During the winter months Hookipa is one of the best places to see people riding big waves. In the mornings and evenings it is a very popular place for surfers. The reason why the surfers are not normally out in the afternoon is because the afternoon trade winds come up and while they’re blowing it becomes a favorite location for Maui’s windsurfers to get out on the water and refine their world class skills. If you happen to be in the area when the waves are up then you should definitely try to clear enough space in your schedule to stop by and check out Hookipa Beach Park.

Hookipa Beach Park, Quick Facts
Name: Hookipa Beach Park
Length: 1/4 mile.
Bottom Type: Reef, rocks.
Sand Type: Rocks, course grained, white sand.
Lifeguard: Yes.
Hookipa Beach Park is best for: BBQ, bodyboarding, photography/admiring the natural beauty, surfing, tanning, using the restroom, windsurfing.
Facilities: BBQ grills, lifeguard station, parking lot, picnic tables, public restrooms, shaded pavilions, showers.
Hazards: Buried rocks, high winds, large waves, sharp reef, strong currents.
Parking: Paved & dirt parking lots.
Access: Sidewalk, stairs, paved road.
Difficulty to get there: Easy.

Hookipa Beach Park is one of the best places on Maui to watch surfers.
The combination of strong currents, high surf and crowds of some of Maui’s best surfers make Hookipa Beach Park a dangerous place. It is not a good place to surf for anyone except for very experienced surfers. However, when there’s waves on the North Shore the amount of action that goes down at Hookipa on any given day is off the charts. It is not uncommon to see crowds on the cliffs and beach watching the riders in the ocean tempting fate with some of Maui’s largest waves. When you pull into the park you will see a parking lot on the right side that borders the cliffs. The handrail along the left side of the parking lot gives you one of the best views of the surf because the added elevation allows you to see over the waves. If you would like to go down to the beach travelpack recommend doing that too, but please be careful of rogue waves when you’re anywhere near the shoreline.

On some days the waves are small.
On the rare days when there are no waves at all the small sand beach in front of the pavilion on the east side of the beach can be suitable for an ocean dip, even for children. Constant supervision is always necessary for inexperienced swimmers and youngsters at Hookipa because large rogue waves are always a possibility (even on seemingly calm days). There is a lifeguard tower at Hookipa. We advise that you ask the lifeguard about the conditions of the day and what you should be careful of before you decide to venture into the water, and use outdoor equipment safely

How do you get to Hookipa?
Getting to Hookipa is very easy. It is located a little less then 10 minutes past Paia going east on the Hana Highway. You’ll know your getting close when you see the famous Mama’s Fish House restaurant on the left side of the road. The entrance to the park will be on the far east side of the beach. We recommend stopping in the lookout parking lot that will be on your right after you make the initial left turn to get into the park. From the elevated vantage point of the lookout parking lot you’ll be able to get a good idea of where you want to go from there.

Ocean Caution
Please be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be potentially dangerous including Hookipa Beach Park. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering the water and of course, never turn your back on the ocean when you are on the shoreline. It should also be noted that all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water. Have fun, but be careful!