Makaha Beach Park is located on the western side of the
island. It is one of the better beaches on Oahu offering
good swimming, boadybording and surfing conditions. However,
be aware of strong shorebreaks and rip currents during the
winter. During the summer, the water is usually calm in
the area. Before you get into the water, pay attention to
all signs posted at the beach and ask the lifeguards for
current ocean conditions.
If you want to swim, go in the middle of the beach where
there is no reef. Surfers go on the right of the beach,
but there is sharp reef at that area (near the hotel). So
if you are a beginning surfer you should not go there.
Makaha Beach Park is located at the driest side of the island,
which means that the climate is very hot and dry there.
It’s recommended to bring enough water with you. Take sunscreen
and shoes as well, because the sand is very hot. It is a
good idea to get a beach umbrella too because there is not
much shade at the beach.
The beach is usually not crowded. Over the weekends, locals
like to get together here and relax. There are a few picnic
tables, restrooms and showers.
Makaha Beach Park in Bullet Points
A good beach located on the west side of the island
Good for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling
and scuba diving
Strong shore breaks and rip currents during the
winter
Calmer water during the summer
Rip currents possible to occur in the summer
The middle part of the beach is good for swimming
Sharp reef at the right side of the beach (near
the hotel)
Always bring water, sunscreen and shoes (due to
hot sand)
From Waikiki, drive onto the Ala Wai Boulevard. Turn right
at Kalakaua Avenue and go 0.8 miles. Turn left at S. Beretania
St. and go 0.4 miles. Turn right at Piikoi St. and go 0.2
miles. Turn left at Lunalilo St. and go 0.2 miles. Bear
left into the H1 W entry ramp and go 3.1 miles. Continue
on H1-78 W toward Fort Shafter/Aiea and go 4.1 miles. Bear
right onto the H1 W ramp to Pearl City and go 14 miles.
Continue north on Farrington Highway (93) until you pass
the town of Waianae. Makaha town is next. Makaha Beach Park
is located on the left side of the street. Plenty of free
street parking is available. If you don’t have a car, you
can take the City Bus (Route C – Country Express), which
leaves daily at the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu.
When I went to Makaha Beach, there were some waves, but not too high, so it was just perfect to swim and play in the waves and have a great time.
Judy
Posted 466 days ago
Makaha Beach is great fun if there are some waves and you know what yo're doing. A friend of mine cut his toe while bodyboarding over the reef here. It had been low tide, so the reef was too close to the surface and he touched it with his foot. A week later, the cut got infected and he needed surgery. But if you're careful or are an expert (I saw many of them in the water having a great time), then this beach is for you.
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List of Oahu Beaches
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
