Makaafi started playing rugby in England in 2000 when he started playing for Bradford & Bingley RFC.[4] In 2006, he signed for London 2 South club Jersey Reds, becoming the first professional player for Jersey[5] after receiving a work permit from the States of Jersey Customs and Immigration Service.[6] In 2008, Makaafi signed for Hull. In October 2008, he was suspended from playing rugby for 8 weeks by the Yorkshire Rugby Football Union after being sent off for punching.[7] In 2009, Makaafi signed for Wharfedale R.U.F.C.[8] In 2011, he left Wharfedale for Doncaster Knights.[3] In leaving Wharfedale Makaafi recommended that fellow Tongan Talite Vaioleti would replace him at Wharfedale.[9] In 2012, Makaafi moved to fellow RFU Championship team Rotherham Titans for the 2012–13 RFU Championship season as part of a mass exodus of players from Doncaster Knights.[10] During his time at Rotherham Titans, Makaafi played as a guest player at his old club, Bradford & Bingley for a match between a Bradford Salem Select XV and Bradford Grammar School.[11] In 2013, it was announced that Makaafi would return to Jersey for their 2013–14 season.[5]
Following a season at Jersey it was announced that Latu would be returning to Doncaster for the 2014–15 season.[12]
Late in the 2016–2017 season, it was announced by Coventry Rugby that he had signed for them for the 2017–2018 season from Doncaster.[13]
Makaafi has represented Tonga at a number of levels. He has represented the Tonga national under-20 rugby union team.[14][15]