Surf Forecasts:
Makalawena surf forecast from 2 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 3 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 7s period, NNE swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 8 Aug, 5PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 6s period, NNE swell with 77 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 3 Aug, 2AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 7s period with NNE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Makalawena this week:
The surf forecast for Makalawena over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 03) at 2AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.8m and 7s period with a secondary swell of 0.3m and 3s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Makalawena in the next 16 days are 1.0m 6s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 08) at 5PM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 6s period and expected on Saturday (Aug 08) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (HST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 2AM (Mon 3rd Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 7s |
| Best Surf | 2AM (Mon 3rd Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 7s |
| Most Powerful | 5PM (Sat 8th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 6s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Makalawena over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for the next couple of weeks.
Honestly, I've got to be straight with you, this is a pretty quiet stretch for Makalawena. The first week and a half are looking tough, with very little energy around. From the 2nd of August right through to the 10th, we're looking at marginal conditions at best, with weak swell and mostly cross or cross-onshore breezes. The water temp is sitting right around 81°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.
The first real standout moment comes on the 10th of August. Monday morning, we get a glassy session with a new groundswell filling in from the W. Swell height is around 2ft, but the period jumps to 15 seconds, which is a proper long-period groundswell. The combined energy reads 243 (moderate), so there's some real push in the water despite the modest height. The winds are glassy, which is a major positive for clean surf. Keep in mind, this long-period swell can make the waves a bit fat and close out at beach breaks, but Makalawena can handle it.
The next window that looks promising is the 12th of August. Wednesday afternoon, we're back to glassy conditions and a 2ft, 15-second W groundswell, with combined energy at 243 again. This is a repeat of the same clean, glassy setup, so if you missed the Monday, this is your second shot.
From the 13th into the 16th, the swell builds a bit. The 13th (Thursday) and 14th (Friday) see swell heights around 3ft to 4ft, with periods still long at 14-16 seconds from the W and WNW. The combined energy jumps into the 400-600 range (strong). The winds are light cross-onshore or cross, so not pristine, but the power is there. The 16th of August, Sunday afternoon, has a glassy window with a 3ft, 14-second WNW groundswell and combined energy of 398 (moderate). The forecast says "expect good surf conditions," so that's the one to target.
Bottom line: if you're keen, point your board at the 10th, 12th, and especially the 16th of August. The long-period swells will be best at the point or reef, so keep that in mind. Crowds are possible at Makalawena, so be ready to share the water.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Mon night. Warm (max 28°C on Sun morning, min 25°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 28°C on Fri afternoon, min 25°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 2 | Monday 3 | Tuesday 4 | Wednesday 5 | Thursday 6 | Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 8 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 6 | NE 6 | NE 11 | NNE 5 | NE 9 | NE 5 | NNE 4 | NE 5 | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 | SW 18 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 74 | 66 | 68 | 47 | 33 | 25 | 10 | 57 | 6 | 23 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 18 | 14 | 17 | 46 | 41 | 0 | 77 | 62 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | on | cross-on | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | glassy | cross | glassy | cross-on | glassy | glassy |
High Tide | 6:05PM0.65m | 7:15AM0.55m | 6:33PM0.57m | 8:16AM0.59m | 7:03PM0.49m | 9:30AM0.63m | 7:38PM0.40m | 10:50AM0.68m | 8:46PM0.32m | 12:04PM0.74m | 11:08PM0.28m | 1:05PM0.81m | 00:47AM0.29m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:52AM0.22m | 00:48AM0.09m | 12:48PM0.28m | 1:18AM0.09m | 2:06PM0.34m | 1:54AM0.09m | 4:10PM0.36m | 2:41AM0.10m | 6:56PM0.32m | 3:45AM0.09m | 8:07PM0.25m | 5:01AM0.08m | 8:44PM0.19m | ||||||||
 | |  |  | |  | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — |
 | — | 7:00 | — | — | 6:59 | — | — | 6:59 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:57 | — | — | 6:57 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 28 | 28 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 29 | 27 |
Feels °C | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 32 | 31 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 8 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 7 | NNE 6 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 11 | SSW 10 | SSW 10 | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 | SSW 14 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 |
| kJ | 74 | 66 | 68 | 47 | 33 | 25 | 73 | 70 | 68 | 46 | 39 | 37 | 32 | 18 | 14 | 17 | 46 | 41 | 118 | 77 | 62 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 13 | S 11 | SSW 13 | S 12 | S 12 | S 12 | NE 6 | NE 11 | S 13 | S 12 | S 12 | NNE 4 | NE 5 | SW 14 | SSW 14 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | SW 18 | SSW 18 | SSW 13 |
| kJ | 41 | 39 | 34 | 78 | 75 | 73 | 10 | 57 | 55 | 47 | 46 | 8 | 6 | 51 | 80 | 35 | 35 | 28 | 84 | 123 | 99 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 11 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 13 | W 12 | W 12 | SSW 16 | S 13 | NNE 5 | NE 9 | NE 5 | S 12 | SW 14 | SSE 11 | S 11 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | S 10 | SSW 13 | SW 17 |
| kJ | 36 | 44 | 42 | 26 | 11 | 11 | 27 | 31 | 6 | 23 | 5 | 44 | 50 | 24 | 37 | 47 | 45 | 45 | 17 | 60 | 77 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | WNW 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 5 | — | — | SSW 10 | NNE 6 | — | N 6 |
| kJ | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | — | — | 18 | 22 | — | 25 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 100 | 104 | 0 | 98 | 100 | 99 | 54 | 98 | 18 | 100 | 100 | 19 | 100 | 38 | 12 | 100 | 18 | 100 | 100 | 0 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Big Island | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in United States | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Makalawena Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Makalawena provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Makalawena can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Makalawena surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Makalawena) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Makalawena may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Makalawena is 100 km (62 miles) from Hilo. If you plan a vacation in Big Island, look for hotels and other accommodation in Hilo. Hilo has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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