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Aerial satellite view of Dumps surf break in Southwest Maui, Hawaii, United States
Southwest Maui, Hawaii, United States

Dumps

20.613, -156.438
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against Surfline and WannaSurf
At a glance
  • Dumps is a left over reef, fast hollow left-hand reef point with sectiony barrel sections.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 4-16 ft.
  • Peak May to September, water 23-27°C.
Left · ReefIntermediate → Advanced4–16 ftMay – Sep

A fast left-hand reef point on Maui's remote Makena Coast, Dumps delivers legitimate barrel sections when a solid SSW to SW swell fills in. On moderate to large swells it gets genuinely fast, with hollow sections that demand commitment and early speed. Drop in slow and the middle section will close out on you. Best size runs head-high to triple overhead, working at low to mid tide when the reef's contours focus the wave properly. Offshore winds blow from the NE to SE most days, with due E as ideal straight-offshore, though strong trades can make the lineup unpleasant regardless of wave size. The paddle out is long given the point break geometry, so the longer your rides, the more shoulder burn you accumulate. Bottom: Coral reef. Season: May through September for consistent SSW and SW swells. Consistency: Moderate. Bring a board that can generate speed early and handle a fast, sectiony left. Sharks are a real presence here, not a rumor.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
May – Sep
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Character
Fast hollow left-hand reef point with sectiony barrel sections.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
Low and mid tide
Hazards
ReefEspecially on lower tides. AlsoSharks. They're here.
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
23° to 27°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for overhead-plus days
  • Fish or funboard for smaller, slower swells
  • Step-up for triple overhead size
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Weekday lineups are typically light. The remote Makena Coast location filters casual surfers, and the paddle distance and wave character keep genuine kooks out. Local vibe is generally welcoming and mellow unless the surf is legitimately firing, at which point the lineup tightens. Respect the rotation and the fact that people drove out here specifically for this wave.

Access & Facilities

Dumps sits just off Makena Road with a large parking lot making access straightforward. The paddle out is longer than average because of the point break layout. Reef hazards are real, especially on lower tides, so booties are worth considering. Sharks are an active presence along this stretch of coast.

Nearby Alternatives

If Dumps is maxed out or the swell angle is off, the broader Makena area has other reef options worth checking before committing to the long paddle. South Maui's more exposed coastline means nearby alternatives can vary significantly in size and quality depending on swell direction.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Dumps surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Dumps

What skill level is Dumps suited for?
Dumps is a reef bottom, fast hollow left-hand reef point with sectiony barrel sections, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does Dumps work best at?
Working size is 4 to 16 ft. Below 4 ft the swell goes flat. Above 16 ft it gets heavy and the lineup thins out.
When is the best season to surf Dumps?
Dumps fires from May through September. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Dumps need?
Dumps switches on with swells out of the SSW to W (202 to 270 degrees).
What are the main hazards at Dumps?
Main hazards at Dumps: Reef, especially on lower tides. Also, sharks. They're here. . Reef booties are common kit.
What type of wave is Dumps?
Dumps is a left-breaking wave over reef. Fast hollow left-hand reef point with sectiony barrel sections.

Sources

  • Surfline
  • WannaSurf
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