Makaha Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Takahiro Masuda
Surf's up at the birthplace of Hawaii's big-wave surfing, an attractive half-moon beach known for its surfing, swimming and bodyboarding opportunities.

With huge swells during the winter, Makaha is one of the most popular surfing spots on O’ahu. During the winter the waves can get up to 25 feet (7.5 meters) or more. If you are in Makaha at this time of year and are not a surfer, visit the beach anyway and enjoy the thrilling action from your beach towel.

Don’t miss Buffalo's Big Board Surfing competition in February where surfers ride on huge, old-style surfboards and canoes. Other events include tandem surfing and team bodyboarding. Makaha has a prominent place in surfing history. In 1954, the world's first international surf competition, the Makaha International Surfing Championship, was staged here.

Surfers aren’t the only ones who can enjoy this 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) long half-moon sandy expanse. The warmer months bring calm waters suitable for swimming, snorkeling and bodyboarding, making it popular with families. Go for walks along the shore and sunbathe the beach is wide so there is a lot of space to spread out. Although the ocean is a lot calmer in the summer, it’s a good idea to check with the lifeguard about ocean conditions before you go in.

Makaha Beach is on one of the hottest and driest parts of O’ahu. Bring an umbrella with you as there isn’t a lot of shade, and pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Situated on the west side of the island the beach can be buffeted by strong winds from April to October.

Among the facilities are restrooms, showers and a few picnic tables. The nearest restaurants and bars are in the town of Makaha that borders the beach. Makaha is situated 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Honolulu. Parking at the beach is free. If you don’t have a car use the regular bus service from Honolulu.

Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Gorgeous Mountains!!!
Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Gorgeous Mountains!!!
Wai?anae
The price is NZ$428 per night from 13 May to 14 May
NZ$428
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this condo in Waianae. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (102 reviews)
Good value
"We enjoyed our stay. We wanted to explore the west side of the island since this was our second time visiting Oahu. As others mentioned, the unit could use some work but it was as described/seen in the photos. The towels had a bit of a smell and some lights need to be replaced but the bed was very ..."

Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2024

Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Gorgeous Mountains!!!
Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
2.5 out of 5
84-1021 Lahilahi St, Waianae, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Waianae. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Papaoneone Beach and Aki's Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Was very clean & quiet. Away from the traffic & noise of downtown. Will stay again."

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
Cozy Beach front condo in Makaha
Cozy Beach front condo in Makaha
Waianae
Book a stay at this beach condo in Waianae. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Papaoneone Beach and Aki's Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Vacation Relaxation
"We stayed at this property in a different unit 5 years ago. We love the water facing patio/deck and simi private beach. Very quiet. They provide everything you could need for beach and water fun. We did bring our own binoculars and were glad we did. Would have liked shampoo, conditioner, body wash ..."

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024

Cozy Beach front condo in Makaha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Gorgeous Mountains!!!
Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Gorgeous Mountains!!!
Wai?anae
Stay at this condo in Waianae. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (102 reviews)
Good value
"We enjoyed our stay. We wanted to explore the west side of the island since this was our second time visiting Oahu. As others mentioned, the unit could use some work but it was as described/seen in the photos. The towels had a bit of a smell and some lights need to be replaced but the bed was very ..."

Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2024

Enjoy Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Gorgeous Mountains!!!
Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
2.5 out of 5
84-1021 Lahilahi St, Waianae, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Waianae. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Papaoneone Beach and Aki's Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Was very clean & quiet. Away from the traffic & noise of downtown. Will stay again."

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
Cozy Beach front condo in Makaha
Cozy Beach front condo in Makaha
Waianae
Book a stay at this beach condo in Waianae. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Papaoneone Beach and Aki's Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Vacation Relaxation
"We stayed at this property in a different unit 5 years ago. We love the water facing patio/deck and simi private beach. Very quiet. They provide everything you could need for beach and water fun. We did bring our own binoculars and were glad we did. Would have liked shampoo, conditioner, body wash ..."

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024

Cozy Beach front condo in Makaha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Makaha