Makapu’u Beach – The Body Boarding Beach
The waves here a so outstanding for body boarding that in the mid-thirties when the roads were completed to connect Waimanalo and Sandy Beach there was instantly a constant stream of wave riders that made their way to the shores of Makapu’u and it immediately became the body boarding capitol of the island. Body boarding competitions began happening here and the very first body surfing contest was sponsored here by the Waikiki Surf Club in August of 1953. The body boarding is considered so good at Makapu’u that the actual sport of surfing on regular surf boards has been outlawed here because of the dangers they pose to the body boarders. In a recent discussion with a lifeguard on Sandy Beach he informed me that they essentially allow surfers to use the beach until they arrive on their shift in the morning when the beach then becomes a body surfing and body boarding beach only.
Makapu’u Beach is often affected by strong waves and currents
Though body boarding is great fun here the tremendous power of the shore break on the sand here should be a warning for those who are not well versed in this sport. Many incidents and rescues happen here every year and it would be wise to discuss the conditions with the lifeguard on duty before venturing in the water. The beach is often effected by the strong waves and currents here primarily in the winter times. The healthy width of white sand which is found here in the summer months is generally eroded during the winter and the pounding surf found here then will often expose large rocks and a dangerous sea bottom.
Bathroom Facilities at Makapu’u Beach
During busy times of the year in the summer months and on special holidays Makapu’u Beach can become very busy and the limited parking can pose a problem for beach goers. Arriving early in the day is your best bet and an additional bonus of being at Makapu’u in the morning is that you won’t be covered by shade in the afternoon which comes early because of the sun’s disappearance behind the cliffs which form the backdrop of this beautiful location. Makapu’u Beach Park has bathroom facilities and showers and of course lifeguards.
Ocean Caution
Please be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be potentially dangerous including this location. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering the water and of course, never turn your back on the ocean when you are on the shoreline. It should also be noted that all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water.