Replying to Tripping to Hawaii

I'm thinking of heading over to maui for the winter (i live in NZ) to do some kiteboarding, as im 18 i want to be doing it on the cheap. Was just wondering if anyone on this site has gone there before and tried to live for about 4months cheaply and if the have any tips, i live in Chch NZ and after the earthqauke we had this place doesn't have alot to offer anymore. Main questions would be where are the good freestyle spots and names of backpackers close to them, i know this is a ski site so i may be asking the wrong people, just thought it was worth a try.