Mākaha Beach Park
Waianae, HI
Mākaha Beach Park has been a serious big wave surf destination since the sport's early days, with a wide sandy bay that turns from a calm summer swim spot into a genuine winter proving ground almost overnight. The mountains behind town rise sharply enough that the whole valley feels dramatic even from the sand.
A real piece of Hawaiian surf history with genuinely great sand and mountain scenery, though the winter surf demands real experience and the beach can feel a world away from Honolulu if you're not used to the drive.
How we score beachesSummer is the better bet for swimming and bodyboarding. Winter's surf is for experienced surfers only.
A large free lot sits right at the beach off Farrington Highway.
Flat, paved paths connect the lot to wide open sand, no stairs.
Summer brings calm, family friendly water, while winter delivers some of the biggest, most serious surf on this coast.
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