit tougher, though. Beautiful.
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Wow! I’m impressed. It looks fun. But I think it’s a sport that would be too complicated for me. It’ll be difficult to watch the wind and the surf at the same time.
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Beautiful place to stay and relax
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It’s a awesome place to watch the action!
Just returned from several days on Maui (following a week on Lana’i). We’ve been home one full day and I already can’t wait to return.
Would you believe I’ve never been to Lanai? And I grew up in the state of Hawaii. I think most locals don’t take advantage of island hopping unless they have to. I’ll be sure to make it to Lanai, one day soon.
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Oooh! Impressive photos, particularly your favorite one. I never thought of windsurfing as such an exciting sport – until now. I’ll have to make the effort to this for myself.
I love my favorite one, too
It was part luck. But I had many opportunities to take some great shots.
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Definitely rough but definitely beautiful.
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Indeed
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You are always so supportive of me.
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I have not seen a windsurfing competition yet, although I’ve seen plenty of windsurfers. Probably quite a lot of fun
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I imagine it would be quite fun doing the actual thing, when watching it was already a lot of excitement.
Maui is such a beautiful place. And even more so now after reading about your experiences here at this particular beach. Are the winds soooo strong that I wouldn’t be able to have a picnic? I will definitely stop by at this spot either way, the next time I’m on the islands.
Well, it’s fair to say that on that particular day we went, the winds were strong. But we were still able to eat some food without trouble and we were close to the beach. I think you’d feel the power of the wind more so in the water. But on shore, I think you’ll be fine. Besides, the feel of the wind in your face is very refreshing!
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Whoa! Intense and oh so pretty!
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Totally! It was awesome: the place and the event.
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I always appreciate you.
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