The Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore

Three famous words: The Banzai Pipeline. To expert surfers worldwide, it's more commonly known as the "Pipeline," a surf reef break producing massive waves that curl high and wide, breaking just above the reef and creating a perfectly hollow, cylinder-shaped funnel that stretches out for a long, skillful run called tube riding. This is the dream wave pro surfers seek and Oahu's spectacular North Shore is where to find it.

The Banzai Pipeline is situated off Ehukai Beach in Pupukea on a beautiful seven-mile stretch of beach on the North Shore - the same shoreline that's home to Waimea Bay, the legendary waters that spawned the era of big wave surfing decades ago. During the months of November and December, this is the place where the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing competitions are held. These championships are the Super Bowl of surfing that attracts people world wide who come to see the best of the best ride the biggest waves the mighty Pacific can conjure up.

Big wave surfing is an extreme sport that is both daring and dangerous and those who have a passion for it know that even the most experienced surfer can be pummeled by cresting waves on the North Shore. From November to February, the waves can reach 20 to 30-feet face heights, so it's important to adhere to warnings posted at the North Shore beaches. Leave the winter waves to the pros who have the skill to take the ride and wait for the summer months if you're not an expert surfer.

During the summer, the waters are calmer, the waves are smaller and the white, pristine beaches will welcome you to sit back, sunbathe, swim and surf. This is the time to enjoy the gentle side of Waimea Bay and the incredible North Shore.