WHAT TO BRING: There are a few things we don't want
you to forget…
• Airline tickets
• A printout of your invoice confirming full payment
and this web page.
• Driving directions (North Shore) or condo address
(South Shore ) to find your home away from home. * IF
YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS CONTACT VELA BEFORE YOU LEAVE*
• Current driver's license and major credit card
in name of rental car driver (you will need these to
rent your car)
• Extra spending money (see "CASH/CREDIT
CARDS" below)
• Paperback books for flights and evenings
• A small flashlight
The following items are all available in wonderful
variety on Maui, so you may want to pack light and roomy
and bring home some island-grown gear. Otherwise, we
do recommend that you bring:
• Harness, shorty wetsuit and/or thermal rashguard,
booties,
• Gloves to prevent blisters while sailing
• 100% UV sunglasses w/ eyeglass retainer (floating)
• Waterproof sunscreen lotion (oil makes board
slippery)
• Beach towel (condo towels just don't do the
job)
• Helmet and/or PFD, if desired.
• Light jacket/windbreaker
To avoid the inconvenience of lost luggage, we recommend
that you pack light enough to carry on your luggage.
Check with your airline for carry on restrictions. At
the least, carry on all those items that you would need
to fully enjoy your first few days.
If you are on a "Complete Rig" package, your
package includes use of a complete board and rig, including
two sails (w/ correct masts). This easily handles the
needs of most people. Many people who have brought some
of their own sails have reported that they stayed in
their bags the whole trip. Also, the airlines can charge
you up to $150 each way if they know you are checking
"windsurfing equipment". However, you may
feel you want to bring one or two small sails with you
and choose the larger ones from Vela Maui so that you
will have other sails at your disposal while at the
beach. Have any questions about odd sails, etc? Feel
free to call Vela Maui before you go.
PACKING FOR THE WEATHER: Maui is a lush tropical destination.
The rain that produces the lush vegetation is more frequent
in the winter months, so expect it to be a little wetter
and somewhat cooler in winter, drier and a bit warmer
in summer. Generally it will be in the mid-80's during
the day and slightly cooler at night. In the "Upcountry"
area or up on the rim of Haleakala crater, it can be
much cooler. Bring a light jacket for evenings and a
very warm one if you plan on catching the spectacular
sunrise on top of Haleakala. People dress casually on
the island. Only in some of the most expensive restaurants
would a coat or dress be expected. You might want to
leave a little space in your luggage for clothing acquired
in Maui; some people consider Maui a paradise for shopping
as well.
CASH/CREDIT CARDS: We recommend that you bring some
cash, travelers checks and a major credit card. The
Maui Windsurf Company will accept credit cards for any
additional services or goods you may want to purchase
on-site. Most establishments on the island accept major
credit cards. We suggest you bring extra cash or traveler's
checks of at least $50 per person per day of stay. You
may go home with most of it, but if you want it, you'll
have it.
DOCUMENTS: CHECK YOUR DOCUMENTS NOW for accuracy and
then RECONFIRM ALL FLIGHT TIMES with your airline before
you go to the airport. If your flight arrival time is
different than what you supplied to Vela during the
reservation process, please call Dollar’s Kahului
office directly at 808-877-2732 and update their agents
with the correct flight information. (Dollar will automatically
cancel your reservation if your car is not picked up
within two hours of this time.)
UPON ARRIVAL AT MAUI'S KAHULUI AIRPORT: Unless you've
carried on all your luggage, the driver indicated on
your Dollar Rent-a-Car voucher should catch the Dollar
shuttle vehicle to Dollar's base yard. Any others in
your party can collect checked luggage and be ready
to be picked up by the driver in your party. The Dollar
desk will be open until 10:00 PM.
DOLLAR RENT-A-CAR: Dollar will offer collision damage
and personal injury insurance at a significant additional
daily rate. We recommend you check with your own car
insurer before leaving for Maui; your policy may already
include such coverage. Regardless, as is standard with
all rental car companies, Dollar will require a signed,
blank imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit.
Depending on your situation, there may be some other
charges not payable in advance of the return of your
car. Dollar has a minimum driver age of 25 (or additional
$15 plus tax per day for ages 21-24) and additional
drivers are $6 per day. Dollar rents on a 24-hour basis
and if you are keeping your car an hour or so later
than the time on the clock that you picked it up, you
will owe them an additional $10-$12 an hour, which is
cheaper than us charging you a full additional day's
rental. If your departure time is several hours later
than your arrival time, check your car voucher to make
sure the "DROP-OFF" date is one day later
than you are actually leaving. We should have included
an additional day's rental in your package, but only
if we know what your flight times are. You should find
your car full of gas and relatively clean. If you return
it otherwise there may be additional gas or cleaning
fees (see: RETURNING YOUR DOLLAR RENTAL CAR). DOLLAR
WILL CHARGE YOU A $3/DAY STATE IMPOSED SURCHARGE and
a 7.5% AIRPORT RECOVERY Tax.
Dollar will be glad to provide directions to your accommodations
and Vela Maui (located within Neil Pryde Maui - hours
8:30 am to 5:00 PM), where you will pick up your racks
and equipment.
GETTING TO VELA MAUI:
Vela Maui is located in the Neil Pryde Maui shop at
400 Hana Hwy. 800-321-7443
From the airport, stay straight on Keolani Pl (it will
become Dairy Rd.) Follow the signs to Lahaina and Kihei,
Cross the Haleakela Hwy and the Hana Hwy (2 lights).
Make the first right on Alamaha St. The next street
is Papa Pl, turn right. Vela Maui is located inside
the Neil Pryde Maui retail shop, located at the corner
of Papa and the Hana Hwy. the address is 400 Hana Hwy.
If you arrive after 5:00 pm you can pick up your equipment
the following morning. Prepaid lessons and equipment
are not refundable after your scheduled arrival date.
Vela's Wind Warranty works differently on Maui; check
with Vela Maui about "Lay Day" and "Return-trip
Credit" details before checking out equipment.
Any questions? Feel free to call us toll free at 800-223-5443.
To get fast answers while on Maui, contact the Vela
Maui staff - 800-321-7443.
CHECKING INTO YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS:
North Shore
Once full payment has been received, we will email complete
property information including driving directions and
check-in details. Many properties require a gate code
and/or lock box code to get into your unit.
*IF YOU DO NOT HAVE DRIVING DIRECTIONS PLEASE CONTACT
VELA IMMEDIATELY*
This will help you in getting to your accommodations
and checking in. In this letter you will also find a
number to call if you need to talk to someone about
your condo while on the island. Your condo management
company is always available to help make your vacation
an enjoyable one. If the plumbing plugs up, the toaster
doesn't work, etc., call them immediately. It's their
job to see that it gets fixed now. Then go enjoy Maui.
Chances are good it will be fixed by the time you get
back from sailing. If not, stay in communication with
them. We have chosen the best, most responsive condo
management companies on the island. You are in good
hands.
South Shore
See the instructions on your document cover letter which
was emailed to you to confirm full payment. The address
of the condo is listed on the invoice, and you should
have no trouble finding your condo. If you have any
questions, please call us.
***IF YOU KNOW THAT YOU WILL ARRIVE AFTER 5:00PM, PLEASE
CONTACT VELA ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE FOR AFTER-HOURS CHECK-IN
DIRECTIONS, WHICH VARIES BY PROPERTY***
This will help you in getting to your accommodations
and checking in. In this letter you will also find a
number to call if you need to talk to someone about
your condo while on the island. Your condo management
company is always available to help make your vacation
an enjoyable one. If the plumbing plugs up, the toaster
doesn't work, etc., call them immediately. It's their
job to see that it gets fixed now. Then go enjoy Maui.
Chances are good it will be fixed by the time you get
back from sailing. If not, stay in communication with
them. We have chosen the best, most responsive condo
management companies on the island. You are in good
hands.
LESSONS: Alan Cadiz and his staff of HST instructors
have been setting the standards in windsurfing instruction
since 1985. Their instructors' high level of skill allows
them to sail right next to you on the water, giving
you the confidence and the coaching you need to excel
quickly. Lessons are taught at Kanaha, Kihei, and from
private beachfront locations along Maui's North shore.
HST offers beginner through advanced, group and private
lessons including jibing and wave sailing. As all lessons
are by appointment only, reservations are recommended
as far in advance as possible. If you have prepaid for
lessons or would now like to plan lessons, please call
the HST staff at 800-YOU-JIBE (968-5423) to arrange
your schedule directly.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE: Maui has one of the widest
selection of activities of any vacation destination
in the world. Good snorkeling and diving trips leave
daily from nearby Maalaea Harbor. Hiking, horseback
riding and exciting downhill bicycle excursions are
available on the slopes of the mighty volcano Haleakala.
Shopping is legendary. Your new friends at The Maui
Windsurf Company know the best deals and operators and
can send you in the right direction.
RESTAURANTS: The staff at Vela Maui also are your best
source of information about restaurants and nightlife.
They have hosted many, many sailors on Maui and are
getting constant feedback about what's happening where.
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING MAUI
LEAVING YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS: Please respect the checkout
time posted in your unit. If you have a late flight
out of Maui, you might be able to check out of your
unit later in the day. When you arrive, or at least
several days before you leave, check with the property
management company directly (NOT THE FRONT DESK) about
this. Get the name of the person who says OK and how
late is OK. If someone happens to be checking in the
same day you are leaving, it will not be possible to
stay late because your unit must be made ready for them;
however, with advance notice, arrangements can often
be made. If not, Kanaha Beach Park has freshwater showers
so you can still play all day and not have to fly home
sandy or salty.
[Should an emergency necessitate a return home earlier
than your scheduled date, we will do all we can to get
refunds for you. Standard condo and car cancellation
fees usually exceed any balance left, but property management
companies are often quite understanding of emergencies.
To assist us in this, you must make sure you get written
verification of check-out date from the front desk and
also from The Maui Windsurf Company and Dollar Rent-a-Car.]
RETURNING YOUR EQUIPMENT: Be aware of The Vela Maui
opening and closing times - 9:00 - 6:00. If you are
not planning on sailing the day you leave, you may find
it easier to return equipment the afternoon before,
rather than in the morning.
RETURNING YOUR DOLLAR RENTAL CAR: Dollar has to get
your car ready for someone else to use. If you return
it low on gas or really dirty and full of sand, they
will charge you. There are gas stations on your way
back into Kahalui. If you are the rare type to really
trash a car, Dolphin Car Wash at 156 Wakea has vacuums.
If you're concerned about this, clarify with Dollar
their policies before taking the vehicle. Leave plenty
of time to drop off your equipment, gas your car, check
it in, and catch the shuttle to the airport.
AT THE KAHALUI AIRPORT: You will have to pass agricultural
inspection. Prepackaged fruit sold specifically to be
taken back to the mainland is usually OK. Fruit bought
in the supermarkets to be consumed on Maui is generally
not allowed off the island.
SAILING BEACHES
(please note: By county ordinance there is no sailing
in Maui before 11:00am. This is out of respect for other
water users, surfers and fishermen.)
NORTHSHORE
The northshore beaches stretch from kite beach (lower
Kanaha) all the way to Hookipa at the eastern end. Conditions
range from fun flat water and chop to the ultimate wave
sailing at Hookipa. Depending on surf conditions and
wind you will be able to find a spot that is suitable
for your taste.
Kanaha Beach Park - Located very near Kahalui Airport
, Kanaha consists of several shallow sandy coves along
the eastern end of Kahalui Bay on the North Shore. Recommended
Abilities: Beginner in the most eastern cove through
advanced in the most western cove and beyond the reef.
Water and Wind: A reef 400 yards offshore means flat
water in summer and larger chop in winter. On the reef
there are large waves in winter, early spring and fall.
Smaller waves prevail in summer with rolling swell outside.
Wind picks up from light in the morning, to strong in
the afternoon.
Spreckelsville Beach - Located 4 miles east of Kanaha,
Sprecklesville's quality surf conditions draw some of
the best sailors on the island. Obtain directions from
the rental shop. Recommended ability: Intermediate to
advanced surfsailor. Wind and Water: Same sideshore,
consistent trade winds as Kanaha, only a little stronger.
Sprecklesville reef produces some excellent conditions
to hone your skills for the next step up....
Ho’okipa Beach Park – Ho’okipa is
located 2 miles east of Paia on the Hana Highway just
past Mama's Fish House Restaurant. The tiny beach, tucked
in a cove below, serves as a launch for the premier
wave venue in the world. Sail only if you are an expert
wavesailor, or watch the best from the bluff.
KIHEI BEACHES - These narrow, palm fringed beaches
stretch from Maalaea Bay through the beach town of Kihei,
always accessible off N. Kihei Road. Sailing areas range
from beginner, with sheltered side-offshore wind conditions
directly in front of the Sugar Beach Condominium Property,
to advanced north of the Sugar Beach area.
Pavilions (Maipoina Oe Lau Beach Park) - Just north
of Kihei off N. Kihei Road, this site really cooks when
the winds shift to the north (a more frequent condition
in winter) and accelerate through the valley at speeds
up to 30 mph. Less than a mile south of Pavilions is
Ka Ono Ulu Beach Park below.
Ka Ono Ulu Beach Park - the same conditions but a rocky
launch and less sailors. For both... Recommended Ability:
Intermediate to advanced sailors Water and Wind: Flat
with some chop. 15 to 30 mph blowing side-onshore in
a northerly and side-offshore during normal tradewind
conditions.
Sugar Beach - Directly in front of Sugar Beach Condominiums
in the lee of the buildings you'll find lower velocity
side-offshore wind. It is possible for beginners to
sail here, although Kanaha is more ideal. A ten minute
walk up the beach is "Speed Beach" where offshore
winds up to 30 mph, particularly in a northerly, create
a speed slalom heaven with flat water conditions. Recommended
Ability: Beginner in front of resort, intermediate to
advanced at Speed Beach. Water and Wind: Flat close-in.
Swell and chop in bay. Up to 30 mph blowing offshore
at Speed Beach.
Updated 03/2007
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