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 watch surfers on 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.
Then, What month are the big waves in Hawaii? Winter Season: November through April
Powerful Pacific storms to the north drive huge swells towards the islands, creating the big waves Hawaii is known for. Waves generated from these storms can create dangerous and unpredictable conditions.
How big are the waves on Oahu North Shore? 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. On occasion, our winter waves have topped 100 feet.
FAQ
How big are the waves in North Shore Hawaii right now?
Current Surf Report for North Shore Beach Current Conditions
| High | 5:40AM | 4.62ft |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 12:46PM | 1.77ft |
| High | 6:28PM | 3.25ft |
| Low | 11:43PM | 1.97ft |
How big are the waves at North Shore today? Current Surf Report for North Shore Beach Current Conditions
| Low | 12:37AM | 1.74ft |
|---|---|---|
| High | 7:10AM | 5.12ft |
| Low | 1:52PM | 1.15ft |
| High | 7:46PM | 3.9ft |
How big do waves get on Hawaii’s North Shore? 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. On occasion, our winter waves have topped 100 feet.
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’
Which beach has the biggest 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.
What island in Hawaii has the biggest waves? 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.
Can you surf in Hawaii all year round?
The archipelago is the most isolated landmass on Earth, exposed to a 360-degree swell window, as well as currents and winds from all directions. Therefore, surfing in Hawaii is possible all year round. Winter months are the best time to go surfing on the northern shores of the Hawaiian Islands.
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. That same day he also rode another 20 waves between 40 and 65 feet to make this the largest day ever ridden.
What time of day are waves the biggest?
The best time of day to surf is generally in the early morning (around sunrise) and in the late evening (around sunset) when there is swell in the water.
What does Lotus mean on Surfline?
A spot showing LOTUS has a forecast generated by the model data alone. Where you see text such as “fair to good” these spots have had a human generated forecast, as well as input from the model data.
How big are the waves in Waikiki right now? Current Surf Report for Waikiki Beach Current Conditions
| High | 1:45AM | 2ft |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 8:48AM | 0.26ft |
| High | 1:51PM | 0.85ft |
| Low | 7:09PM | 0.1ft |
How big are the waves in Waikiki? The waves in Waikiki tend to be around 2-4 feet.
The waves are gentle, fun, and provide nice long rides. The sizes usually are in the few foot range and really meant for beginners or someone looking to get out and have some fun.
How high are the waves in Oahu?
Forecast for Oahu
| Tides | |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | High 1.6 feet 12:48 AM HST. |
| Waianae | High 1.5 feet 01:08 AM HST. |
| Haleiwa | High 1.3 feet 11:46 PM HST. |
| Mokuoloe | High 1.8 feet 12:39 AM HST. |
What island is north shore on in Hawaii? The North Shore, in the context of geography of the Island of Oʻahu, refers to the north-facing coastal area of Oʻahu between Kaʻena Point and Kahuku. The largest settlement is Haleʻiwa. This area is best known for its massive waves, attracting surfers from all around the globe.
How big are the waves at Pipeline?
Pipeline has been called one of the world’s deadliest waves. Its average wave is 9 feet (3 m), but it can be as tall as 20 feet. Especially perilous are sections of shallow reef known as « Off the Wall » and « Backdoor ».
What is the biggest wave ever recorded 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. That same day he also rode another 20 waves between 40 and 65 feet to make this the largest day ever ridden.
What beach has the biggest waves in the world?
Nazaré, specifically Praia do Norte or North Beach, is home to the biggest surfable waves on the planet. Ten years ago, it was unknown even in big-wave circles, but that changed when Garrett McNamara, a 52-year-old Hawaiian who is one of the pioneers of the sport, was given a tip-off by local bodyboarders.
Can beginners surf pipeline? Pipeline is not a wave for first-timers, beginners, or intermediate surfers with lack of confidence and average with below average basic skills. You’ll need to master the art of reading waves and perform a solid bottom-turn.
What island has the best surfing in Hawaii?
Oahu is the proverbial heartbeat of surfing in Hawaii. The island’s North Shore is the place to catch the perfect wave, regardless of your skill level. Before you head out, we should note that the winter waves can be massive and are best left to the professional crowd.
Is there sharks in Waikiki Beach? Yes sharks are there, but it is rare and millions of people still enjoy their time in the water.
