Hookipa Beach Park Lookout - Windsurfers and Sea Turtles

A stop on Maui: The Road to Hana, a free self-guided tour.

From the lookout above Hookipa Beach Park, you are watching one of the most famous wave-sailing spots on the planet. Reefs spread across the bay shape the waves, and the trade winds blow strong and steady, a combination windsurfers dream about. In winter, swells often reach 10 to 15 feet.

Starting in the late 1970s and 1980s, Hookipa became the stage for top professional contests, including the Aloha Classic. Robby Naish, one of the sport's biggest names, won more wave contests here than anyone else, and he still treats this bay as his home training ground. Surfers usually have the water in the morning, with windsurfers and kitesurfers taking over when the wind picks up in the afternoon.

Now look down at the sand at the east end of the beach. Hawaiian green sea turtles, called honu, often haul out there to rest and warm up, especially late in the day. Admire them from a distance; they are protected by law, so give them plenty of room.

Getting here: Continue east on Hana Highway about 2 miles from Paia. Turn into the Hookipa Beach Park entrance and drive up to the lookout parking area above the beach.

Did you know?: Robby Naish has won eight wave contests at Hookipa, more than any other competitor.

Photo op: From the lookout railing, use a zoom to catch a windsurfer airborne above a breaking wave, with the West Maui Mountains in the distance.

Nearby: The beach park below has restrooms, showers and picnic areas. No food is sold at the park, so stock up in Paia.

More on Wikipedia: Robby Naish · Aloha Classic · Green sea turtle

Hookipa Beach Park Lookout - Windsurfers and Sea Turtles

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