Makaha Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards. The forecast period kicks off now and runs for the next 16 days, but I gotta be straight with you – it’s a bit of a flat patch to start. We’re looking at a long stretch of only marginal surf, and the pick of the bunch is going to be Makaha, a very consistent reef break that’s exposed to the SW. The water temp is sitting at 68°, which is over five degrees warmer than usual – that’s seriously unusual for this time of year, so you might not even need a spring suit if you’re brave enough.

The first decent recommendation is Friday afternoon, the 28th of August. We’ve got a clean, clear afternoon with a south wind at 9 mph blowing cross, so it’s not ideal but it’s not terrible either. Swell is 7 ft from the SW, with a long period of 15 seconds – real groundswell energy. The combined energy is pumping at 1960, that’s strong energy. This is a big one for the experts; 7 ft is pushing into the zone where it’s not for beginners. That long period means the sets will have good shape and power, but at a reef setup like Makaha, it’ll hold up well.

Saturday the 29th is similar but a touch smaller. Morning sees a 6 ft SW swell, 14-second period, with a light SSW wind. It stays clean enough. The energy drops to 1325, still good but not as punchy. The afternoon goes cross-on with the same wind, and the swell drops to 6 ft. It’s all marginal though, and the guidance confirms the tide and conditions aren’t playing ball perfectly. Still, if you’re out there before the wind picks up, you’ll score.

Sunday the 30th through to Tuesday the 1st of September, the swell fades steadily from 5 ft down to 2 ft. The wind stays cross or cross-on, light to gentle. The energy drops from 753 down to around 400-500, weak to moderate. Honestly, it’s small and not much to write home about.

Now, there’s a little uptick around Thursday the 3rd of September. The afternoon sees a 4 ft SW swell with a 17-second period – that’s very long period groundswell again. The energy creeps back up to 1056, moderate. But the wind is cross-on from the south at 9 mph, so it’s not pristine. Still, for a reef break, that long period will give you some nice lines, even if it’s a bit bumpy.

The best window in the whole outlook looks to be Friday the 4th of September. Both morning and afternoon have 6 ft SW swell with a 15-16 second period, and the wind is light from the south to SSW at 6 mph. The energy sits at 1470 and 1296, strong. That’s your standout moment – a solid, long-period SW groundswell with clean light winds. Makaha will be handling it well, but at 6 ft, it’s not for learners. It’s a genuine expert or solid intermediate spot that day.

After that, the weekend of the 5th and 6th sees the swell drop again to 5 ft and 4 ft, with cross-shore winds. It’s okay, but nothing special. From the 7th of September onwards, the swell stays small, mostly between 3 ft and 4 ft, with periods creeping up to 17 seconds again but the energy stays moderate. The wind is mostly light and cross-on, so it’s not going to blow out, but it’s not going to be firing either.

The very end of the forecast, around the 12th of September, the swell is just 3 ft from the SW, with a 13-second period. The energy is weak, around 579-606. The wind is moderate from the south, giving a cross-chop. Not worth a paddle-out if you’re chasing anything decent.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best bet, it’s Friday the 4th of September. That’s the standout – a solid 6 ft SW groundswell with light winds and strong energy. It’s promising but we’re talking long-range, so keep an eye on the updates. The long stretch from the 30th of August through to the 3rd of September is a real lull, so don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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