Welcome to Peahi: Maui's Extreme Surfing

On the North Shore of Maui, between the swaying palms, cascading waterfalls, and ethereal lush forests lays a sleeping giant patiently waiting for the best surfers in the world to attempt it’s rath. Welcome to Peahi. 

People come from all over the world to tame the beast that is Peahi, widely known as Jaws. Though not to be confused with the 1975 Steven Spielberg film, the infamous great white shark and these waves both know a thing or two about power. The reputation of Peahi has reached far and wide, mostly for its (arguably) best waves in the world. Reaching anywhere from 30-70ft, waves at Peahi are formed so precisely that they create these infamous swells. 

According to the late Hawaiian leader, Leslie Kuloloio, Peahi’s traditional name is “Ke Kai ‘o Waitakulu” which means “The Teary Eye”. This might originate from the reaction of those who are lucky enough to witness the ferocity and majestic nature of the wild waves. Something like this doesn’t deem itself worthy of being the backdrop of over 50 films, overnight. Access to Peahi is strictly limited due to the rough terrain (there is no shoreline access) and efforts to keep the cliffside as healthy as possible. Overtime, crowds have eroded away the cliffsides that serve as front row seats to Peahi’s magic. If you have permission to visit Peahi, you are probably traveling either by 4 wheel drive along a dirt path, helicopter, or hopefully on the back of a professional jet ski. 

Much like the ability to even witness, only the most seasoned and veteran surfers have permission to surf the waves of Peahi. Hawaiian surfers like Kai Lenny, Billy Kemper, Ian Walsh, Nathan Florence, and Makua Rothman have all challenged the beast that is Peahi. In fact, Hawaii’s Billy Kemper won his fourth title at the 2019 Jaws Big Wave Championship. Big wave surfing is becoming one of Hawai’i’s most notable and popular sports. But, men are not the only ones dropping in on the extreme big waves. The female champion of the 2019 Jaws Big Wave Championship was Paige Alms of Maui. Taking home her third career win, she was able to ride alongside other strong female veterans like Keala Kenelly, Emily Erickson, and Felicity Palmeeter.  Traditionally speaking, unless it is a competition, you have to be invited by one of these veteran surfers to even attempt Peahi. Meaning, this is no place for beginners.

2019 Jaws Big Wave Championships | Highlights

Waves like these aren’t born overnight. Prime surfing season for Peahi is usually during the late winter months on Maui. When waves at neighboring beaches like Ho’okipa start reaching their peak, you know Peahi is just getting started. The timeframe for true breathtaking sets can be as short as 4 to 9 days a year, maybe even fewer. The giant swells roll in due to intense hurricane weather in the North Pacific. These monstrous swells travel across the ocean, rolling beneath the surface until they reach a point of land, which is Maui’s North Shore. 

There’s no amount of practice or mental preparation that can ready any surfer for the pure energy that is found at Peahi. Those who wake up in the early hours to surf Peahi know they are not in for a normal surfing session. Some might say tackling one of these waves is a true David and Goliath feat. The adrenaline, fear, respect, and rush that Peahi gives is unparalleled to anything else in the world. Knowing that this breathtaking sight is right in our backyard is an amazing thing. Truly a natural Hawaiian wonder. 

WSL Big Wave At Large: JAWS 2020