About Makai

Makai Ocean Engineering was founded in 1973 as a diversified ocean engineering company providing services in Hawaii and the Pacific. Today, Makai has expanded their services to include an international clientele focusing on engineering for renewable energy (OTEC and SWAC), large ocean pipelines, software for the planning, simulation, installation and recovery of submarine cables and arrays, and software for visualizing scientific 4D/5D data.

Makai takes pride in successfully achieving innovative solutions to difficult problems for a broad base of clientele which has included private, industrial and commercial firms nationally and internationally; federal, state and local governments and Pacific Island Nations. Makai employs people who have the experience, education and attitudes needed for success in the demanding ocean environment. Six registered Professional Engineers (mechanical, structural or civil) are on staff and a majority of Makai employees have post-graduate degrees. Many have significant at-sea experience and are Scuba qualified.

Our office is located on the end of Makai Research Pier at Makapuu Point, Oahu, Hawaii. Multiple facets of Makai's work, from engineering analysis and software development, to in-situ testing are conducted at the pier. Our facilities include:

Windows, Macintosh and UNIX computer facilities for analysis, program development, modeling, and reporting.
Engineering design office with reference library, CAD, testing facilities, design software (SolidWorks, ANSYS, AutoCAD, Orcaflex, WAMIT, FEA, Hydraulic Modeling, Data Acquisition) and fabrication shop.
Advanced high-speed communications and database connections for research.
Access to the PISCES IV and V manned submersibles (capable of 2000 m depth) operated by the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) headquartered at Makai Pier.
Cost-effective availability for surface and underwater testing either in the harbor or offshore, where depths of l,500' are within four miles. 18,000' depths are accessible in a few hours by moderate-sized research ships. Makai Pier can accommodate ships up to 16' draft.