Maliko Bay

Maliko Bay is a small, rocky gulch bay on Maui's north coast. Water quality is generally excellent — Low Risk (1/5). The north Maui coast receives more rainfall than the south, but Maliko is not adjacent to major streams or urban runoff sources. Apply the 72-hour rain rule after heavy rain.

The Maliko Downwinder is a 9-mile (14.5 km) open-ocean paddling route from Maliko Bay to Kahului Harbor — one of the most celebrated downwind runs in the world. The route harnesses Maui's powerful northeast trade winds and swells, which funnel through the channel between Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains.

Athletes paddle standup paddleboards (SUP), prone paddleboards, outrigger canoes (OC1/OC6), prone hydrofoils, and wing foils. The run is used by world champions for training. The Naish Maliko Challenge and other races formalize the route. On a good trade wind day, glide ratios can turn a 9-mile run into a near-continuous downwind express.

Best Conditions for the Run

• Wind: 15–25 kt NE trades — ideal. Under 15 kt is flat and slow. Over 30 kt is technical and dangerous for most.
• Swell: 3–8 ft north swell creates the best downwind runs.
• Season: April–September has the most consistent trade conditions.
• Time: Morning launch (8–10am) before trades peak to mid-afternoon strength.

• Address: Maliko Gulch Road, Haiku, Maui HI 96708
• From Kahului: ~20 min east via Hana Highway, turn at Maliko Gulch Rd
• Parking: Limited dirt parking at the gulch. Local access road — be respectful of residents.
• Launch: Rocky concrete ramp into the bay. Can be surge-y — time your launch between sets.
• Shuttle: Required — the run is one-way. Leave a car at Kahului Harbor or arrange pickup.