Surfing at Mākaha
Curated by Mākaha Beach Cabanas

Unforgettable
Experiences

From helicopter tours over the Waianae Coast to swimming with dolphins at sunrise — we'll help you create memories that last a lifetime.

See the Waianae Coast from above

West Side Helicopter Tours

From $250/person

Soar over the dramatic Waianae Mountains, hidden valleys, and pristine coastline on an unforgettable helicopter tour departing from nearby Kalaeloa Airport. See sacred Ka'ena Point, the remote beaches north of Mākaha, and the stunning contrast of emerald mountains meeting turquoise ocean — all from a perspective few ever experience. Doors-off options are available for photographers seeking the ultimate aerial shots.

Departs from Kalaeloa Airport — 20 min from Mākaha
45–75 minute tours available, including full circle-island
Doors-off options for photographers
Fly over Ka'ena Point, Yokohama Bay, and the Waianae Range
Some tours include Pearl Harbor and the North Shore
West Side Helicopter Tours
Swim with spinner dolphins in their natural habitat

Dolphin & Snorkel Excursions

From $149/person

The waters off the Waianae Coast are home to resident pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins — often 50 to 200 at a time. Depart from Waianae Boat Harbor, just 5 minutes from Mākaha Beach Cabanas, and cruise along the coast to find these playful creatures. Many tours also include snorkeling at pristine reef sites with sea turtles and tropical fish. Morning tours offer the best sightings when dolphins return from their nighttime feeding grounds.

Waianae Boat Harbor — 5 min drive from your door
Morning tours offer the best dolphin sightings
Snorkel gear and lunch typically included
Small group sizes for an intimate experience
Dolphin sightings guaranteed or return trip voucher
Dolphin & Snorkel Excursions
Humpback whales breach just offshore — December through April

Whale Watching

From $99/person

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed and calve. The West Side is one of the best spots on O'ahu to see them — you can often spot breaches right from your balcony at Mākaha Beach Cabanas. For an up-close encounter, join a dedicated whale watching charter from Waianae Harbor. Expert naturalists guide you through the experience as these magnificent 40-ton creatures breach, tail-slap, and spy-hop just yards from the boat.

Season: December through April
Visible from the beach and your balcony
Charter boats depart from Waianae Harbor — 5 min away
Breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping commonly observed
Led by marine biologists and expert naturalists
Whale Watching
Sail the Waianae Coast at golden hour

Sunset & Wildlife Sailing

From $149/person

There's nothing quite like watching the sun sink into the Pacific from the deck of a catamaran. Sunset sailing charters depart from Waianae Harbor and cruise along the dramatic West Side coastline as the sky transforms through every shade of gold, coral, and violet. Many tours combine sunset sailing with wildlife viewing — spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and in season, humpback whales. BYOB options available for the ultimate celebration.

2–3 hour sunset cruises from Waianae Harbor
Luxury catamaran with shaded seating
BYOB and catered options available
Combine with dolphin watching and snorkeling
Perfect for celebrations and special occasions
Sunset & Wildlife Sailing
World-class waves for every skill level

Surf Lessons & Ocean Adventures

Mākaha Beach is legendary in the surfing world — home to some of the biggest rideable waves on O'ahu and the site of the historic Mākaha International Surfing Championship. But don't worry if you're a beginner — the summer months bring gentle, rolling waves perfect for learning. Local surf instructors offer private lessons right on the beach, steps from your door. Stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and outrigger canoe surfing are also available.

Beginner-friendly waves in summer (May–September)
Big wave season in winter (October–April)
Private surf lessons available on the beach
Stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and canoe surfing
Surfboards and beach gear provided at the condo
Surf Lessons & Ocean Adventures
Farm-to-table cuisine in your own oceanfront kitchen

Private Chef & Dining Experiences

From $150/person

Elevate your stay with a private chef experience. Local chefs will prepare a multi-course meal in your fully-equipped kitchen using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients — from just-caught ahi tuna to organic produce from Waianae farms. Enjoy dinner on your lanai as the sun sets over the Pacific. We can also arrange catering for special celebrations, romantic dinners, or group gatherings.

Private chef for intimate dinners or celebrations
Fresh local ingredients — ahi, mahi, island produce
Served in your kitchen or on your private lanai
Dietary accommodations available
Wine and cocktail pairing options
Private Chef & Dining Experiences
Capture your Mākaha memories with a professional photographer

Sunset & Lifestyle Photography

The West Side's legendary light makes for incredible photography. We can arrange a professional photographer for sunset beach sessions, family portraits, proposals, or content creation. Imagine golden-hour photos on an empty beach with the Waianae Mountains as your backdrop — images you'll treasure forever. Our recommended photographers know every secret spot along the coast.

Golden hour sessions on Paponeone Beach
Family, couple, and solo portrait packages
Proposal and celebration photography
Content creation for social media
Digital delivery within 48 hours
Sunset & Lifestyle Photography
Your Personal Concierge

We'll Arrange Everything for You

Just tell us what interests you when you book, and we'll handle all the reservations, logistics, and recommendations. We know the best operators, the best times, and the best-kept secrets on the West Side.

Ready for Adventure?

Book Your Stay & Experiences

We can arrange any of these experiences for you before or during your stay. Choose your residence and let us know what adventures you'd like to add.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]