Ma'alaea Bay is a well-known surf spot in Hawaii, especially popular during the summer. It features a harbour breakwall that creates a right-hand wave. This wave is often regarded as one of the fastest in the world, but it really needs a big south to southwest swell to fire up correctly. Keep in mind that the surf can be inconsistent, so you might not always find perfect conditions here.

The best surf at Ma'alaea happens when the swell is coming from the south or southwest and is around 4 feet (1.2 meters). The wave breaks over uneven reef, making it more suited for expert surfers. If you do catch it on a good day, get ready for a race down the line. The ideal wind direction is from the northwest, and the best tides to surf are mid to high. Just be aware that it can get crowded out there, especially when the waves are good.

Besides the main wave, there's also some fun peaks around during smaller south swells, which can be more forgiving for different skill levels. There’s a rocky right further down the coast road if you're looking for variety. Local activists have been working to protect this spot from development, so it remains a gem for surfers.