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.
Makaha surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 280°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 4.6m
- Ideal size
- 3.1m - 3.9m
- 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
Access: Beach access at Makaha Beach Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Makaha?
Makaha is a point break in West Shore, Oahu, USA, that mostly breaks right over a reef bottom. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 9m.
What's the story behind Makaha?
Mākaha means 'fierce' or 'savage' in Hawaiian, after a band of robbers who once hid in the valley. The Waikīkī Surf Club started the Mākaha International Surfing Championships here in 1952, the first of Hawaii's many international surf contests.
What swell works best at Makaha?
Makaha picks up swell from the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 4.6m, with the sweet spot around 3.1 to 3.9m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Makaha?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Makaha, and anything from the NNE round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Makaha?
Makaha isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Makaha?
The most reliable run of swell at Makaha comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Oct too. Nov-Mar. Hawaii's original big wave spot. Multiple sections: Point, Bowl, Blowhole, Inside Reef.
How cold is the water at Makaha?
The water at Makaha 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 Makaha good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Heavily localized. Can hold massive W swells. Multiple sections with different characters.
How do I get to Makaha?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive. Beach access at Makaha Beach Park.
What other surf spots are near Makaha?
The closest breaks we track are Kaena Point (12 km), Mokuleia (13 km) and Laniakea (18 km), handy when Makaha isn't working.
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
Plan a trip around Makaha
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