On Oahu's WEST SHORE . . .

Makaha Beach Park is named for the area which surrounds it. An infamous band of bandits living deep in the valley terrorized the area in years long past. Today Makaha's claim to fame is its international renown as a superb site for surf boarding.

During the Winter, this beach's surf does indeed exhibit "fierce" conditions. Wave heights often average fifteen feet and can peak as high as thirty feet plus. In addition to this definitely not being a time even for novice surf and body boarders, it certainly isn't a time for swimmers to be in the ocean at all. The waters are otherwise safe except when there is high surf. Strong back washes are created and the shorebreak and resultant undertow becomes very dangerous. During high surf time there are many surf boarders. In addition to the surfers, be sure to watch out for their runaway surf boards.

There can be a strong rip tide. If you're new to this beach be sure to check with a lifeguard to find out where the rip and other potential hazards are located.

This beach park is in the driest areas of O`ahu. Be sure you and any keiki (children) who might be with you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Be sun safe and sensible: Be sure to wear a broad spectrum sun block, tanning lotion, or cream with a sun protective factor of SPF 15+ - and reapply it every two hours. Don't forget your sunglasses and to wear a hat with a wide brim, too!

Makaha Beach Park has the following in its beach and park areas:

HERE ARE SOME
BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:

• Swim in Lifeguarded Areas
• Never Swim Alone
• Don't Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves
• Ask a Lifeguard About Beach and Surf Conditions Before Swimming
• If You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal for Help
• Rely on Your Swimming Ability Rather Than a Flotation Device
• Look For, Read and Obey All Beach Safety Signs and Symbols
• If In Doubt, Just Stay Out!

Return to the Hale (Home)Aloha Page. You can also use the following links to continue your beach and ocean tour of Oahu's North Shore, South Shore, East Shore, or West Shore.

Or, you can go to the Beach Directory for a listing of all the beaches covered in these pages.

Suggestions, comments and recommendations are welcomed. These pages are a project of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, a not for profit, professional association of Hawaii's lifeguards devoted to the advancement of lifesaving services and public education on beach and ocean safety.

Webmaster: This page is maintained by J. B. Lee. You can reach me by e-mail at: jblee@aloha.com. Last modified: 08-Nov-2003 03:59 PM HST

Source URI: http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/makaha.html

Aloha . . . malama i ke kai!