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Beach · Haleiwa, Hawaii
Banzai Pipeline
The surf’s most famous barrel wave, which breaks over a shallow reef in front of the ʻEhukai beach park on the North Shore. In winter it attracts professional surfers and contests; spectators watch closely from the sand.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Banzai Pipeline
The Banzai Pipeline, or simply Pipeline, is a wave that breaks in front of the ʻEhukai beach park in Pūpūkea on Oahu’s North Shore. The bottom is a flat, shallow reef with caves and lava points that makes the wave rise suddenly and form a perfect barrel, breaking just a few meters from the sand.
The name appeared in 1961 during the filming of a surf documentary: one of the surfers suggested “Pipeline” because of a pipe that was being installed on the nearby road. “Banzai” comes from the name of the beach in front. With larger swells, other more offshore reefs begin to work.
The wave season usually runs from November to March, and in December international surf competitions are generally held. On big-swell days the beach fills with people coming to watch. The wave is reserved for very experienced surfers, because the reef lies shallow under the break.
In summer the same beach can be calm and good for swimming, but currents still require caution.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to watch the surfing from the sand.
Best time
From November to March, on days with north swell, in the morning before the wind changes. Competitions are usually scheduled in December and January depending on the waves.
How to get there
By Kamehameha Highway (83), about 12 km from Haleiwa. The ʻEhukai park parking lot is small; many visitors stop along the road and walk down to the sand.
Tip
To watch the surfing, stay on the sand in front of the reef at the lifeguard zone. Do not enter the water on big-wave days.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Banzai Pipeline
Where is the Banzai Pipeline?
In front of the ʻEhukai beach park in Pūpūkea on Oahu’s North Shore, about 12 km from Haleiwa.
When should you watch surfing at Pipeline?
From November to March, when the north swells arrive. Competitions are usually scheduled for December and January.
Can beginners surf the Pipeline?
No. The wave breaks over a shallow reef and is reserved for very experienced surfers.