Makapu'u Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NNW to NE swells, and NE to E tradeswell.
Wind
Calm or offshore from S to W, with SW as straight offshore. Passing winter fronts bring offshore winds. Early mornings can be clean during lighter trade wind days.
Surf Height
Chest high-well overhead
Tide
Medium
Makapu'u Surf Guide
Makapu'u Beach is located in the cove just on the north side of Makapu'u Point, where a lighthouse marks the easternmost point on Oahu. Like its neighbor Sandy Beach to the south, this spot is usually a bodyboarding or bodysurfing spot. It is a very hollow, heavy and shallow shorebreak, which can be very dangerous. For surfers, there is the spot called Suicides, which is located off the point on the northern end of Makapu'u Beach, in front of the Sea Life Park. It is a racey, hollow right that peels over shallow rock/reef. There is usually always surf for both spots due to the year-round tradeswell. However, conditions are often tattered from the persistent onshore tradewinds (strongest through summer months). Conditions are best on NE to E swells with the occasional wintertime offshore S clocking W Kona wind.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Best suited for good to advanced surfers and bodysurfers.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Usually mellow. Be cool and keep it that way.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Usually mellow. The reef break to surf can get a little packed when its working and winds turn offshore.
Spot Rating
Poor
One of the great bodysurfing spots in Hawaii. The reef break can get fun, but nothing too special. Consistent surf year-round.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Short for the reef break, pretty much none to bodysurf the shorepound.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Very shallow sand and reef, dangerous shorepound, and strong currents.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard, Skimming, Bodysurfing
Access
Easy. Paved road to it with plenty of parking, Makapu'u Beach Park.
Bottom
Sand for the bay at Makapu'u Beach, and rock/reef for Suicides.
Best Season
Winter tends to be best overall, but there is surf year-round due to easterly tradeswell exposure. Open exposure to the northerly swells in winter, and winter will also bring offshore wind events.
Do you have local knowledge about Makapu'u?
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