Ride with the wind in Hawaii

Kite boarders in Kailua, Hawaii

Brisk breezes make for good kite flying weather anywhere, but in Hawaii a human is often attached. Kailua Beach Park is an especially popular place to kite board (for the adventurous) or watch human butterflies (for the timid). As I am an armchair adventurer, I love to spend afternoons in the shade of a tree on the beach watching the kites soar.

Yesterday was especially windy and kiteboarders were lined up to take advantage of the favorable conditions. The small lot between the beach and the parking area was filled with kites awaiting their turn to fly. On the beach, kite boarders took turns attaching the kites to their waist harness. Once ready on the sand, they stick their feet in straps on a surf board and take off across the water.

Kite boarders at Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii

Often the sky is dotted with kites and it takes some skill to avoid one another in the air. On the beach, the non-aviary types take care not to walk on the lines that are stretched out on the sand to be sure they are not tangled before being attached.

We spent this wonderful afternoon playing in the waves and sitting on the sand while kite boarders provided entertainment – all at no cost. It is a regular weekend activity for locals and well worth adding to a Hawaii vacation itinerary. The winds aren't always this good, but the beach is always this beautiful!

Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Customs, Practices and Pastimes,Fun Stuff,Hawaiiana

August 7th, 2011

9 Comments Add your own

1. Isabel | August 8th, 2011 at 9:09 am

Kailua is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. This is a perfect and inexpensive afternoon family activity.
2. ido96825 | August 8th, 2011 at 9:09 am

WOW, it is amazing. I want to do it too
3. makana | August 8th, 2011 at 9:12 am

This is my favorite place on the island. When the wind picks up, there is a lot of fun waiting. If you are not so interested in the wind, Lanikai is right there!!!
4. Tara | August 8th, 2011 at 9:18 am

I love watching the kite boarders. Their airborne acrobatics are just amazing! Ho'okipa beach park on Maui is loaded with kite boarders most days.
5. paul | August 8th, 2011 at 9:23 am

I saw a couple of kite boarders out in front of Diamond Head the other day and it was very entertaining, like they're dancing on the waves !
6. Abby Lapointe | August 8th, 2011 at 11:03 am

I love Kailua Beach in a windy day. The ocean in front of flat island is like a playground for adults!
7. kalei | August 8th, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Kailua Beach is my paddling site and therefore my ocean playground. We share this amazing playground with all ocean goers. While ocean training on any given day, we have many kite surfers whizzing by as the wind gusts allow for some fun rides!
8. Cindy Scheopner | August 8th, 2011 at 2:22 pm

Good point Kalei – when the winds are too calm for kite boarders, there are still many paddlers in the water to watch. It is never obnoxiously crowded and yet never boring!
9. melissa | August 9th, 2011 at 8:28 am

I love Kailua beach…its my favorite beach on Oahu!

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