Ma'alaea Harbor is one of Maui's most famous waves, a fast right-hand reef and point break that peels along the east side of the harbor. The bottom is a mix of lava, rock, and coral. When it lines up, it ranks among the best summer waves in Hawaii.
When It Works
Ma'alaea draws swell from southwest to south-southeast (SW-SSE) and is usable from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 2.1 m / 7 ft. It comes to life across spring, summer, and autumn, with summer the standout season, throwing long right-hand walls once the swell fills in.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind from the west-northwest (WNW), with a workable wind window running from west-southwest to north (WSW-N). The wave can work through most of the tide, though a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
Ma'alaea suits a wide range of surfers, from beginner and intermediate through to expert, and it takes everything from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, bodyboards, and even kiteboards. The lineup tends to stay fairly quiet with a somewhat reserved atmosphere. Because the rights run long, plan for a long paddle back out to the peak.
Access
Getting in is easy, with the break sitting right on the east side of Ma'alaea Harbor.
