Little Makaha is a right-hand point sitting at the north end of Napili Bay, and it does a fair impression of its Oahu namesake. Waves reel off a point-style reef that runs for some distance, starting with a sharp drop into bowly sections and offering tubes along the way.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from west to north (W-N), and it comes alive on a north (N) swell, turning fast and powerful on the right day. A big west swell can also squeeze between the blocking outer islands. The break is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft and is moderately consistent, so worthwhile windows show up when the setup lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for southeast (SE) offshore wind, with east-southeast trades grooming the mid-tide sessions. It works through mid and high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-level wave that rewards confident surfing on the drop and through the bowls. Expect a busy lineup when it works, though the spot gets big, and that size tends to thin the crowd.
