Hawaii, USA
North Shore
The mecca of surfing with legendary winter swells.
Reef Break & Beach Break
Best: Nov – Feb
8–25 ft (peak)
About North Shore
The mecca of surfing with legendary winter swells.
Surf Spots
Pipeline
The most famous wave in the world. Heavy, shallow, and unforgiving.
Reef Break
Expert
Sunset Beach
Powerful, shifting peaks with heavy hold-downs.
Reef Break
Advanced
Waimea Bay
Big wave spot that only breaks on massive swells.
Beach Break
Expert
Haleiwa
Fun walls and barrels, more forgiving than other spots.
Reef Break
Intermediate
Seasonal Conditions
Best months (4+ ft swell)
JanFebMarAprJulAugOctNovDec
Jan
8–25 ft
N/NW
Variable
high crowds
24°C water
Peak winter season
Feb
6–20 ft
N/NW
Variable
high crowds
24°C water
Late winter swells
Mar
3–8 ft
N/NW
NE trades
medium crowds
24.5°C water
Transition, smaller swells
Apr
1–4 ft
S/SW
NE trades
low crowds
25°C water
Flat season begins
May
1–3 ft
S/SW
NE trades (E side)
low crowds
25.5°C water
Flat season
Jun
1–3 ft
S/SW
NE trades
low crowds
26°C water
Flat, good for swimming
Jul
1–4 ft
S/SW
NE trades
low crowds
26.5°C water
Flat season
Aug
1–4 ft
S/SW
NE trades
low crowds
27°C water
Flat season
Sep
1–3 ft
S/SW
NE trades
low crowds
27°C water
End of flat season
Oct
2–8 ft
N/NW
Variable
medium crowds
26°C water
Season start, first NW swells
Nov
6–20 ft
N/NW
Variable
high crowds
25°C water
Winter season opens, big swells arrive
Dec
8–25 ft
N/NW
Variable
high crowds
24.5°C water
Peak season — Pipeline Masters