Motu Mahara is a left-hand reef pass by the Sofitel Heiva, and it sees less traffic than the better-known passes around it. The lefts throw up fast walls when summer conditions line up, and everything breaks over live coral.
When It Works
Swell arriving from north through east feeds the pass. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest offshore wind. The pass can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The wave is approachable enough for beginners, though the live coral underneath is worth keeping in mind.
