Maui is the mecca for kite surfing in Hawaii. The world's first kite boarding competition was held here in 1996, and the island boasts more kiteable days than any other destination, thanks to its strong and consistent trade winds. There are opportunities for novice through advanced.

Compared to other water/wind-sports kiteboarding is relatively easy to learn. The learning curve compared to windsurfing is faster, and the kiteboarder will be more advanced after their first year. Kiteboarding is harder to learn than wakeboarding, because it is more technical.

With seven injuries per 1,000 hours of physical activity, kiteboarding appears to be a relatively safe sport, especially compared to mainstream sports. American football has an average of 36 injuries per 1,000 hours; even soccer seems to be more dangerous, with 19 injuries per 1,000 hours of sporting activity.