Maui in Dec

[mjmmjm1]

Heading to Maui Dec 15-25. Sounds like this is not the best time for kiting in Maui, but hopefully there will still be kiteable days...any recommendations for:

Where to stay (with my wife and infant)
Best kite beach(es)
Size kites to bring
Anything else we should know?

Thanks!

[Rakky]

Wind can be variable, but still have some good days. I have been skunked a couple of years ago with no wind for a week. But there is always something to do.
Closer to your trip, you can check the forecasts, and plan. Wind at kite beach is always a little more than the forecasts. Usually, 6-8 are what you need. In winter, maybe 10, rarely 12.
Waves will be good. If you take a directional/surfboard, check with airlines for costs, and there is always the risk of damage to board.
I have taken kites and board if staying for more than 4-5 days, as it works out cheaper. Otherwise, I have rented - giving the option of changing kites or board size, and if no wind or doing something else, then saving money by not renting that day.

Kitebeach is the best option, in the north, close to the airport.
Kaanapali can also get wind sometimes, and Kihei, if the wind direction changes.

You can go paddling, and SUP surfing, in Kihei and Lahaina.
If you stay on the West side, i.e., Lahaina or Kaanapali, the drive to kite beach can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hrs depending on traffic
From Kihei, it takes about 20-30 minutes.

Hana and waterfalls are interesting, but very congested with tourists, and will take all day - and I've seen it once out of curiosity, and will never do it again.

Haleakala is worth driving up to, and go early. Will take more than half a day, but very interesting how the landscape and trees change as you go higher. Take a jacket - cold up top!

Plenty of places to snorkel/dive. Around Napili beach, some good snorkeling, and plenty of turtles.
Maui and most of Hawaii are not cheap. especially the touristy places