Surf spot

Makaha

Forecast conditions and map view for Makaha in USA, Hawaii, Oahu. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: USA, Hawaii, Oahu
Coordinates: 21.4779, -158.2230

Metric
Metric	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00
Wave height (m)	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	1	1
Wave direction	NNE	N	S	S	S	S	SSW	S	S	S	NNE	NNE	NNE	S	S	S	S	NNE	N	NNE	N	NNE	N	S	S	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	S	S	S	SSW	NNE	NNE	NNE	S	S	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	S
Wave period (s)	7.6	7.5	9.8	9.7	9.5	9.5	9.4	9	9.2	9.1	7.5	7.4	7.5	9.3	9.8	10.1	10.1	8	8.3	7.6	7.5	7.1	9.3	10	10.3	11.9	12.1	12.1	12.1	11.9	11.3	11.9	12.1	12.1	12.4	12.9	8.4	9.3	8.8	12.2	12.2	12.9	13.1	13	12.8	12.7	12.8	13	13	13	13	13	12.9	12.8	12.8	12.7
Wave energy (kJ)	44	36	73	72	69	69	64	62	53	44	30	30	26	47	44	43	43	22	29	27	26	27	37	58	67	96	91	99	105	110	97	124	128	128	135	137	62	71	75	138	145	173	177	175	189	205	211	227	238	250	262	274	284	292	302	310
Wind speed (km/h)	4.1	3.5	5.1	2	5.2	4.8	9.4	6.3	6.5	4.7	5.9	7.6	2.9	5.9	9.6	5.9	4.6	6.1	6.9	6.5	3.7	8	8.9	8	7.8	7.9	13.2	16.3	16.6	17	14	12.7	11.3	11.4	14.3	18.8	18.8	17.2	14.2	11.1	12	11.9	13.8	15.5	13.3	13.4	10.5	8.7	5.8	5.9	9.7	12.3	7.4	10.7	9.1	7.3
Wind direction	ESEGlassy	ESEGlassy	ECross	NWGlassy	WNWCross-off	NNEGlassy	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENEGlassy	ENECross	ECross-on	NGlassy	NECross-off	ENECross	ENECross	ENEGlassy	ECross	ECross	ECross	ENEGlassy	ECross	ENECross	ECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ENECross	ECross	ECross-on	ECross-on	ECross-on	ECross	ECross	ECross	ECross-on	ECross-on	ECross	ECross-on	ECross	ENECross	ENECross	ECross	ECross

Makaha, Oahu, Hawaii is one of the most famous surf spots on the west side of Oahu, known for its long history, powerful waves, and classic Hawaiian big-wave energy.

Spot overview

Type: Reef break / point-style surf zone
Best for: Experienced surfers, especially in bigger surf
Main vibe: Powerful, open ocean swell with a strong local surf culture
Location: Leeward coast of Oahu, near the town of Waianae

Wave characteristics

Makaha is known for: - Heavy, powerful waves that can handle solid winter swells - Long rides when conditions align - Clean lines on the right swell direction and light winds - Shallow reef sections in places, so it can get consequential

It works best with north, northwest, or west swells, especially in the winter months. Summer is usually much smaller and more forgiving.

Skill level

Makaha is generally considered: - Intermediate to advanced on smaller days - Advanced to expert on larger days

Because of the wave power, reef setup, and occasionally crowded lineup, it’s best approached with respect and local awareness.

Conditions and hazards

Reef bottom: Risk of cuts and impact injuries
Strong currents: Can be challenging, especially with larger surf
Heavy surf: Holds significant size during winter swells
Crowds and localism: The spot has a strong local surf community
Limited forgiveness: Mistakes can be costly on bigger days

Best season

Winter: Prime season for big, powerful surf
Summer: Usually smaller, more manageable surf

Why it’s famous

Makaha is one of Hawaii’s iconic surf breaks and is often associated with: - Hawaiian big-wave surfing history - A classic west Oahu surf experience - Beautiful backdrop with mountain and coastline views

Summary

Makaha is a legendary Hawaiian wave with size, power, and history. It can offer excellent rides and memorable surf, but it demands respect, experience, and caution.