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Makapu'u

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Ideal surf conditions at Makapu'u

Swell window
NNE, NE, ENE, E
Swell size
4ft - 8ft
Swell breaks over
Lava, Rock, Coral, Sand
Wave types
Beach, Reef, Point
Wave directions
Right, Left
Wind window
S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW
Best tides at
Low to Mid, Mid, Mid to High
Skill Level
Intermediate, Expert
Seasons
Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer
Board types
Shortboard, Bodyboard, Skimming, Bodysurfing

Makapu'u surf guide

Surf: General: 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. Tides: Medium Size: Chest high-well overhead 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. Swell: NNW to NE swells, and NE to E tradeswell. Bottom: Sand for the bay at Makapu'u Beach, and rock/reef for Suicides. Paddling: Short for the reef break, pretty much none to bodysurf the shorepound. Spot Rating: One of the great bodysurfing spots in Hawaii. The reef break can get fun, but nothing too special. Consistent surf year-round. Access: Easy. Paved road to it with plenty of parking, Makapu'u Beach Park. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Usually mellow. The reef break to surf can get a little packed when its working and winds turn offshore. Local Vibe: Usually mellow. Be cool and keep it that way. Environment: Pristine. Hazards: Very shallow sand and reef, dangerous shorepound, and strong currents. 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.

Written by Joris de Ruiter

Joris is a dad, husband, surfer, software developer, yogi and swimmer. He combines his passion for surfing and technology to help others catch more and better waves.

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