About Banzai Pipeline

The Banzai Pipeline is well-known among surfing enthusiasts. Picture-perfect and consistent waves with their iconic shape, it’s every surfer’s dream to see and ride the Pipeline one day. If you’re one of those surfers, take note of these six facts about the Banzai Pipeline!

1. The Banzai Pipeline is located in Oahu.

Also known as the Pipe or Pipeline, it is definitely an amazing place to visit on Oahu. You can find this legendary wave in Ehukai Beach Park, the coastline of Oahu’s North Shore. It is at least an hour’s drive away from Waikiki. You can drive or take the bus to reach Ehukai Beach Park.

2. It’s best-ridden in October through March.

Surfers from all over the world come to Oahu for a chance to ride the Banzai Pipeline. There are various surfing competitions held there, such as the Billabong Pipeline Masters and Volcom Pipeline Pro. These competitions are where expert surfers from across the globe see if they can conquer the Pipeline and emerge victoriously.

3. This legendary wave was first ridden in 1961.

In December 1961, Phil Edwards carried his longboard to Ehukai Beach and rode the Banzai Pipeline. It was seen by only one person – filmmaker Bruce Brown. Slowly but surely, word got around, and surfers wanted to try out this fantastic wave. Six decades later, the Banzai Pipeline is still the center of the surfing world.

4. The pipeline is home to two world-class surfers.

Well, not on the beach per se, but they live very near to Ehukai Beach. Jamie O’Brien and John John Florence are two surfers who have won multiple surfing competitions and are constantly dominating the Pipe. Jamie O’Brien is one of the youngest surfers to win the Pipeline Masters. John John Florence, on the other hand, is one of the five people to win back-to-back world championships. If you’re lucky, you might see them practicing!

5. It is incredibly dangerous.

Even if she’s beautiful, she’s also deadly. The Pipeline can rise to 30 feet and is close to the shore. Because it’s so close, it pushes off an extremely shallow reef. These factors make riding the waves incredibly dangerous. Riding the Pipe can result in broken surfboards, serious injuries, or even death. If you’re not a World Champion surfer, it’s best to admire the Pipe’s beauty from afar.

6. During the summer, it’s good for snorkeling.

Summer means a flat Pipeline, so people can go snorkeling and see the rich marine life Ehukai Beach has to offer.

Other Places To See On Oahu

Once you’re done marveling over surfers braving the Pipe, there are so many things you can do in Oahu!

Explore the North Shore.

• • • Chun’s Reef

If you’ve got moderate surfing experience under your belt, you can go to Chun’s Reef for a surfing session. While it’s not the Pipeline, you can still get beautiful barrels there.

• • • Sunset Beach

There’s nothing like sitting on the shore watching the sunset. It’s even better if you’re in Hawaii – Hawaiian sunsets are like no other. Like the name suggests, Sunset Beach is the perfect place to wind down and enjoy a Hawaiian sunset.

• • • Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa is the busy town of North Shore. Here you can shop for souvenirs, visit art galleries, or take surfing lessons in the tamer waves of Pua’ena Point. 

See famous Oahu landmarks.

• • • ‘Iolani Palace

The ‘Iolani Palace served as the residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs. Built by King Kalakaua in 1882, they lived there until foreigners overthrew Queen Liliuokalani’s reign in 1893. You can still see and feel this part of Hawaiian history thanks to the palace’s restoration in the 1960s.

• • • Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pay respects to fallen soldiers and learn more about World War II in the memorial. You can visit the museums and see the plaques holding the lives lost when the Japanese soldiers attacked Pearl Harbor.

• • • Dole Pineapple Plantation

If you love pineapples, you’ll love the Dole Pineapple Plantation. You can enjoy various pineapple treats, hop aboard the Pineapple Express, and commemorate the day with pineapple-themed souvenirs from their gift shop.

Go on a food trip!

• • • Shave Ice

Shave ice is one of Hawaii’s most iconic desserts. Shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk? It’s the perfect treat to beat the heat. Get yourself a bowl of shave ice from the iconic Matsumoto’s.

• • • Seafood

Oahu is blessed with oceans full of fresh seafood. What’s a trip to Oahu without trying Big Wave Shrimp or Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck? Get the most delicious poke from Fresh Catch and the fried butterfish collar from Helena’s Hawaiian Food.

• • • Desserts

Sweeten your day with a chantilly cake and cocoa puffs from the iconic Liliha Bakery. If you want something crunchy, get the Pistachio and Strawberry Crunch Cakes from The Alley Restaurant.

If you want to see the Banzai Pipeline and the entirety of Oahu in person, it’s time to book that flight to Hawaii! Are group tours not your taste? Book a private tour with us and see the beauty of Oahu at your own pace. Call (808) 650-5050 to book a tour today.