Makaha Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s talk about Makaha. It’s a reef break that’s very consistent and exposed to the swell, so it’s always got something going on. The water temperature is a massive 72°, which is a solid 9° warmer than usual for this time of year – that’s far warmer than normal, so you’re in for a treat if you’re paddling out.

The forecast kicks off on Tuesday the 28th of July, but it’s a bit of a slow start. We’ve got a 5ft SW swell rolling in with a long 15-second period, but the wind is a cross-shore from the S at 12 mph, and the combined energy is a moderate 1034. The comments say it’s marginal, and I’d agree – that cross-chop will make it a bit of a battle. Not the best, but it’s a start.

Moving into Wednesday the 29th, the swell drops to 5ft from the SW with a 13-second period, but the wind swings to a light cross-onshore from the SSW at just 3 mph in the morning, then 6 mph in the afternoon. The energy drops to 781 and 764 respectively. It’s still marginal, but that light wind means the surface will be cleaner. Not a standout, but a session.

Thursday the 30th sees the swell drop further to 4ft and then 4ft, with the wind picking up to 9 mph in the afternoon, making it choppy. The energy is down to 589 and 559. Again, it’s marginal.

Friday the 31st is a write-off – the swell is only 3ft to 3ft, the wind is a moderate cross-shore at 12 mph, and the energy is a weak 357 and 329. Poor conditions. Saturday the 1st of August isn’t much better, with a 3ft swell and cross-on wind, though the morning has a light breeze at 6 mph. The energy is 446, but it’s still marginal at best.

Sunday the 2nd of August brings a slight uptick – a 4ft swell from the S, but the period is a short 8 seconds, so the waves will be weak and crumbly. The wind is light cross-on in the morning, but the energy is only 429. Not great.

From Monday the 3rd of August through to Tuesday the 11th of August, the story is similar: swell heights between 4ft and 7ft, but the period is mostly short (8-10 seconds), and the wind is nearly always cross-on or onshore. The energy bounces around from 356 to 1097, but the comments are all “marginal” or “poor.” The only real shift is on Monday the 10th of August, when the swell hits 7ft from the SSW with a 10-second period and a moderate cross-shore wind. The energy is 1017, which is moderate, but the period is too short for it to be a proper standout. It’s a bit of a mushy mess.

Now, the best of the bunch is actually at the tail end. On Thursday the 6th of August, we get a 5ft swell from the SW with a 16-second period, and the energy jumps to 1193. The wind is a light cross-on from the S at 9 mph in the afternoon, but the morning is even lighter. That long period means the waves will have some real shape and power, so it’s your best bet for a clean, lined-up wave. The following morning, Friday the 7th of August, is also decent with a 5ft SW swell, 14-second period, and light cross-on wind, with energy at 970.

But the real standout is Monday the 10th of August afternoon. The swell is 7ft from the SSW, which is getting big for beginners, but the period is only 10 seconds, so it’s not a clean groundswell. The energy is 1017, and the wind is a gentle cross-shore at 9 mph. It’s the biggest swell of the period, but it’s not perfect. Honestly, nothing here is a true standout. The best bet is Thursday the 6th of August for that long-period SW groundswell – it’s the one that’ll give you the best shape.

Overall, this is a pretty average run for Makaha. The near-term is a bit of a washout, and the second week is mostly marginal. The surf is there, but it’s not firing. For a beginner, the 5ft to 5ft days with light wind are your best bet, but anything over 5ft on the 10th will be too much. For experts, the 7ft on the 10th is worth a look, but don’t expect perfection.

Rusty.

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