There's something calming about flying a kite; it's as if the sail can whisk away all of life's troubles.
For Priscilla Nagao, the pleasure comes in being able to just hang out with her husband and two sons, ages 10 and 6. Nagao and her husband, owners of High Performance Kites, have been into kites and in the business since the early 1980s.
"That was before kids and everything," said
Nagao, 44, of Hawai'i Kai. " ... We're finding now that the kids are enjoying it."
Nagao offers these tips for novice kite-fliers:
Kites come in all shapes and sizes, and are available at stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart or Costco (call first to see if kites are in stock), or High Performance Kites (available only in sets; for details, call 224-9797).
Consider starting off with traditional single-line kites. Maneuverable sport kites come in dual- and quad-line versions, and are ideal for those who are more experienced.
Go out when it's not too windy. "Find a day when it's moderate, between 5 and 15 mph winds ... and consistent winds are better than gusty," Nagao said. And never fly when it's raining.
Where are the best places to go? The Nagao's favorite kite spots include Sandy Beach, Magic Island and Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, "on the largest mound," Nagao said.
Don't fly in a field over people, because kites can skim the ground and may hurt someone. Fly in an open field without any obstacles — no bushes, trees or buildings nearby. "The main tip is safety first," Nagao said.
