By Sarah Burchard
Photo by Christian Mueller (Shutterstock).
Each winter, Oʻahu’s North Shore brings massive swells that draw the greatest big-wave surfers from around the world. From the legendary breaks of Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach to the world-famous Banzai Pipeline, this stretch of coastline becomes a proving ground where waves can tower over 30 feet. Whether you’re catching the action from the sand or exploring the surf scene between Haleʻiwa and Pupukea, witnessing big-wave season on Oʻahu is a quintessential Hawaiʻi experience.
Seven miles of some of the world’s best surf breaks exist here, including some of the North Shore’s biggest waves. According to Surfline, Paumalū is “a waterman’s wave.” One that forces surfers to change their usual approach in order to “suit the reef’s wide variability and moody nature.”
November 19-26 — 2025 WSL Sunset Pro Surf Competition
The World Surf League (WSL) brings the world’s best professional surfers to Paumalū (Sunset Beach) for this annual competitive surfing event. Take a spot on the sand to witness elite surfers compete on one of the sport’s most dynamic playing fields and watch the crowning of the WSL’s 2025 world champion.
Hale‘iwa Ali‘i Beach Park, located on the north edge of Hale‘iwa, offers attendees quick and easy access to great eateries, snack stops, shave ice stands and retail shops. According to Surfline, “the larger the surf gets, the more ferocious Haleʻiwa becomes, delivering a workout capable of kicking the crap out of anyone, no matter how accomplished.”
November 29-December 7 — WSL Hale‘iwa Pro Surf Competition
The World Surf League’s (WSL) second biggest contest, after Vans Pipe Masters at Banzai Pipeline, is the Hale‘iwa Pro with the world’s best surfers taking on the waves of Hale‘iwa’s Ali‘i Beach Park.
Banzai Pipeline, or Pipeline for short, is one of Hawaiʻis most famous surf breaks. In the winter it receives massive swells, which break on shallow reefs, creating its namesake barrels. The waves break close to shore, which makes it easy to watch surfers, but can also be dangerous as waves have been known to sweep spectators off the shore. There’s limited parking at ʻEhukai Beach Park, so you will most likely need to catch a rideshare in or walk a fair distance to come watch the show.
December 8–20 –– Vans Pipe Masters at Banzai Pipeline
The World Surf League (WSL) 2026 Championship Tour marks the 50th anniversary of professional surfing. The tour will feature 12 events, including nine regular season stops and two postseason events spanning nine months across nine countries ending with the season finale Pipe Masters at Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore — one of the most prestigious events in surfing. Find a safe spot on the shoreline and watch some of the world’s most skilled surfers take on one of the planet's most powerful and dangerous waves at this professional surfing event showcasing breathtaking rides and pushing the boundaries of the sport.
TBA — Da Hui Backdoor Shootout
One of the North Shore’s most popular beaches for swimming and sunbathing, Waimea Bay turns into one of the North Shore’s big-wave destinations in the winter. Come early to grab a spot on the beach, or along Kamehameha Highway, to watch surfers attempt these treacherous waves.
December-March (Holding Period) — The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
The Eddie Big Wave Invitational – often referred to as “The Eddie” celebrates the current lineage of big wave surfers, as well as the ones that came before. “The Eddie” competition requires consistent 40-foot or higher surf during the winter holding period and is invite-only for competitive surfers. The legend of Eddie Aikau is an important part of Hawaiian Culture. Eddie Aikau was a championship athlete, a waterman and a family man who truly cared for others. He was the first lifeguard of North Shore at Waimea Bay and saved over 500 people throughout his career. This event keeps his legacy alive.
See all
Join our newsletter for travel inspiration, insider tips and the latest island stories.
By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from Hawaii.com. You can unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.
