Banzai Pipeline Hawaii

If you are on a quest to find the legendary Banzai Pipeline Hawaii, known around the world  for its perfect barelling waves, then head to Ehukai Beach Park on the North Shore Oahu.  Ehukai Beach Park ranks as on of the best Oahu beaches, but surfing pipeline is a unique experience itself, and ranks in many people’s lists as one of the top 100 things to do before you die!

Surfing Pipeline

If you don’t already know, the winter swells that roll into this part of Oahu’s North Shore, push up onto an extremely shallow reef, thus creating some of the best picture-perfect waves that form gorgeous rideable barrels that pro surfers dream about. 

Take note that surfing Pipeline Hawaii poses serious bodily injury if you are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time! 

Hundreds of surf boards are broken each year on the shallow reef, along with injuries and sometimes even the unthinkable… 

Regardless, hundreds of surfers from around the world fly in to Oahu for their chance to surf the famous Banzai Pipeline.  This is the home of the Pipeline Masters Surf Contest that is attended by the best and bravest surfesrs from all over the world.

Ehukai Beach Park is a beautiful long stretch of North Shore beach.  During the winter, you can literally stand on the edge of the water, and watch the surfers in action just a short 40 yards into the ocean. 

When summertime rolls around, the waves go flat and you can experience some of the best snorkeling on Oahu!

Getting to Banzai Pipeline Hawaii

Ehukai Beach Park can be hard to find, since there are no descriptive signs, and the parking area is quite small.  You are better off looking for Sunset Beach Elementary School, which is located directly across the street. 

Street view and location of Pipeline Hawaii:

Directions:  From Waikiki, take the H-1 Freeway headed West…

• Take the H-1 Hwy West to the H-2 Hwy North
• Follow the H-2 Hwy to the Kamehameha Hwy (hwy 99)
• Take Hwy 99 and continue into Haleiwa Town
• or by pass Haleiwa Town, and continue on Hwy 99 and merge onto Hwy 83, which will lead you to the coastline.
• As you continue on  Hwy 83, until you see a Waimea Bay Beach Park sign on your left hand side.
• Turn into the parking lot and you are there.

Oahu Map of Ehukai Beach Park

By Oahu Bus from Waikiki:

Take the 98A or 52 bus from Kuhio Ave to the Wahiawa Armory (ask the bus drive to notify you), and transfer to Oahu Bus number 88A.  The Oahu Bus 88A will take you into Haleiwa Town and onward to the North Shore Beaches.  Ask the bus driver once again to notify you once you have arrived at Ehukai Beach Park.

Facilities at Ehukai Beach Park

• Restrooms
• Beach showers
• Picnic bench tables
• Grass area with shady trees
• Life guard on duty
• Free Parking Lot 

In the Area

Old Town Haleiwa – You might want to stop in the old town Haleiwa before heading out to Ehukai Beach Park to checkout the North Shore rustic surf shops, local art galleries, enjoy a Matsumoto’s Hawaiian shave ice, and grab some lunch to take with you to the beach. 

Also consider staying late and stopping at Haleiwa Joe’s for dinner, before making the journey back to town.

If the crowds seem overwhelming at the Banzai Pipeline, then continue driving 5 minutes up the road for another spectacular Oahu beach, known as Sunset Beach Park.

2 miles of beautiful sand, amazing sunsets, and more giant North Shore waves to be seen!

Ted’s Bakery – Great spot to stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if you are looking to keep it simple but delicious!  Ono choices include Barbeque Chicken, Teri Beef and Mahi Mahi plate lunches and sandwiches!

Don’t miss Ted’s famous crème pies, like Chocolate Haupia, Macadamia Nut and Coconut Haupia!

Turtle Bay Resort – Continue driving towards the tip of the North Shore and you will cross the entrance to one of Oahu’s best exclusive resorts.  Turtle Bay Resort is built over a 4 mile stretch of beachfront property that includes 2 signature championship Oahu golf courses.