Little Makaha Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you about the next couple of weeks – it’s a tough stretch for surf at Little Makaha. We’re looking at a serious run of flat or near-flat conditions, with a few tiny pulses that just aren’t going to cut it for a proper paddle.

For the first week and a half, from Friday the 17th through to Tuesday the 28th, it’s a real desert. Most days have zero combined swell energy, and the few days that do show a little something, like the 17th and 18th, are only pushing 0.7ft to 2ft of weak, messy swell. The combined energy is pathetic, barely cracking 131 on the 17th morning and dropping to just 39 by the 18th afternoon. That’s not surf, that’s a ripple. The wind is a steady cross-off from the ENE, but with no wave to work with, it’s a write-off. This is a long, blank run, and it’s pretty normal for this area when the trade winds lock in and the swell windows shut.

The only real glimmer in this whole 16-day window is a little pulse of short-period, onshore windswell that shows up on the 29th of July. It’s still not a standout, but it’s the best we’ve got. The Wednesday morning sees a 3ft swell from the NNE with a period of just 8 seconds, and the energy jumps to 136. By the afternoon, it nudges up to 4ft from the NE. The wind turns light from the NE, a gentle breeze, which is a huge positive for cleanliness. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so no shock there. The problem is that this short-period stuff is going to be crumbly and weak, and with a predominant NE swell direction, it’s not the optimum NW direction that Little Makaha really needs. The crowds are often here, so expect company. Because the swell is only just over 3ft, it’s fine for beginners, but don’t expect any power.

Then there’s a final little blip on the 31st of July. The Friday morning sees a 4ft swell from the NE with a 9-second period, and the combined energy climbs to 254. That’s moderate energy, but again, it’s a short-period, onshore windswell that’s not pointing the right way. The wind is a moderate cross-off from the ENE. It’s likely to be a bit messy and not worth the drive for most.

So, the honest truth: the only remotely rideable day in the whole outlook is the 29th of July. It’s not great, but it’s the only time the numbers say there’s something to catch. Keep an eye on the charts, because a run this flat tends to change, but for now, the board stays in the car.

Rusty.

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