Where To See Huge Winter Waves in Hawaiʻi

In Hawaiʻi winter brings cooler weather, humpback whales and, of course, massive surf to north-facing shores.

Surfing—or heʻe nalu in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language)—is believed to have originated in ancient Polynesia and brought to the Islands, where it thrived. Once a sport reserved for aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty), commoners were allowed to hit the waves when the Hawaiian kapu (taboo) system ended in 1819. The sport gained popularity in the early 1900s, thanks to Waikīkī beach boys like Olympian Duke Kahanamoku, who taught visitors how to ride waves.

Surfers at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/drewhadley

It wasn’t until the 1950s, though, that surfers started riding the winter waves on Oʻahu’s west and north shores.

And they haven’t stopped.

Big-wave season in the Islands runs from November through February, luring surfers and spectators to gawk at the monster waves. Some of the world’s best competitions are held on Oʻahu’s North Shore, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay.

Here are some of the best places to view Hawaiʻi’s famously big winter waves. (Just remember: Leave the surfing to the pros.)

Peʻahi (aka Jaws), Maui

Known as Jaws, Peʻahi is the biggest wave on Maui—and one of the biggest in the world. It doesn’t always break in a way that’s rideable, but conditions line up, this massive, gnarly wave is something to behold. Big-wave surfers flock to this spot on Maui’s north shore—on Hāna Highway between mile markers 13 and 14—to ride what some consider the the biggest and heaviest wave in Hawaiʻi. (These waves can be in excess of 50 feet.) You can watch from the cliffs above the break, or catch the televised Peʻahi Challenge, one of the stops on the WSL’s Big Wave Tour.

Waimea Bay, Oʻahu

If you’ve ever visited Waimea Bay in the summertime, it might be hard to believe this idyllic spot, with calm waters great for swimming and snorkeling, turns into one of the island’s most revered big-wave breaks. The bay, the site of the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, is famous for its massive waves, reaching heights of 30 feet and taller. Spectators crowd the beach fronting the bay or line up along Kamehameha Highway to watch surfers ride massive swells. You have to get there early—before sunup—to nab a good spot on the beach, especially on contest days.

Banzai Pipeline and Backdoor, Oʻahu

Easily one of the most famous spots on Oʻahu’s North Shore is Banzai Pipeline—or Pipeline or Pipe for short. During the winter months, massive swells break on the shallow reefs here, making these barrels hollow and treacherous. Since the waves break so close to shore, this makes it an ideal spot for spectators—no binoculars needed—but there’s very limited parking at ʻEhukai Beach Park. This area actually boasts several other surf breaks, including Backdoor, the site of the annual Da Hui Backdoor Shootout.

Sunset Beach, Oʻahu

Along the 7-mile stretch of some of the world’s best surf breaks on Oʻahu’s North Shore is Sunset Beach, a vast sandy beach that’s great for watching surfers take off at one of the island’s best big-wave spots. Sunset boasts a variety of waves, from deep-water barrels to rippable reef breaks. Sunset breaks even with smaller winter swells, making it a popular spot for all kinds of surfers, from longboarders to foil boarders.

Honolua Bay, Maui

Arguably the best wave on Maui, Honolua Bay on the island’s northwestern coast is known for its hollow, powerful waves and impressively long rides. What makes this spot great for spectators is its location: the bluffs above the bay offer a great vantage point to watch the pros.

Mākaha Beach, Oʻahu

In ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), Mākaha means “fierce, savage or ferocious.” That should tell you what kind of waves to expect here during the winter months. This beach, on Oʻahu’s west side, is where big-wave surfing was pioneered. There’s lots of parking—and restrooms!—with an expansive beach to watch from.

Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi

This stunning bay on Kauaʻi’s north shore turns into an aquatic playground in the winter for surfers. This area is where Andy and Bruce Irons—world champion surfers—learned to catch waves, at a break called Pine Trees. During winter months the bay comes to life, with sizable surf and long rides all visible from shore. About a mile offshore of the bay is King’s Reef, a gnarly wave that only breaks during monster winter swells (about once or twice a year).