When and Where to See Big Wave Surf Events This Winter
Check out the winter swells and epic surf meets happening through February (if the conditions are right).
Photo: Zak Noyle
W hether you’re a surfer or spectator, ’tis the season for trekking to the North Shore to catch the massive winter swells. The biggest names in surfing are expected for various events, including the Eddie Aikau Big Wave International if conditions at Waimea Bay (pictured) are right.
Winter is big wave season on O‘ahu’s North Shore, drawing top surfers from around the world who compete in a bevy of exciting competitions. If you’re looking to take in some epic sessions, add these meets to your calendar.
Waimea Bay Championship/Queen of the Bay
Dec. 1–Feb. 28
Waimea Bay
Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
Dec. 7–March 6, conditions permitting (waves must be 20 feet high)
Waimea Bay
Vans Pipe Masters
Dec. 8–20
Banzai Pipeline, ‘Ehukai Beach Park
Hale‘iwa International Open
Dec. 22–Jan. 3
Hale‘iwa Beach Park
Da Hui Backdoor Shootout
Jan. 4–16
Banzai Pipeline, ‘Ehukai Beach Park
Sunset Pro-AM
Jan. 18–28
Sunset Beach Park
Pipe Challenger
Jan. 29–Feb. 9
Banzai Pipeline, ‘Ehukai Beach Park
SEE ALSO: Hawai‘i High Schools Finally Add Surfing to Their Lineup of Championship Sports
Brie Thalmann is the home and style editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
