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.

On Oahu's legendary North Shore, Waimea Bay is world-renowned for having the "biggest" and most powerful waves during the winter months (November to February). When a massive northwest swell hits, the waves at Waimea can reach heights of 30 to 50 feet, creating a spectacle that shakes the very ground under spectators' feet. This is the home of the prestigious "The Eddie" surf contest, which only runs when waves consistently reach a minimum of 20 feet (Hawaiian scale). While Banzai Pipeline is famous for its perfect "barrels" and Sunset Beach is known for its long, challenging walls, Waimea is the undisputed "heavyweight" for raw, mountain-sized surf. If you visit in 2026 during a big swell, expect massive traffic on the Kamehameha Highway; the best "pro-tip" is to arrive at the beach by 6:00 AM to secure a spot on the sand to witness the world's best big-wave surfers in action.