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Why does Hawaii get such big waves?

Large winter storms moving south of Alaska send waves to Hawaii. These waves travel a shorter distance than from the storms in the southern hemisphere. There are also no islands between Hawaii and these storms, meaning Hawaii gets all the big waves.



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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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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.

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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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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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Home to several Guinness World Records - including the largest wave ever ridden and biggest wave ever surfed by a woman - Nazaré's Praia do Norte is a rare natural phenomenon. Despite being a beach break, it is so powerful and heavy that some call it the surfboard-breaking machine.

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

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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 Home to several Guinness World Records - including the largest wave ever ridden and biggest wave ever surfed by a woman - Nazaré's Praia do Norte is a rare natural phenomenon. Despite being a beach break, it is so powerful and heavy that some call it the surfboard-breaking machine.

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The truth is, Hawaii is consistently ranked as the most expensive state in the United States due to high housing, energy, transportation and food costs. Don't be discouraged—that doesn't mean it's completely out of reach for a buyer looking for their slice of paradise.

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