Klausmeyers
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Klausmeyers is an exposed reef break off Oʻahu’s west coast that typically has surf throughout the year, with the best swell arriving in January. The break is known for powerful reef waves that can range from chest-high to overhead when larger swell sets in, with riders needing to manage reef proximity and takeout carefully. Swell direction is a key factor. One source describes the spot as producing a wedgy left-hand reef wave, while another emphasizes primarily right-hand waves—both agree it’s highly dependent on the incoming swell angle and that it can get very hollow and intense on the correct setup. For the most reliable surfing, plan around West to Northwest swells (W/NW), and favor mid to high tide to reduce exposure to the shallowest reef areas. Safety and local conduct are central at this lineup. Hazards include sharp reef/rocks and strong rip currents, and shark risk is specifically mentioned. Local presence is described as moderate to heavy, and multiple notes emphasize giving priority to local residents and following strict surfing etiquette; avoid behaviors that crowd the lineup or reduce everyone’s safety. Facilities and support are limited at the beach itself: lifeguards are described as seasonal and rescue availability is limited. If conditions are large, be prepared for a high-commitment reef environment—keep your exit plan tight and don’t paddle out in a way that makes it harder for others to avoid, assist, or communicate.
- Exposed reef break with powerful, often hollow sections on the right swell.
- Best swell timing is in January; winter brings bigger conditions and more surfers.
- Reef hazards, rips, and shark risk are specifically flagged; localism is heavy.
- Exposed reef break with powerful, high-quality surf on the right West/Northwest swell.
- Typically works year-round, with peak swell in winter.
- Clear water conditions are generally reported.
- Reef break with sharp coral/rocks and submerged hazards.
- Rip currents and strong currents can make entry/exit difficult during larger swell periods.
- Heavy localism; strict etiquette and local priority are emphasized.
- Conditions can become very dangerous in large winter swell.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, ENE
- Offshore directions
- N, NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Generally dominated by steady trade winds; some afternoons can see added sea-breeze effects when gradient winds are weak.
- Reliability
- reliable trade winds for most of the year
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady rather than highly gusty.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February
- Shadow Zones
- Valley ridge can provide some shelter from North winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Can hold chest-high to overhead swells in season.
- Launch
- Medium — Mostly sand-bottom entry near the shoreline; rocky entries in specific spots.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate difficulty due to reef entry/exit.
Through the year
Less crowded in early morning; winter brings bigger waves and more surfers.
Rainy season typically occurs from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with a wedgy, left-hand wave (right-hand wave described as the primary direction by one source). Produces powerful, often hollow sections on the right swell angles and can hold significant size into large winter surf.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works with tide, but best results are often at mid to high tide to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef.
- Shelter
- Exposed — No significant shelter; open, exposed reef conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with light North or Northeast offshore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds chest-high to overhead swells; can become heavy and dangerous with larger winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality reef break; depends on swell direction.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer longer, peeling sections on the right swells; also described as wedgy with substantial size when swell is overhead.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Klausmeyers in the full forecast view.
Klausmeyers wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- ENE59°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.4 m12s period
- Temperature
- 21–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Klausmeyers is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.9–1.4 m with a period of about 12s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- rips
- sharks
- locals
- sharp coral reef
- submerged rocks
- strong currents
- heavy localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are noted.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited at the spot level.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is limited at the spot; nearest emergency services are in Waianae. In an emergency, dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Local presence and heavy localism are repeatedly noted.
Rules of the spot
Be aware of locals; respect local presence and surfing etiquette. Use caution near the reef and avoid situations that reduce your ability to safely exit or get help. Respect the area in front of David Klausmeyer's estate.
- Priority goes to local residents.
- Strict adherence to surfing etiquette is required; priority goes to local residents.
- No motorized craft in the surf zone.
- Watch for rips and strong currents, especially during larger swells.
- Best conditions are on West to Northwest swells; plan around tide to avoid the shallowest reef parts.
- Do not paddle out in large groups; show high respect to local surfers and follow local etiquette.
- Be aware of the shallow reef during low tides.
- Avoid areas in front of the David Klausmeyer estate.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Makaha
- Nearest Town
- Waianae
- Parking
- Parking available near Makaha Beach Park/lifeguard station; limited street parking along the highway—do not block residential access.
- Access
- Access is via Farrington Highway; the break is located in front of a residential area just south of Makaha Beach Park. Near the Makaha lifeguard house on the west coast of Oahu, approximately 13 miles from the end of H1 from Honolulu.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals in Makaha; major hotels are located further south in Ko Olina.
- Food & Drink
- Local eateries and convenience stores are available in the town of Makaha and nearby Waianae.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as available at surf shops in Waianae and Makaha (windsport-specific rental not confirmed).
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops in the Waianae area provide board repairs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged, local coastline with strong surfing heritage and nearby nature/cultural stops.
A remote coastal state park at the westernmost tip of Oʻahu, offering hiking and wildlife viewing.
An ancient Hawaiian temple site dedicated to the protection of seafarers.
A challenging hike to the highest point on Oʻahu with views of the entire leeward coast.
Popular waterfront dining offering local seafood and island-inspired cocktails.
Boat tours departing from Waianae Harbor for dolphin watching and snorkeling.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Klausmeyers?
The best overall months at Klausmeyers are January, February, November, December. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Klausmeyers?
Klausmeyers works with N, NE, ENE winds. Offshore directions are N, NE.
What skill level is Klausmeyers suitable for?
Klausmeyers suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.