Each winter, Oahu’s rugged North Shore serves up some of the largest and imposing ocean waves on the planet. Giant, storm-generated swells make their long trek across the northern Pacific to batter reef breaks and the area’s shoreline.
Triple Crown
World-renowned surf contests are held here from early November to late December. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which includes the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Ali’i Beach Park in Haleiwa; the O’Neill World Cup at Sunset Beach; and the Billabong Pipeline Masters at Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), brings together the world’s best professional surfers. The Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, held at Waimea Bay, also takes place each winter.
Although winter on the North Shore may not be the best time and place to learn how to surf, the summer months provide safer, saner conditions.