Aloha to all surf enthusiasts!
Hawaii, as you well know, is home to some of the world’s most legendary big wave surfing spots. These 5 epic locations will leave you in awe of the ocean’s raw power and the incredible skill of big wave surfers.
Waimea Bay: The birthplace of big wave surfing
Nestled on Oahu’s North Shore, Waimea Bay is one of the most legendary big wave spots on the planet.
Everything comes alive during winter months (October to March), when massive Pacific swells create waves that can tower over 20+ feet high. And Waimea isn’t just big — it’s steep and fast, making it a harrowing test of skill for even the most experienced surfers.
Waimea Bay hosts the prestigious Eddie Aikau Invitational, a big wave surfing event that only runs when waves reach truly epic proportions. It’s a tribute to Eddie Aikau, a respected and legendary Hawaiian lifeguard, waterman, and surfer who patrolled the Waimea Bay decades ago.
Peahi (Jaws): Maui’s monster wave
Right here on the North Shore of our “no ka oi” island of Maui, we have Peahi — also known as “Jaws.”
This surf spot lives up to its nickname, producing waves that can reach a jaw-dropping 60 feet or more in the winter months.
Watching surfers take on these massive waves will give you goosebumps. Many use jet skis just to catch these waves because they move so fast.
If you’re visiting Maui in winter, check out Jaws (from a safe distance, of course) for an unforgettable experience.
Maalaea Bay: The world’s fastest right
Not all big wave spots are about sheer size. Freight Trains in Maalaea Bay on Maui’s south shore is often called “the fastest wave in the world” and “the 8th wonder of the world.”
It’s remarkable surf spot in Maui that only breaks perfectly a few times every decade.
While it might not reach the ridiculous heights of Jaws, Freight Trains’s summer swells (May to September) create lightning-fast barrels that put the world’s most skilled surfers to the test.
“When it does turn on, everything else becomes secondary.”
Himalayas: Oahu’s hidden giant
Back on Oahu’s North Shore, just west of Waimea Bay, lies Himalayas — a big wave spot that might fly under the radar but packs serious mana (power). This hidden gem breaks far offshore in the winter, dishing up massive waves that can tower up to 25 feet or higher. Your heart will race just watching them!
Himalayas is a favorite among the elite local surfers looking for the ultimate challenge without the big crowds. If you’re visiting Oahu in winter, grab a spot on the beach with some binoculars and watch as these epic watermen and waterwomen take on these magnificent monsters.
Just remember – this one’s best left to the pros.
Castles: A central part of Hawaii’s surfing history
Yes — you can surf a canoe at Castles, too!
For a change of pace, let’s now head to Oahu’s South Shore near the famous beaches of Waikiki for the surf spot known as Castles.
On a big day in the summer months, Castles can produce waves up to 20 feet high, offering long, smooth rides that are perfect for longboarding.
Castles holds a special place in surfing history — it was one of Duke Kahanamoku’s favorite spots. In 1917 a 16-foot finless redwood board, Duke surfed a massive wave for over a mile to Canoes Beach.
This two-and-a-half-minute ride on a reported 30-foot wave forever sealed Duke’s status as the “father of modern surfing.”
Castles is a great place to witness Hawaiian surfing heritage AND big wave action without having to leave Waikiki.
Image credits: delfi de la Rua,
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