Famous as a world-class windsurfing destination, the beautiful white sands of Ho‘okipa Beach Park on Maui’s north shore are a great place to spend the day. Home to the Aloha Cup, an international windsurfing championship, wind and surf conditions at Ho‘okipa beach are almost always excellent. Even if you don’t windsurf, there are some small, sheltered ocean areas and tide pools to play in, and there are several viewing platforms where you can watch the pros do their thing.
Hoʻokipa History
A sea of sugarcane surrounds Ho‘okipa Beach Park. In 1870, Samuel Thomas Alexander and Henry Perrine Baldwin acquired 571 acres of land below Makawao for sugar planting, and established the HC&S plantation. Over the next thirty years, the duo acquired thousands of additional acres of prime cane growing land, and formed the offshoot Maui Agricultural Company. HC&S and Maui Agricultural Company merged in 1948, and retaining the HC&S name, became the largest sugar producer in the U.S. The cane fields you see at Ho‘okipa beach today are a part of HC&S’s vast holdings.
Hoʻokipa Beach Facilities
Paved parking, picnic areas, brick barbecue grills, pavilions, restrooms, and showers make Ho‘okipa beach a very comfortable place to spend the day.
Hoʻokipa Beach Swimming Conditions
Unless you are surfing or windsurfing, getting in the ocean at Ho‘okipa beach is not advised. On the right side of the beach are some small sheltered swimming areas and tide pools perfect for kids. If you do want to charge the surf, be sure your skills match the wind and wave conditions here. As with all Hawaiian beaches, check the current conditions and pay heed to all posted signs regarding ocean conditions and safety.
How to Get There
From Kahului, take Hānā Highway (36) east. Go through Pāʻia and past Mama’s Fish House. When you see mile marker 9, you’re at Ho‘okipa Beach Park.
