West Maui Airport Overview
Two spots: Pohaku Park, aka S-turns, and Kahana Village, Public Beach Access No. 216.
Both spots are of interest during winter WNW to NNW high surf events combined with N to NNE winds (a rare occurrence), producing sideshore wavesailing on the near-shore reefs. Neighbor-island blocking keeps the wave size manageable when the North Shore spots are closed out. Depending on the swell direction the sets will be more or less inconsistent; below High Surf Advisory, flat as a pond, and, at High Surf Warning, possibility of logo-high sets, separated by long breaks.
Shallow, sharp, dangerous reef, frequent off-shore wind direction, gusty conditions, currents, shark sightings with at least one recent fatal shark attack, other navigation hazards, and no lifeguards make these spots highly unadvised for those of limited ability and experience. As with all Hawaii breaks, always respect surfers - they have priority - and other recreational users. Kiters may be present. Proceed at your own risk.
S-Turns Turn off the main highway at the Kahana MacDonalds (home of the Big Mac), head towards the sea, and then South for one half mile. Pohaku is a County Beach Park with paved parking, porta-potties, and grass lawns for rigging.
Kahana Village Same exit from the main highway, but head North one half-mile. Parking is on-street near the Kahana Village development. Public Beach Access No. 216 walkway is immediately South of the development. Rigging is in the grassy parts of the walkway.
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