Day Trading

Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Consistently ranked with the top beaches in the world, Kailua Beach is also one of the best kiteboarding spots in Hawaii. White powder sand runs for miles, and beautiful islands dot the bay of this kiteboarding paradise. The trades normally blow from the northeast, side-onshore at the launch site and progressively more onshore the farther downwind you go, blowing beginners back to shore and contributing to the user-friendly nature of the spot.

BEST SEASON

In May through October the trades are the most consistent, leaning toward the light side, from 15 to 20 knots. However, every year locals wait for November and April, when the winds can blow in the 15- to 25-knot range, sometimes lasting for several days. Avoid December through March, when the wind shuts down.

CONDITIONS

Normally in the 12- to 16-meter range. When a front comes through you can drop to an 8- to 10-meter kite.

SETUP AND LAUNCH

Take the Pali Highway toward Kailua, driving through Kailua town until you come to a light where you can only go right or left (Kalaheo Avenue). Take the right and go one mile. Take the left before Kalapawai Market and park. Launch straight from the beach. Just before the launch zone, there is a sign full of safety tips. Make sure to read them before getting in the water.

LOCAL SHOPS

Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks (808-262-2555, kailuasailboards.com); Hawaiian Watersports (808-262-5483, hawaiianwatersports.com); Aloha Kiteboarding Academy (888-924-5487, alohakiteboarding.com

LODGING

There are no hotels in Kailua, so call Barbara Wilson at Affordable Paradise (808-261-1693, affordable-paradise.com) to secure a room in one of KailuaÕs many bed-and-breakfasts. Tell her Stephen sent you.

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