Dawn patrol surfing in Pupukea

Sunset Beach on Oahu's famed North Shore is a legendary big-wave arena featuring multiple peaks that handle long-period northwest swells. Waves range from head high to thirty feet, with heavy lips, moving water, and a powerful rip current that sweeps surfers down the beach. Only experienced surfers should attempt it in the winter, while summer offers small longboard sessions on the inside.

Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big-wave surfing, where deep-water northwest swells explode over a lava shelf to produce massive, powerful walls. When the Eddie Aikau Invitational runs, waves can exceed 20 feet and only elite surfers paddle out; at smaller sizes the shorebreak is steep and unforgiving. The bay's dramatic cliffs and emerald water make it a breathtaking place to watch nature's power.