Oahu Hawaii Surf Trip

Oahu is the third largest island in the Hawaiian Island Chain. It is nicknamed "the gathering place" and definately lives up to it's name. Every winter thousands of surfers from around the world migrate to the North Shore prove themselves in the challenging surf.

The Island of Oahu has four main surfing regions: "The North Shore", The south shore "Town", The east side "Winward" and "The Westside".

The North Shore, aka "The Seven Mile Miracle" is the mecca of the surfing. From Haleiwa to Turtle Bay you'll find more waves than anywhere esle on the planet. From the well known spots like "Wiamea" and "Pipeline" to the lesser known "secret" spots, you can get the waves of your life. The winter months are the prime swell months but there can be the rare summer swell as well. Crowds are heavy during the winter which can make it tough to get waves. Don't be a kook! The locals are tough! Be respectful and you shouldn't have any problems. Many of the traveling ASP World Tour Pro Surfers will sell there surfboards on consignment in the local Haleiwa shops. Therefore, is usually a good selection of used surfboards available. Look for boards from the local shapers. The North Shore waves are unique and the local shapers have the experience to make boards that work well. Plus, it helps with the locals if your riding a local shaper. Remember, The "North Shore" eats surfboards! Avoid driving on Kam highway Friday through Sunday if there is a swell. It's only a two lane and the traffic gets so bad it can take 2 hours to drive from Haleiwa to Sunset. If your there in December be sure to check out the Billabong Pipepline Masters.

The South Shore "Town": From Sandy Beach to the East and Barber's point to the west the south shore has it's fair share of waves. The prime time for the south shore is summer. Exposed to south swells "Town" is dependent on souther hemisphere swells. Beginner waves are available in Waikiki and during a large south swell more challenging wave like "Ala Moana" come to life. Crowds are heavy.

The East Side "Winward": The east side of Oahu is absolutely beautiful, lush and green. The prevailing trade winds are onshore most of the time on the east side. The good thing is that there is usually trade wind swell to surf if the North Shore is flat. Occasionally, the trades winds switch directions and you get "Kona" winds which blow offshore on the east side. When you get Kona winds with a good swell head to the east side.

The "Westside": The west side is the leeward side of the island and is very dry. There are some good surf spots on the westside and the wind is always offshore. However, the spots are heavily crowded and localized.

Read The SurfTrip .com North Shore 2007 Surf Trip Review.

Oahu Surf Spots: Stables, Ranches, Secrets, Irmas, Our House, Pupukea, North Beach(Pyramid Rock), Sandy's Beach, China Walls, Aligator Rock, Zombies, Walls, Kaisers, Cromwells, Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Lanikai Reef, Point Panic, Kewala Basin, Queens, Rocky Lefts, Makapu'u, Fort Hases, Ehukai, Graveyards Goat Island, Flies (Incinerators), Rice Bowls, Canoes, Yokohama Bay, Lahilahi Point, Tumbo Land, Off the Wall, Ala Moana Bowls, White Plains Beach, Bellows, Kabanas, Threes, Rec. Center, Rockpiles, In Betweens, First Hole, Consessions, Shallows, Bumburas, Chuns Reef, Velzy Land, Turtle Bay, Leftovers, Laneakea, Point Panics, Magic Island, Cliffs, Oils, Tongg's, Puaena Point, Nanakuli Tracks, Barber's Point - Coast Guard Jetty, Makaha, Baby Makapuu, Radicals, Wench, Backdoor, Oneula, Uppers, Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, Mokuleia, Pounders

Oahu Surf Map - Click to Enlarge

EDDIE VEDDER JOINS JACK JOHNSON AT THE
FOURTH ANNUAL KOKUA FESTIVAL

APRIL 21st- 22nd • WAIKIKI SHELL • OAHU

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