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Give keiki a week of wind, skills, and reef-side discovery at this four-day beginner sailing camp in Lihue. Families will love the final-day showcase when kids demonstrate new seamanship and marine knowledge.
Give keiki a week of wind, skills, and reef-side discovery at this four-day beginner sailing camp in Lihue. Families will love the final-day showcase when kids demonstrate new seamanship and marine knowledge.
Book with Kauai Sailing Association
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Operated by Kauai Sailing Association · Lihue, Hawaii
Winter Break Beginner Sailing Camp in Lihue, Hawaii, is a spirited four-day program that hands children ages seven through seventeen a real compass to the sea. Based in the sheltered nearshore waters off Lihue on Kauai's southeast coast, this camp emphasizes boat time: rigging small dinghies, steering, sail trim, and safe on-water decision-making, balanced with shore-based lessons about reef ecology and basic ocean safety.
The daily schedule runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during the holiday week (Thursday is off). Each five-hour session mixes coached sailing rotations with short classroom talks, gear checks, and supervised swim breaks. Boats and life jackets are supplied; personal PFDs are encouraged. On the final day families are invited to a noon sail showcase where keiki demonstrate the skills they learned between 12:00 and 1:15, then finish the day at 2 p.m.
What sets this camp apart is its practical focus combined with the place: Lihue's coastline has shallow reef channels and coral gardens that give learners a close-up view of Hawaii's tropical marine life, including surgeonfish, reef wrasse, and the occasional green sea turtle or spinner dolphin. Instructors pair seamanship drills with natural-history snippets so kids connect knots and tacks to the living reef environment beneath their boats.
Logistics are straightforward. Waivers must be signed on the first day; pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, snacks, and a lunch. Water refills are available but organizers don't provide packed lunches, so plan accordingly. The camp operates for beginners with little-to-no prior experience, and the staff maintains an approachable student-to-instructor rhythm that eases nervous kids into first-time steering and tacking.
Safety and local stewardship are woven into the curriculum: participants learn reef-friendly practices, how to approach wildlife responsibly, and basic weather awareness for nearshore sailing. The refund policy allows a full refund with one-week notice and weather-related credit or refund.
This offering is perfect for families who want a purposeful, active holiday experience that teaches real skills, fosters confidence, and lets kids trade screens for wind-filled sails. It's also a soft introduction to Pacific voyaging for children who may later progress to youth racing or coastal cruising. For parents in Lihue and visitors staying nearby, the Winter Break Beginner Sailing Camp is a hands-on, island-rooted way to make a holiday week memorable and maritime.
Parents should plan to sign waivers at check-in and arrive early for a gear orientation; drop-off and pick-up are at a waterfront staging area in Lihue (meeting point provided after booking). The program encourages reef-safe sunscreen, sun shirts, and sturdy sandals for boarding. Spectators are welcome at the Friday sail showcase; bring a camera and a hat. Spaces can fill during school breaks, so reserve spots early through the provided booking link.
easy.
5 hours per day.
Kids should be comfortable in the water and able to swim short distances; basic stamina for half-day activity is ideal.
Camp accepts keiki ages 7 through 17; programming is tailored for beginners with little-to-no prior sailing experience.
Boats and life jackets are included; participants should bring lunch, snacks, water bottles, and sun protection.
Daily sessions are instructional; the program invites family and friends to the Friday noon showcase when kids sail and demonstrate skills.
There is a full refund or credit for cancellations due to weather; check the organizer's policy for timing and notice requirements.
Yes—parents or guardians must sign waivers at check-in on the first day of camp.
While not advanced, children should be comfortable in the water; instructors maintain close supervision and PFD use at all times.
Keiki means child in Hawaiian, and many island programs weave traditional voyaging respect for the ocean into modern seamanship lessons.
The camp emphasizes reef-friendly practices: no-touch policies around coral and the use of reef-safe sunscreen to minimize chemical impact.
Kauai Sailing Association in Lihue, Hawaii offers youth-focused after-school sailing programs and camps designed to build sailing skills, confidence, and water safety for keiki. The association runs structured beginner and intermediate after-school clubs that meet weekdays in the afternoons, providing consistent on-water practice and coaching. Beginner 1 After School Club meets every Monday from 3–6 pm for keiki ages 7–17 who have completed a KSA beginner camp, offering skill development in a fun, supervised setting. Intermediate 1 After School Club meets every Tuesday from 3–6 pm and continues through federal holidays, giving returning sailors added practice and group learning. Intermediate 2 After School Club runs every Wednesday from 3–6 pm for experienced young sailors seeking further refinement; prior approval is required to join Intermediate 2. All programs emphasize hands-on sailing, seamanship, teamwork, and a supportive environment led by instructors experienced with youth programs. Sessions are organized as quarter-length offerings that create consistent progression across the season. Equipment, scheduling, and enrollment details are coordinated through the association, and families register for specific weekly sessions. The association focuses on accessible, age-appropriate instruction for keiki who have completed prerequisite camps, ensuring clear progression from beginner to intermediate levels. Facilities and meeting times are based in Lihue, Hawaii, providing local access to Kauai waters. For parents seeking structured after-school sailing opportunities, Kauai Sailing Association offers reliable weekday programming, clear prerequisites, and recurring weekly sessions to build skills and foster a love of sailing. Families can contact KSA for enrollment and scheduling information anytime year-round.
Book with Kauai Sailing Association