Makaha Beach Park, Waianae

With swells that get as large as 30 feet during the winter months, this beach is a well-known surf spot. Beginning surfers and boogie boarders are discouraged from testing the surf when the waves are high; swimming is unheard-of. Swimmers and boogie boarders should visit during the summer and always be careful of riptides, undertow and unexpected high surf. The area has quite an interesting history. In days gone by, a gang of marauding outlaws hid out in the Makaha valley, wreaking havoc on the unlucky locals and visitors. Of course the outlaws have long since disappeared, but the name, which means "fierce", stuck.