Are the waves always big in Hawaii?

Big wave season in Hawaii typically runs from November to March. Low-pressure systems in Asia send groundswells pulsing across the north Pacific to north and west-facing coastlines.



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The coastal sea bed has ridges and valleys, as typical of most areas in Hawaii. The energy along the wave front converges to the shallowest location, where wave height becomes the highest. Wave height can be greatly magnified at the moment of breaking due to the combined effects of shoaling and refraction .

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The large waves, or swells, are typically generated in the southern hemisphere during winter, when large storms brew in the southern Pacific Ocean. The waves can travel thousands of miles, crossing the equator and eventually reaching Maui's southern shore, where it is summer.

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Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal — 80 Feet It's also where the most enormous wave ever surfed was recorded, securing its place in the Guinness World Records. Swells here can tower up to an astonishing 75 feet and more.

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The months between November and February are the best times to see big wave surfing. The massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more—dangerous even for experienced surfers—so always heed warning signs.

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Jaws Pe'ahi Located on the North Shore of Maui, Jaws is the biggest, heaviest, gnarliest wave in Hawaii. Winter storms bring waves as big as 100+ feet, creating insane conditions for the brave souls who paddle out.

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The best no-wave beaches
  • Kailua Beach, Oahu. Located in the small town of Kailua on Oahu, this beach park nearly always has extremely calm waters, which are a stunning shade of light blue like its sister beach, Lanikai. ...
  • Ko Olina Beach Park, Oahu. ...
  • Little Beach, Maui. ...
  • Kahalu'u Beach Park, Big Island.


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Most newcomers to surfing stick to the area adjacent to the Hanalei Pier. As the youngest island in the chain, Hawaii Island has fewer sandy beaches than the others and not as many established surf locations. Kahaluu Beach Park south of Kona is one of the most popular spots for surf schools and beginners on the island.

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Surfing is just one of many bloodlines that ties the Hawaiian islands together. But the heart of Hawaiian surfing can only reside on one island, and that's the king of sand and surf itself: Oahu. Offering spectacular waves off nearly every shore, Oahu delivers gentle swells, monster waves, and everything in between.

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Big wave season in Hawai?i happens roughly between November and February on Hawai?i's north shores. You can watch surfers on every island, but some of the best surfing competitions in the world are held on O?ahu's North Shore in November and December, including the biggest them of all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

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The 4 Best Hawaii Surf Spots for Beginners
  • Hanalei Beach Park, Kauai. Lynn Alapa of Hawaiian Surfing Adventures calls Hanalei Bay tops for surfing lessons on Kauai at any time of year. ...
  • Kahaluu Beach Park, Hawaii Island. ...
  • Ukumehame Beach Park, Maui. ...
  • Waikiki Beach, Oahu.


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Mavericks Beach, California Mavericks Beach in Half Moon Bay, California is renowned for its powerful waves and is considered to have some of the largest surfable waves in the United States.

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The largest waves occur where there are big expanses of open water that wind can affect. Places famous for big waves include Waimea Bay in Hawaii, Jaws in Maui, Mavericks in California, Mullaghmore Head in Ireland, and Teahupoo in Tahiti.

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