Maeda Point (Onna Coast)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Maeda Point (Onna Coast) is an exposed reef break known for consistency, with surf that often feels more about “rideable reliability” than standout wave size or every-day quality. The break is centered on reef topography and is strongly affected by tide height—high tide is generally favored, while low tide exposes shallow coral that significantly increases risk. During the winter swell season, the spot’s best window is tied to North to Northwest swell directions. Sources describe the right-hand as typically offering a longer, more peeling wall, while the left-hand is usually shorter and faster. Wave quality is commonly described as average-to-good, with the overall character tending toward peeling reef waves. Wind direction matters for how clean the waves look: South winds are described as offshore and can groom the break, while North winds are onshore and can make conditions messy. On large North swells, the wave can become heavy and very hollow, which may push the spot toward more experienced handling. Safety is a major theme here. The reef and coral are sharp, and strong currents can occur—especially around the point and during outgoing tides. The Blue Cave area draws many snorkelers and divers, so surfers must stay clear of designated snorkeling/diving zones and respect closures (including stairs to the water) when weather or sea conditions are unsafe. Lifeguards are described as seasonal and rescue availability as limited, so checking sea state and tide before entry is essential.

  • Exposed reef break with consistent surf
  • Best surf tends to be with North/Northwest swell, especially in winter
  • High tide is preferred; low tide increases reef/shallow danger
  • South winds can be offshore and help keep conditions cleaner
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Exposed reef break with consistent surf
  • Works best on North swells, especially during winter
  • Offshore South winds can clean up conditions
  • Good on-site facilities and parking/locker options at the Cape Maeda management area
Heads up
  • Reef hazards and shallow, sharp coral at low tide
  • Heavy snorkeling/diving presence around the Blue Cave area
  • Conditions can become very messy onshore (North winds) and dangerous on large North swells
  • Crowds can build during busy weekend periods in the winter season
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SSE, SW
Offshore directions
S, SSE, SW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Winter wind pattern described as frontal/monsoon-style; southerly winds occur at times and affect cleanliness.
Reliability
Seasonal
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Some protection from North winds is possible from the cliff face, but the spot is generally exposed.

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves, Ocean
Beach
Mixed — Mixed/rocky reef environment; some sources describe rocks.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Also described as generally smaller, but rideable.
Launch
Small — Rocky/reef entry via stairs from the management building area; accessed by a short walk and dirt trail toward the water.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Steps and narrow access route; can become unsafe when the sea is rough or foamy.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–29 °C
Water Temperature
17–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 3mm or 5mm full suit
Crowds by Season

Extremely crowded year-round with divers and snorkelers; surf crowds are highest on weekends during winter swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Typhoon season runs from June to October; rainy season typically in May and June.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with consistent surf. Works best on North/Northwest swells; at low tide the reef becomes very shallow and dangerous.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — Best when the tide is high; low tide increases risk due to shallow reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Generally exposed; some protection from North winds may occur due to the cliff face, but the spot remains mostly exposed.
Wind Effect
South winds are offshore and can provide cleaner, more groomed conditions; North winds are onshore and can make the break messy.
Bigger Swell
Can become very hollow and heavy on large North swells, requiring experienced skills.
Wave Quality
Good — Also described as having average quality, with consistency being the main strength.
Wave Power
Powerful — Front-reef conditions during the winter season can produce powerful waves.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Right-hander typically offers a longer, more peeling wall; left is shorter and faster.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Right-hander: longer, more peeling wall. Left: shorter, faster.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Maeda Point (Onna Coast) in the full forecast view.

Maeda Point (Onna Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–22 ktsGusts 36 kts
Direction
NNE22°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2422 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–2.3 m7s period
Temperature
23–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Maeda Point (Onna Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–22 kts, peaking around 22 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 36 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.5–2.3 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • coral
  • sharks
  • sharp coral
  • strong currents
  • heavy crowds
  • submerged rocks
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited; emergency assistance is provided by the Japan Coast Guard.
Emergency Info
Onna Village Fire Department and the local Coast Guard monitor the area; rescue is usually via the management office. (Regional guidance: call 119 for ambulance services.)
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Observed as mild localism.

Rules of the spot

Visitors are responsible for their own acts and accidents. Surfers must stay clear of designated snorkeling/diving zones near the Blue Cave; surfing is prohibited in the immediate swimming area during peak times.

Restrictions
  • No swimming when the stairs to the water are closed due to severe weather or bad sea conditions.
  • No surfing at low tide due to shallow reef.
  • Designated sport zones must be respected.
  • No surfing in the immediate swimming area during peak times.
Local Tips
  • Always check the tide; the reef is very sharp and shallow at low tide.
  • Check sea conditions before entering the water.
  • Do not enter when the facility closes the stairs to the water due to severe weather or bad sea conditions.
  • Respect local diving operations (the area is primarily used for snorkeling/diving).
  • Surfers must keep away from the snorkeling/diving zones near the Blue Cave.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Onna
Nearest Town
Onna
Parking
There is a parking area at Maeda Point/Cape Maeda management area. One source notes paid parking (~100 yen per hour) and details on on-site amenities. Coin lockers are available at the main/management parking area.
Access
Accessible via Highway 58. Follow signs for Cape Maeda (Maeda-misaki). From the Maeda Point parking area, it is reached by a short walk down a road and a dirt trail with steps.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Japanese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Changing rooms
Fresh water
Picnic area
Restaurant
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various resorts and guest houses in Onna and nearby areas.
Food & Drink
A restaurant and snack bar are located within the Cape Maeda management building.
Equipment Rental:
Surf rentals are described as mostly through mobile schools; other sport equipment can be available on-site for marine activities.
Gear Storage
Coin lockers available at the main/management parking area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Cape Maeda/Onna area is strongly oriented around coastal scenery and marine tourism, particularly around the Blue Cave area.

Best time to visit: Spring (March–April) and Autumn (October–November) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and active conditions.
Manzamo10km

A scenic rock formation and cliff offering panoramic views of the East China Sea.

Cape Manzamoregional

A landmark coastal cliff and viewpoint in the Onna area.

Ryukyu Mura5km

A small theme park recreating a traditional Okinawan village with historical houses and performances.

Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park coastal sceneryregional

The Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park coastal landscape includes several well-known scenic capes and coastal viewpoints in the Onna area.

Blue Cave1km

A famous sea cave known for its glowing blue water, popular for snorkeling and diving.

Scuba Diving at Cape Maeda0km

The region's most famous diving destination with diverse marine life and underwater topography.

Onna no Eki Nakayukui Market4km

A roadside market with local Okinawan street food and produce.

Forest Adventure Onna3km

An outdoor zip-line and treetop obstacle course park.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Maeda Point (Onna Coast)?

The best overall months at Maeda Point (Onna Coast) are November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Maeda Point (Onna Coast)?

Maeda Point (Onna Coast) works with S, SSE, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE, SW.

What skill level is Maeda Point (Onna Coast) suitable for?

Maeda Point (Onna Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.