Surf Forecast  Peahi (Jaws)

Peahi (Jaws) surfspot characteristics

More about Peahi (Jaws) surfspot

General: Where the Hana Highway bends away from the ragged sea cliffs of Maui's north central coast, and begins winding south and east through patches of sugar cane fields on its way to Hana, sleeps the surf spot that needs no introduction. First surfed by tow-in pioneers Laird Hamilton, Buzzy Kerbox and Darrick Doerner, Pe'ahi, or Jaws, has become a tow and paddle mecca for big wave surfers the world over. A deep-water wave, Jaws only breaks in the biggest winter swells. If you're a visiting surfer in Maui when such a swell hits, it's worth the trip out to bluffs overlooking Pe'ahi for one heck of a show. Tides: All tides Size: 4X overhead and larger Wind: Calm or offshore from the ESE clocking S to SW during passing fronts. Swell: NW to N Bottom: Reef Paddling: Long paddle if not picked up by a jet ski or boat. Paddling into these waves is challenging, especially if the trades are breezy. Spot Rating: One of the best big-wave spots in the world.

Expert big-wave surfers only, even they need to exercise extreme caution.

Not hard to find. 1.5 miles east of Maliko Bay on the Hana Hwy, make a left after Pilialoha Street. The road is dirt, so depending on conditions, a 4X4 may be required.

Winter

Crowd Factor: The big-wave crowd at Jaws is increasingly getting heavy. Local Vibe: Survival mode and looking after each other. Humility and respect a must.

Pristine.

The wave itself, extreme current.