Little Makaha Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let me have a look at what’s on offer for the next few weeks. To be honest, it’s pretty quiet out there. We’ve got a long stretch of marginal to poor conditions, so don’t expect much. The only break showing any potential is Little Makaha, a reef setup best for beginners, with consistent surf. The water temperature is sitting at 80°, which is about average for this time of year—nothing unusual there.

We kick off Sunday, September 6th with hardly any size: just 1ft of weak, long-period SW swell, but the wind is a stiff cross-offshore from the ENE at 16 mph, so it’s messy. Combined wave energy is a paltry 109—barely a ripple. Not worth paddling out.

Monday the 7th shows a slight bump in the morning with 4ft from the SW, period holding at 14 seconds, and energy climbing to 541. Still cross-off wind at 22 mph, so expect lumpy, uninviting lines. By afternoon, size edges up to 5ft, energy 754, but conditions are still marginal at best. The swell direction (SW) isn’t ideal for Little Makaha, which prefers NW.

Tuesday the 8th has the most promise, but it’s still not a standout. Morning brings 6ft from the WSW, period 11 seconds, energy 645—moderate wave energy. Wind swings S at 12 mph, still cross-off. Afternoon sees a switch to offshore SE at 9 mph, dropping size to 4ft from the west, with gentle offshore and clean conditions. That’s the cleanest window we get, and with moderate energy (323), it could offer a few fun, beginner-friendly waves. Keep in mind, crowds are possible here.

From Wednesday the 9th onward, it’s a long stretch of very poor surf. Days pass with nothing over 2ft, and mostly short-period or very long-period junk from poor directions. Combined energy drops into double digits—just 21 to 44 at times. The wind stays cross-off from the ENE, blowing 16 to 19 mph, which just kills any chance of quality.

The only other flicker comes around Sunday the 13th, with 5ft from the NE in the afternoon, but period is short at 8 seconds and there’s a risk of thunderstorms. Not worth getting excited about.

After that, it’s flat or near-flat right through to Monday, September 21st. The entire second week offers nothing but tiny dribbles of swell, poor winds, and no rideable waves. Even the wave energy barely registers—often below 100.

So, overall, the best bet is Tuesday afternoon, September 8th, at Little Makaha, with clean offshore wind and waist-high sets. It’s not pumping, but it’s the only window with actual shape and rideable conditions. For the rest, you’re better off waiting for the next proper swell.

Rusty

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