Ma'alaea
Ma'alaea (Freight Trains) is considered the world's fastest rideable wave—a 150-300+ yard barrel that fires only a handful of times per year when huge south swells slip through the gap between Kahoolawe and Maui. When it runs, it's one of surfing's greatest spectacles.
Ma'alaea surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (190°)
- Direction range
- 160° - 210°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.6m - 3.2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Offshore range
- 290° - 10°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
1/10
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Access from Ma'alaea Harbor area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Ma'alaea?
Ma'alaea is a reef break in South Coast, Maui, USA, that mostly breaks right over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 4m. It's fickle (consistency 1/10), so it's worth jumping on when it does turn on. A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Ma'alaea?
Ma'alaea picks up swell from the SSE round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 3.6m, with the sweet spot around 2.6 to 3.2m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Ma'alaea?
A NNW wind is dead offshore at Ma'alaea, and anything from the WNW round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Ma'alaea?
Ma'alaea is at its best around the low to mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Ma'alaea?
The most reliable run of swell at Ma'alaea comes May to Sep. May-Sep. World's fastest rideable wave. Fires only a handful of times per year.
How cold is the water at Ma'alaea?
The water at Ma'alaea averages around 25°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Ma'alaea good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Considered the world's fastest rideable wave. 150-300+ yard barrel. Needs huge S-SW swell through Kahoolawe gap.
How do I get to Ma'alaea?
The nearest airport on our list is OGG, then it's roughly a 20-minute drive. Access from Ma'alaea Harbor area.
What other surf spots are near Ma'alaea?
The closest breaks we track are Hookipa (22 km), Honokohau Bay (28 km) and Honolua Bay (28 km), handy when Ma'alaea isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
May-Sep. World's fastest rideable wave. Fires only a handful of times per year.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Hookipa
🌬️ Windsurf capital • Multiple reef peaks • Consistent winter waves
Honokohau Bay
🌊 Honolua's neighbor • Less crowded • Solid right reef
Honolua Bay
🌺 Maui's crown jewel • Long rights • When it's on, it's ON
Jaws
🦈 Where tow-in was born • Giant walls of water • Maui's monster
Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
🌲 Kona's most consistent • Multiple peaks • Local favorite
Sandy Beach
💥 Legendary shorebreak • Bodysurf paradise • Extremely powerful