USA
Oahu, Hawaii
Advanced
Reef break
Surfing Pipeline (Banzai Pipeline): Complete Guide
Pipeline is the most famous wave in surfing — a thick, hollow left-hand barrel breaking over a shallow lava reef on Oahu's North Shore. It is unambiguously the most dangerous and most filmed wave on earth.
Wave type
Reef break
Skill level
Advanced
Best season
November – February
Swell
NW – N
Wind
Offshore trade winds E
Water temp
23–27°C
Crowd
Heavy
Why surf Pipeline (Banzai Pipeline)?
The Mecca. Every serious surfer comes to watch — only a handful of professionals get to ride it.
Beginner-friendly?
Absolutely not a beginner wave. Learners head to Waikiki or Chun's Reef instead.
Hazards & local knowledge
Shallow lava reef, heavy localism, life-threatening waves over 8 ft.
Nearby towns
Haleiwa • Pupukea • Honolulu
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