"Zoom out. What’s the big picture here? Founded in 1985 by Alan Cadiz, HST is one of the longest-running providers of windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons on Maui. The school also offers stand-up paddle and regular surfing lesson as well. Whatever you choose, you'll want to sign up in advance online. Cool. Is anyone else gearing up next to you? Most of the kitesurfing lessons are private or semi-private. How are the guides, then? If you’re new to kitesurfing, your instructor will give you a full tutorial on the beach. Once you’ve mastered how to set up, fly, and land the kite, you’ll head out to the water with a 10-foot paddle board—and your instructor—in tow. If you’re more advanced, you'll leave the instructor back on the beach and communicate via a waterproof radio. Anything else we should know in advance? The official HST Windsurfing and Kitesurfing shop is located in a strip mall close near the airport, but the real action happens out on the beaches of the North Shore, just a few minutes away. I like it. So, at the end of the day, why pick this activity? If you’ve got adventurous teens who want a little more thrill from their water sports, kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons will exceed their expectations. Kitesurfing is easier to learn than windsurfing, making it something kids can master on a long vacation. Windsurfing takes a little longer, but HST has specially-sized equipment for kids, plus windsurfing summer camps." - Juliana Shallcross
