PiaKite wrote:Saw people kiting at Kapaa, but nowhere else. What other locations are kite friendly on Kauai?
I got my intro to kiting on Kauai last Jan-Feb. The primary spots are up around Anninni beach, as has been mentioned ... it's the first choice of the population on that side of the island whenever the wind is right (which is most of the time in the winter.)
Second most popular seems to be along the South coast about 1 mile East of the end of the golf course of the Hyatt resort at Poipu Beach. That location is only reliably reached with a 4 wheel, although in dry periods, cars do make it up there.
Third choice seems to be Lydgate Park near Kapaa. Go to the right side of the park and out onto the beach by the complicated collection of tubes and walk-ways for kids to play in. Proceed South on the beach about 500 yards to reach a safe launch area. Stay away from the North end of the beach which is crowded with swimmers and beach goers. The launch area is a good half mile from the swim area.
When the wind is right (south-westerly), I am told that some folks will make the hour plus drive up the west coast beyond the naval base to launch, but I have never seen kites up there.
People occasionally launch in the Poipu beach area down by the Beach House restaurant or the Sheraton, but it wasn't that common last winter.
The person to check in with (by phone for a prompt answer) is Jeremy Fry who runs a kayak touring operation (Akamai) and rides for Caution or Wikipa. He was the only insured instructor on the island when last I looked. Hope that helps. KittJ . . . who will be kiting there from Christmas till March.