Makaha
Makaha is Hawaii's original big wave spot—the place where big wave surfing was pioneered before Waimea Bay. Multiple sections (Point, Bowl, Blowhole, Inside Reef) offer different rides depending on the swell. Also a legendary longboard wave, but heavily localized.
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Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 280°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 4.6m
- Ideal size
- 3.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 20° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
9m+
Board
Any
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access at Makaha Beach Park.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct
Nov-Mar. Hawaii's original big wave spot. Multiple sections: Point, Bowl, Blowhole, Inside Reef.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Kaena Point
⚡ Oahu's most powerful • Accessible only by foot • Sacred ground
Mokuleia
🏖️ Two miles of peaks • Uncrowded beach break • Wind-dependent
Laniakea
🐢 Turtle Beach • Fun right point • Intermediate-friendly
Avalanche
🏔️ Haleiwa's outer reef • Deep water power • Big swell handler
Haleiwa
🚪 Gateway to the North Shore • Triple Crown venue • Toilet Bowl inside
Chun's Reef
🏖️ Mellow North Shore • Longboard heaven • Fun and accessible