Makapu'u Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty, and I’m looking at the surf picture for the next couple of weeks. Real talk: it’s gonna be a tough stretch for anyone looking to get a decent wave. This is one of those periods where you might wanna leave the boards in the truck and just watch the ocean.

The outlook starts now, and for the first several days, honestly, it’s a write-off. We’ve got a solid, consistent swell running at Makapu'u (reef), but it’s being hammered by strong onshore winds. The wind is blowing straight from the ENE at 18 to 28 mph, and that’s just ruining any chance of a clean face. The swell is there, with heights around 4 ft to 10 ft, and the combined wave energy is strong, hitting values like 1403, but the wind is just tearing it to shreds. You’re looking at “poor surf conditions” across the board for the first week. The water temperature is about average for late July, nothing to write home about.

There’s a slight flicker of hope around Wednesday the 29th of July. The wind drops right down to a light breeze, almost calm in the afternoon at 3 mph. The swell is still big, around 8 ft to 10 ft, coming from the ENE and NE. The wave comment shifts from “poor” to “marginal.” The energy is still high (2321 and 1475), but the short period of 10 to 11 seconds isn't ideal for a reef break. It might be doable for advanced surfers, but the quality is a big question mark. It’s not a standout, just a maybe.

After that, from the 30th of July right through to the 10th of August, it’s a long, bleak run. The wind picks back up, and we’re back to “poor surf conditions” day after day. The swell is there, sometimes chest to head high, but the wind is relentless. The period is short, often 8 seconds or less, which means weak, choppy waves. The combined energy stays moderate (between 310 and 1186), but it’s all junk. The only break in the clouds is a very late call on the 9th of August, where the wind drops a little, but it’s still onshore and the forecast is marginal at best. There’s a risk of thunderstorms on the 7th, 9th, and 10th of August too, which isn’t helping.

So, what’s the best on offer? Honestly, there isn’t a true standout. If you’re desperate and an expert, the Wednesday the 29th of July session might be the only window. The swell is big (8 ft to 10 ft) and the wind is light, but the short period and cross-onshore direction mean it’s gonna be a messy, lumpy paddle. For the rest of us, it’s a waiting game. The forecast can change, but this is a long stretch of nothing special.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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