9 Beautiful Beaches To Watch Hawaii's Massive Winter Waves

With approximately 750 miles of coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible beaches but not all beaches are created equal, especially when it comes to catching some massive waves! Whether you are an advanced surfer or prefer to simply lie on the beach and admire the view, there is no way to deny the beauty that is the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing into the shore during the winter months. If you want to check out the waves for yourself, these 9 spots are phenomenal. 

AJ Feducia/Flickr

The Banzai Pipeline, or Pipe for short, is one of the most famous surfing spots in the world, and with swells reaching up to 30 feet, almost everyone in Hawaii is obsessed with the impressive surf break. Known for gigantic waves that break in shallow water just above a sharp, cavernous reef, forming large, hollow curls of water perfect for surfers to tube ride, the name combines the name of the surf break (Pipeline), and the beach that fronts the area (Banzai Beach).

Gary Eyring/Flickr

Serving as the gateway to the infamous Na Pali Coast, Haena Beach is one of Kauai’s most picturesque. A protected offshore reef makes this an idyllic spot for snorkeling and swimming during the summer, but when winter comes, the large waves can cause dangerous shore breaks and strong currents. Guests can watch from shore as experienced surfers ride these awe-inspiring waves.

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Intiaz Rahim/Flickr

Boasting some of the best waves along the Maui Coast, especially during the winter, Ho’okipa is a mecca for water sports — including wakeboarding and surfing. Luckily, if you’re not so adventurous, there is plenty of sand to simply lay out and enjoy the views.

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Al Case/Flickr

The famous Waimea Bay may be a popular spot for boogie boarding and cliff jumping in the summer, but it becomes a haven for surfers of all skill levels during the winter months. With some of the world’s most impressive surf, waves can reach heights of up to thirty feet in the winter months.

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throgers/Flickr

Nestled on the northern shore of Kauai, this near-perfect semi-circle of white sand is two miles long and 125 feet wide. From surfing and bodyboarding in the winter months when waves can reach up to 60 feet in height to swimming and snorkeling in the summer, the bay is perfect for water sports of all kinds.

Jon Holt/Flickr

Unlike the other Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island has more consistent wave action year-round, but one of the best places to check out the winter waves is Makalawena. The remote beach is hard to reach, but this scenic and secluded stretch of fine, white sand is so perfect, you may never want to leave — and we certainly wouldn't blame you.

BirdsEyePix/Flickr

Located north of Kapalua on Maui’s wild and rugged northwestern coast is a bay so breathtaking, it’s impossible to tear your gaze away. In addition to out of this world snorkeling and kayaking opportunities, Honolua Bay is home to a world-renowned surf break. In fact, Honolua Bay hosts the annual Billabong Pro Women’s Surf Competition each December.

Bevis Chin/Flickr

With gnarly waves in the winter months and calmer surf in the summer, Sunset Beach is located on Oahu’s north shore and is aptly named - the sunsets from this popular beach are second to none.

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jcsullivan24/Flickr

This 150-foot-long stretch of sand on Kauai’s Coconut Coast features strong currents and massive waves in the winter months. There is no reef to protect the coast from high swells, and the beach’s long sandbar creates waves that attract surfers and bodyboarders alike. A modest memorial honors three-time surfing world champion and Hawaiian legend Andy Irons, who died at the age of 32 in 2010.

So, tell us: do you prefer to sit back and relax as you watch the waves crash against the shore or are you one of the brave individuals who takes to the water with your surfboard? Which of Hawaii’s beaches is your favorite for winter wave watching? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!