Makaha, HI

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Bianca Photography
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Takahiro Masuda
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Bianca Photography
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Takahiro Masuda
Photo provided by Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB)/Bianca Photography

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.

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach

3.5 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (67 reviews)
"This was a beautiful condo. The beach area was breathtaking. It is an hour drive from any of the tourist attractions so if you are wanting to see the sights, keep that in mind. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is perfect. There are some homeless tents across the beach area, but I never ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

5 out of 5
92-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei, HI
The price is NT$26,639 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
NT$26,639
NT$31,424 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kapolei. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (763 reviews)
"Beautiful, luxury - yet kid friendly, property. With the most amazing staff!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Embassy Suites By Hilton Oahu Kapolei

Embassy Suites By Hilton Oahu Kapolei

3.5 out of 5
725 Manawai Street, Kapolei, HI
The price is NT$6,806 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
NT$6,806
NT$8,028 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kapolei. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Embassy Suites By Hilton Oahu Kapolei
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.
Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach

3.5 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (67 reviews)
"This was a beautiful condo. The beach area was breathtaking. It is an hour drive from any of the tourist attractions so if you are wanting to see the sights, keep that in mind. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is perfect. There are some homeless tents across the beach area, but I never ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations

The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations

4 out of 5
92-106 Waialii Place, Kapolei, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Kapolei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Ko Olina Marina and Honu Lagoon are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"We had such a great time here. The villa has everything we needed and enjoyed it so much."

Reviewed on 2025/7/29

The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations
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.

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