Where are the big waves in Oahu?

Asked by: Mike Gillette

Pipeline, Waimea Bay & Sharks Cove, all found on the North Shore, are home to some of the largest waves you can see on the island of Oahu or even in the entire state of Hawaii. Most big waves average about 6-12 feet, with the really big waves reaching 30-50 feet.

Where is the best place to see big waves Oahu?

Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers. The months between November and February are the best times to see big wave surfing.

Where are the giant waves in Hawaii?

Oahu’s best surf beaches are some of the most well known beaches in Hawaii. Famous because of their surf breaks but just as well known for their immense beauty, Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are the places for big waves.

Where are there waves on Oahu?

North Shore Oahu Surfing Locations

• Sunset Beach. During the winter months, big-wave surfers are drawn to Sunset Beach to ride some of the most impressive waves in the Islands. …
• Waimea Bay. …
• Ehukai Beach. …
• Haleiwa’s Ali’i Beach. …
• Banzai Pipeline (Pipe) …
• Waikiki Beach & Diamond Head Beach. …
• Makapu’u Beach. …
• Sandy Beach.

Why does the North Shore Oahu have big waves?

Winter’s huge surfing waves are generated from winter swells coming from the north, which kick up as they sweep powerfully over the layers of reef. Because the reefs there are cavernous, as the swell hits them, air bubbles are sent to the top, developing the picture perfect crest that big wave surfers love to ride.

What beach has the biggest waves in Oahu?

Waimea Bay

Pipeline, Waimea Bay & Sharks Cove, all found on the North Shore, are home to some of the largest waves you can see on the island of Oahu or even in the entire state of Hawaii. Most big waves average about 6-12 feet, with the really big waves reaching 30-50 feet.

How big are the waves on North Shore Oahu?

Hundreds make the trek to the Oahu’s North Shore to view the massive waves each year. From November to February, North Shore waves average heights of 16 feet, measured from the top to bottom of a wave’s “face”—the wave’s shore-facing side. For about 20 days during this peak season, waves swell to 36 to 50 feet in size.

Where is the Jaws wave located?

island of Maui

Peʻahi (/peɪˈɑːhiː/ pay-AH-hee; Hawaiian: [peˈʔɐhi]) is a place on the north shore of the island of Maui in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It has lent its name to a big wave surfing break, also known as Jaws.

Which beach has the biggest waves in Hawaii?

Jaws, Maui

Jaws (Pe’ahi in Hawaiian) is the biggest and baddest surf spot in all of Hawaii. With waves that are rumored to reach 120 feet, the reef break was largely inaccessible to surfers before the advent of tow-in surfing, led by Laird Hamilton.

What time of year are the big waves in Hawaii?

winter

Generally running from late October through mid-March, the big waves season on Oahu’s North Shore, about an hour’s drive from Waikiki in light traffic, occurs annually thanks to major winter storms in the Northwest Pacific, forming frequently off the coast of Japan or Kamchatka.

How big are the waves at North Shore today?

Current Surf Report for North Shore Beach Current Conditions

What is the biggest wave in Hawaii?

“On January 28, 1998, Ken rode the biggest wave ever ridden in history, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii at an outer reef known as Outside Log Cabins. This wave was considered to be in excess of 85 feet.

Why is North Shore so good for surfing?

Favorable winter winds from the north churn the ocean and birth ocean swells. The curve of the shoreline shapes the incoming water. Add to that the depth and temperature of the water — and the position of reefs and underwater rock formations — which allow majestic waves to climb and break at breathtaking heights.

Where is backdoor surf spot on Oahu?

Banzai Ehukai Beach Park

Backdoor is located at Banzai Ehukai Beach Park, directly opposite Sunset Elementary School.

Can a beginner surf North Shore Oahu?

Where can I surf in Oahu for beginners? The North Shore can be a tricky spot for surfing newbies if you don’t know where to go. Chun’s Reef is a popular spot for surfing lessons for kids and beginners. Otherwise, your best bet is to stick near Waikiki Beach.

Where can I surf when my North Shore is too big?

Puaena Point. East of Haleiwa across the channel. South shore always has waves so definitely an option.

Can you surf the east side of Oahu?

Makapuu. Makapuu is another fairly consistent spot for East Side waves on Oahu, and is also a breathtaking beach. Cliffs and rocks surround this mystifying margin, which require you to climb down in order to reach your destination. This is a shorebreak, which means it attracts a large bodyboarding/bodysurfing crowd.

Where is the best surfing in Hawaii for beginners?

Hawaii’s Ten Best Beginner Surf Spots

• ‘Thousand Peaks’ Location: Ukumehame (Maui, SouthWest) …
• ‘Pops’ (aka ‘Populars’) Location: Waikiki (O’ahu, South Shore) …
• ‘Breakwall’ Location: Lahaina (Maui, West) …
• ‘The Cove’ Location: Kihei (Maui, South) …
• ‘Pu’ena Point’ Location: Hale’iwa (Oahu, North Shore) …
• ‘Lemon Drops’ …
• ‘Castles’

Where can I shortboard Oahu?

OAHU SURF SPOTS

• HALE’IWA, OAHU (ALI’I BEACH PARK): Reef break. …
• PUA’ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. …
• LANIAKEA (LANI’S): Reef break. …
• CHUNS: Reef break. …
• WAIMEA BAY: Deepwater big wave spot. …
• OFF-THE-WALL: Patches of sand and reef. …
• BACKDOOR: Shallow, craggy, dangerous reef.

Where is best surfing in Honolulu?

The Best Surf Spots in Honolulu, Hawaii

• Sunset Beach. Natural Feature. View. …
• Banzai Pipeline. Natural Feature. View. …
• Sandy Beach. Natural Feature. View. …
• Kewalos. Natural Feature. View. …
• Queens Beach. Natural Feature. View. …
• Tonggs Beach. Natural Feature. View. …
• Waimea Bay. Natural Feature. View. …
• Makaha Beach Park. Natural Feature. View.

Where do professional surfers surf in Hawaii?

Oahu is famous for its insane North Shore beaches and rollers. It’s the absolute home base for surfing, offering gorgeous views and lethal waves. The Volcom Pipe Pro surfing event takes place annually along this impressive stretch of beaches. Oahu also gives us surfing superstars, like Eddie Aikau and Ha’a Keaulana.