Why are waves so big in Hawaii right now?

During the winter months of October-April, large winter storms moving south of Alaska send waves towards the Hawaiian Islands. Usually the storms are about 2,000 miles away, and the Hawaiian Islands are the first place to receive the brunt of this energy.



People Also Ask

Winter Season: November through April Powerful Pacific storms to the north drive huge swells towards the islands, creating the big waves Hawaii is known for. Waves generated from these storms can create dangerous and unpredictable conditions. North Shores: Consistent huge and dangerous swells.

MORE DETAILS

The Banzai Pipeline (North Shore, Oahu) Pipeline is arguably the world's most famous and heaviest wave.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Koa Rothman Explains How to 'Survive Surfing 50-Foot Waimea Bay' HOW WE SURVIVE SURFING 50FT WAIMEA BAY, BIGGEST SWELL OF THE SEASON!

MORE DETAILS

Pe'ahi (Jaws) Pe?ahi means wave in the Hawaiian language, in the sense of a fanning or beckoning motion of the hand. The name (Pe?ahi) for the break is an English-language word-play on the nearby ancient area name, since the Hawaiian people had several other words, such as nalu, for waves of water.

MORE DETAILS

Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii for the most ideal overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and the fewest visitors on-island is April and May during the spring and September and October during the fall. Some refer to these times as Hawaii's 'off-season period' or 'shoulder months.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

From 1813 to 1974 eighty-five tsunamis have been observed ln the Hawaiian Islands; fifteen of these have resulted in significant damage. A major local event occured in 1975. Since 1975 a number of small tsunamis have been recorded or observed, none of which resulted in loss of life or extensive damage to property.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Surfing is a famous island pastime for Hawaii locals, especially on the island of Oahu. It has been described as an almost spiritual experience, which intrigues many tourists who come from all over to attempt this difficult sport.

MORE DETAILS

It may sound silly since Hawaii is synonymous with warm water surfing but it does get chilly sometimes. You won't need to pack your winter 4/3 full suit by any means but a nice 1 or 2mm wetsuit top will help keep your core warm and allow you to surf longer, especially if the trade winds start to pick up.

MORE DETAILS