Hawaii - The Big Island

bix · Since 03 Feb 2008 12 Posts Wishing I was kiting New Member

I will be visiting Hawaii, the Big Island for the first time the first week in March. Other than A and K bays, I do not know any of the other kiting spots. I am staying in Kona. Do any of you have any suggestions?

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

I am in Kona, there is no kiting to speak of. Leave your kite and just bring a surf board. Weather is nice, just not for kiting.

tonski · Since 11 Jun 2005 332 Posts NW Portland Obsessed

Hey Doug, Onad and I were there last year and didn't find any other good beaches to launch from. Luckily, we were there mainly to dive and snorkel, or it would have been really frustrating. Even with A-bay (supposedly the prime spot) it's super crowded with palm trees, boats, and tourists on a super skinny beach. Onad did hear someone talking about kiting off of Hilo with boat access. Best of luck! Very Happy

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

yeah I've actually never bothered to bring kites to the Big Island..but one thing you absolutely have to do is do a night dive with the giant manta rays. It is so so so nice. If you don't dive you can snorkel too.

An awe-inspiring experience.

a.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Tomas has been there for a couple months now (since he lives there during the winter). And even though he's gay, he's been able to ride a few times. He said he got a few days of overpowered 9m (which has got to be like 35-40), but that was when a storm came through. Otherwise he's been doing Machine and Glide thing, struggling.

NateDogg · Sun Feb 10, 08 7:39 pm **Just kidding Tomas...but really...**

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

hey there seems to have been an accident on Big Island.
http://kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2345725

a.

jonah · Since 20 Jul 2006 169 Posts Hood River Stoked

Hey Doug,

We just got back from a trip to the Big Island in Jan. Access is few and far between. I also highly recommend bringing booties (i used water shoes that have a super-thin upper). It helps to be able to walk over the lava, which may be needed if you want to get creative with launch spots.

A & K seem to be about it on the Kona side. But the two days we were there, the wind was just not quite strong enough for our 13. There is supposedly access on the south point, but it's not well publicized and jetski support is highly recommended.

We got one 13M day on the Hilo side and could have had a 9M day if we didn't have to leave that day.

Good luck.. and enjoy everything else there as there is much to do besides kiting. If you kite, it's just a bonus.

Jonah

bix · Since 03 Feb 2008 12 Posts Wishing I was kiting New Member

Thanks guys!

I'm taking a couple kites, my warroo pro 13m and the 9m Freak Dog Unleashed. That should cover the wind range. I'll rent a surf board once I get there and if it is blowing 8, I'll be out there.

I have heard that there is some decent stuff off of the NW corner of the island. Access might be a problem, but I'll give it a look at least.

South point sounds cool, but I am a little leary of the off shore winds.

All I can say is bring on the Kona winds!

Cheers!