Banzai Pipeline Hawaii: Complete Visitor Guide 2024
Banzai Pipeline Hawaii!
The very name invokes visions of daredevil stunts and heroics. Banzai Pipeline is the name given to an underwater reef surfbreak on Ehukai Beach on Oahu’s North Shore.
In winter, from October to March, and typically peaking around end of December, the trade winds driven swells on the North Shore of Oahu result in awe-inspiring, towering waves all along the seven-mile miracle coastline.
And nowhere are they more consistently bigger than on the Banzai Pipeline, Oahu!
The name, rumored to originate from a combination of banzai, Japanese suicidal soldiers, and pipeline, large, concrete pipes from a nearby construction project, accurately reflects the daring professional surfers riding the barrel-shaped, enormous waves on the Banzai Pipeline Beach.
A surfers’ mecca par none, the Banzai Pipeline beckons hordes of professional surfers, each vying for top honors in world class tournaments like the Billabong Pipe Masters and Volcom Pipe Pro.
And, of course, the thrills and fun that comes from conquering these mighty waves on the Banzai Pipeline, an Oahu bucket list item for every pro surfer!
Not a pro surfer, like us? Not to worry, we just lounged back on the soft, finely powdered sands of Ehukai Beach, home to the Banzai Pipeline, and vicariously enjoyed every wave, oohing and aahing at the spectacular grace of the experienced surfers!
And the times we visited in summer, Ehukai Beach and the Banzai Pipeline transformed to almost lake-like calm on most days, and were perfect for a family beach day fun of swimming, snorkeling and more!
Join us on a virtual exploration of the Banzai Pipeline and the Ehukai Beach, and plan your trip here in detail.
Planning your trip to Oahu? Check out our 2024 guide to the most popular tours and excursions in Oahu!
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Where is Banzai Pipeline?
Banzai Pipeline, the most famous part of the seven-mile miracle, an apt name for Oahu’s North Shore beaches, is located off the Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea, a few miles from the charming coastal town of Haleiwa.
We’ve been to the North Shore of Oahu many times, and are still amazed at the transformation from a sleepy coast in summer to the lively surfing hub in winter!
Oahu Island Tours that Stop at the Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii
Off late, driving on the North Shore of Oahu has become quite difficult with heavy traffic, and parking is well nigh impossible near the Banzai Pipeline during surfing season in winter.
Last few times we vacationed in Waikiki, we chose to take an island tour that stops at the Banzai Pipeline, and that has worked out really well for us, and we could get to enjoy watching the surfers and the massive waves for a few minutes, and then move on to the next activity.
We’ve taken and liked two island tours that combine some of the best attractions on Oahu, and include a 15-20 minute stop at the Banzai Pipeline, more than adequate for us to admire some surfing and take a few photos of the towering, barrel-shaped waves!
The first one, the Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki tour, is a small group tour that covers the bulk of the key landmarks on the island, and includes a 15-minute stop at the Banzai Pipeline.
>> Check availability and pricing on this popular, 5-star rated Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki tour!
The second tour, the Circle Island North Shore Adventure Tour + Snorkeling, is usually better value, but larger group size.
>> Check availability and pricing on this popular, 5-star rated Circle Island North Shore Adventure Tour + Snorkeling tour!
Both tours include options for snorkeling or other activities on the North Shore of Oahu.
While the above tours were excellent when we could align with the tour’s itinerary, when we needed flexibility, like when we had friends who were surfing enthusiasts and wanted to watch for a longer time, we took this Mahina Hawaii Full Day Adventure tour.
On this private tour, meant exclusively for a private group, we could fully customize the spots we wanted to stop at, and the time we spent there.
Not only that, the tour guide had some amazing additions to suggest as well, all of which turned out to be excellent!
>> Check availability and pricing on this popular, 5-star rated Mahina Hawaii Full Day Adventure tour.
Here are the best tours we recommended above:
Directions to the Banzai Pipeline and the Ehukai Beach Park
Staying on the North Shore of Oahu? The Banzai Pipeline is just a few minutes away, and conveniently accessible by bus so you don’t have to scramble for parking.
When we visited the North Shore from Waikiki, it took us a lot longer, more like three hours, with quick stops at Haleiwa to grab a bite at Giovanni’s Shrimp truck for some yummy garlic shrimp, and a few minutes at Laniakea Beach for the kids to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.
We took the H1 Highway from Honolulu to the Kamehameha Highway, Highway 99, which merges into Highway 83.
We always love driving on Highway 83, a scenic coastal drive along some of North Shore Oahu’s best attractions, but last few times had to struggle with traffic, especially near Laniakea Beach.
You’ll come to Ehukai Beach Park and the Banzai Pipeline after crossing Waimea Valley, a fun-filled family spot, and Shark’s Cove, one of Oahu’s best free snorkeling spots.
We usually start looking for a parking spot along Kamehameha Highway after crossing Shark’s Cove, and walk down along the beach to Ehukai Beach Park, a gorgeous stretch of golden sands!
Parking for Ehukai Beach Park
The free public parking lot for Ehukai Beach and the Banzai Pipeline is woefully inadequate (about 30 spots), and we’ve never found a free spot here, even on weekday mornings.
The parking lot is off Ke Nui Road, across from the Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park.
We’ve had better luck with parking off Kamehameha Highway, along the stretch past Shark’s Cove and all the way up to Sunset Beach Park.
Sunset Beach Park also offers better parking. Expand the below Ehukai Beach map for details.
Banzai Pipeline and Ehukai Beach Map
The Banzai Pipeline and Ehukai Beach map below shows the location of Ehukai Beach and the Banzai Pipeline, and the main attractions nearby. Expand the map for details on driving directions and parking.
Ehukai Beach Access
If you parked along the highway, you’ll see beach access roads every once in a while, that takes you between homes to the sands.
Ehukai Beach Park Reservations
Ehukai Beach Park and the Banzai Pipeline require no reservations or permits. There are no entrance fees also!
Banzai Pipeline and Ehukai Beach Park Amenities / Facilities
Location: Ehukai Beach, 9-337 Ke Nui Road, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Lifeguard: Yes
Beach Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grass areas
Food Nearby: Food trucks and restaurants along Kamehameha Highway
Parking: Two free public parking lots
Directions: From Waikiki, Highway 1 to Highway 99 to Highway 83
Ehukai Beach Park, home to the Banzai Pipeline, offers restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables and grassy areas to relax.
Lifeguards are on duty during the day.
For restaurant recommendations and food options, please see below.
Usually we rent gear like beach umbrellas from Waikiki, and use our own light travel-ready snorkeling gear that we love to take to Hawaii! We haven’t found any convenient rentals close by.
Best Things to Do at Banzai Pipeline and Ehukai Beach
In Hawaiian, Ehukai stands for sea spray, and if you’ve watched the surfers on the Banzai Pipeline from Ehukai Beach, you’ll know: we were drenched with spray blowing in from the wind and the enormous waves!
Ehukai Beach has a Jekyll and Hyde personality: winters (typically from October to March) have huge waves from the winter swells, while summers (typically, May to August have placid water conditions, almost lake-like.
We’ve been to Ehukai Beach in both winter and summer. In winter, we wouldn’t dare go near the water, so scary were the waves.
Surfing is all the rage in winter, but meant strictly for the pros!
In summer, all of us would enjoy refreshing dips, swim laps and snorkel, so calm were the waters on a normal day.
The soft, white sands at Ehukai Beach stretch from Keiki Beach near Pupukea Beach Park and Shark’s Cove all the way to the northern end of Sunset Beach Park, a long and wide contiguous collect of beautiful beaches.
Ehukai Beach is somewhat centrally located on this stretch, commonly referred to as the seven-mile miracle on the North Shore.
Ehukai Beach can be enjoyed all year long, but the ocean waters only in summer!
1. Surf the Banzai Pipeline Hawaii
Obviously, surfing the Banzai Pipeline is only for the surfing giants, the pros who come to compete in the world’s most famous surfing tournaments!
And if you’re anybody on the surfing who’s who list, you’re headed to the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii for the Billabong Surfing Masters and Volcom Pipe Pro, typically in December.
The North Shore winds produce four types of waves.
The one closest to the shore that breaks over the shallow reefs is the most common, and called the First Reef or the Pipeline.
The Pipeline wave breaks from the left to the right as you watch from the shore, and forms a tube or barrel, often with heights reaching 20 feet.
The Pipeline was the easiest for us to identify, and as we watched, also the most popularly surfed.
Professional surfers love riding the inner wall of the tube all the way till it breaks.
The other three form as the Pipeline waves become bigger. The first of these, the Backdoor Pipeline peels of the Pipeline to the right, and is usually more difficult to surf.
The Second Reef and the Third Reef form when the Pipeline waves become really large, and they form deeper in the ocean, and have huge inner walls, a much bigger challenge for professional surfers.
All the waves are dangerous, and even professional surfers have been injured or killed while surfing at the Banzai Pipeline.
But so intense is the adrenaline rush, you’ll see surfers head back, time and again, to brave these towering tubes for their moment of glory!
What does it take to ride one of these waves? Guts, skills, and immaculate timing!
2. Watch the Surfing Action from the Beach
Like us, you’re probably not a professional surfer either. First of, DON’T enter the water, the waves and currents are way too dangerous for anyone except competing professional surfers in winter.
Watching the action from the safety of the beach was actually quite satisfying, and we had great fun tracking the professional surfers riding the awesome waves.
And if you’re a budding sports photographer, you’ll be busy clicking away with a zoom lens, bringing the action almost to an arm’s length. We saw so many professional photographers with amazing zooms.
Interestingly enough, the sand dunes around Ehukai Beach have a ledge-like formation that can get you quite close to the waves and the action, but finding a spot amid the crowds is not easy.
3. Ehukai Beach Snorkeling
What a transformation! That’s what we thought, when we visited Ehukai Beach Park in summer, a picture perfect white sands beach with crystal clear, turquoise ocean waters, almost glass-like in its calmness.
And we had one of our best family beach days here, spending time snorkeling the same underwater reefs, that just a few months ago, were the cause for towering 20+ feet waves that only professional surfers could enjoy.
The underwater coral reefs were teeming with abundant, colorful tropical fish, swimming and darting all around us, playing hide and seek in the coral reef structures.
Not only did we see the ubiquitous yellow tangs and convict tangs, we saw tons of butterflyfish, triggerfish, wrasses and even a moray eel hiding in the reef rocks.
To recognize and identify these beautiful fish, refer to our detailed Hawaiian Fish Snorkeling guide.
Swells are possible even in summer, so check with the lifeguards before heading into the water.
4. Ehukai Beach Swimming & Boogie Boarding in Summer
With placid summer waters, Ehukai Beach becomes one of the best North Shore Oahu beaches for swimming laps or taking a dip in the warm ocean waters.
This stunning and beautiful beach is mostly deserted on summer weekdays, and on weekends you’ll find a homely local atmosphere here, with surfer families taking their kids out to the reefs to explore.
We chatted with several local families, and most lived nearby, and loved the peaceful quiet of Ehukai Beach Park, especially when compared to the beaches in Waikiki.
And every once in a while, even in summer, you’ll get some swells, and you’ll the local kids and tourist kids on boogie boards riding the summer waves, far less scary than the winter ones.
5. Sunbathe or Relax with a Book on Ehukai Beach at Banzai Pipeline
Ehukai Beach, the soft, finely powdered, white sands beach, the backdrop for the Banzai Pipeline is a stunning beach, and can be enjoyed all year-round.
Oddly enough, the temperature on Oahu stays mostly within the same warm range throughout the year, and the difference in summer and winter shows up mainly in the ocean waters.
So even though you cannot step into the ocean waters due to the risk of serious shore break injuries, you can still lounge on the beach, sunbathing or relaxing with a book.
And of course, if that’s your intent, you will want to move away from the crowds of surfing spectators to find a secluded spot further north or south, the sandy beaches continue for roughly 7 wonderful miles.
We saw locals and tourists enjoying the sun and the warm sands all along the beach, but the beach is so long and wide, finding our own private spot was relatively easy!
6. Stay Back for Spectacular Sunsets
One thing we will never forget are the stunning sunsets you see all year round on the North Shore of Oahu, and Ehukai Beach is no exception.
While neighboring Sunset Beach Park gets all the sunset accolades, Ehukai Beach in our opinion was even better!
We stood mesmerized, watching the golden orb sink gracefully into the Pacific Ocean waters against a backdrop of yellow, orange, red and pink skies.
So amazing is the spectacle, we could see even the surfers take a break from riding the waves and turn around to view the sunset.
And so too, all the spectators on the beach!
7. Admire Turtles, Monk Seals and Other Wildlife
Chatting with locals, we learned that Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals are quite common to see on Ehukai Beach, basking in the sun.
During winter, the waves are way too rough, we didn’t see any during our winter visits.
Summer, though, is a totally different story, and we stumbled on about a dozen Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on the sandy beach, but further up north from Ehukai Beach, towards Keiki Beach.
We are yet to see a monk seal on this beach, and apparently, again from the same friendly locals, we typically shouldn’t expect to see monk seals on the same stretch of beach as Hawaiian green sea turtles, apparently they tend to avoid each other!
In winter, though we had whale sightings, and the ones I remember most vividly were of a mother and new born calf breaching together, way beyond the surfers.
We were not the first to spot them, other keen eyes pointed them out, and then we trained our binoculars to see the amazing spectacle.
Spinner dolphins can also be commonly sighted from the beach, breaching and spinning!
8. Sample the Local Eateries near the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii
As foodies, sometimes we plan our visits around restaurants where we want to eat, and luckily North Shore of Oahu has some really good options.
A staple of North Shore for quite some time, Ted’s Bakery on the northern end of the Sunset Beach Park, is our favorite for desserts, with their Macadamia nut cream pie and chocolate Haupia cream pie our must-haves!
Ted’s Bakery is also a great place for brunch, with all kinds of delicious sandwiches.
When we are feeling health conscious, we eat at Banzai Bowls, their acai bowls and smoothies are the best!
Don’t care about the calories? Our faves in this area include Haleiwa Joe’s, the Sunrise Shack, and the Pupukea Grill.
Hot day? Take the kids to North Shore Shave Ice, great way to cool off.
When we want to enjoy fine dining on the North Shore with some romantic ambiance, we usually drive up to the Turtle Bay Resort, which has some excellent options, and we loved the fresh fish at Alaia.
9. Hike Ehukai Pillbox Trail
With seven miles of spectacular sands, Ehukai Beach is one of the best places on the North Shore for a leisurely stroll with waves lapping against your bare feet.
When we tired of Ehukai Beach and wanted to stretch our feet somewhere else, we would always turn to the Ehukai Pillbox Trail, one of the best Oahu trails on the North Shore.
Just across the road, with the trailhead across from the Sunset Elementary School parking lot, this beautiful trail offers spectacular views (after all the pillboxes on the trail were observation posts during World War II), and is one of the best Oahu sunset hikes.
Though we found it to be one of the easier hikes on Oahu, it does involve climbing and after rains, can be quite muddy.
And if a surfing tournament is on during winter, you will get an aerial view of the entire Banzai Pipeline from the Ehukai Beach Trail!
Snorkeling and Water Activities Gear Checklist
Though you can rent snorkeling gear or use the ones that come with tours, we invested in our own gear, mainly due to Covid-19 (why take the risk?).
- Snorkeling Gear Set: We love our Cressi Light Weight Premium Travel Snorkel Set for All Family, compact and easy to pack, great fitting, and very clear underwater. The Zenoplige Mask Fins Snorkel Set is a great budget option.
- Sunscreen: Hawaii’s sun can be harsh. Avoid sunburn with sunscreen compliant with Hawaii’s 104 Reef Act. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, moisturizing with Vitamin E, is our go-to when we travel to Hawaii. Apply liberally and regularly!
- Underwater Camera: Want to capture Hawaii’s incredible underwater seascape and marine life? Your best budget option is the Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof Disposable Camera, reasonably cheap with good underwater photos! If you want high-end photos and video, you must invest in the premium GoPro HERO12 – Waterproof Action Camera, (waterproof to 33 feet)!
- Inflatable Life Jackets: If you’re planning paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and other water sports, and prefer your own life jacket, consider one of these two US Coast Guard approved options: the Onyx M-16 Series Belt Back Manual Inflatable Life Jacket or the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket.
- Water Shoes: Some of Hawaii’s beaches have sharp lava rocks or coral reefs, good water shoes will protect your feet (but please do not walk on the reef!). We use the Merrell Hydro Moc rubber shoes (men’s, women’s), great for slippery rocks. If you prefer sandals, we recommend the Keen Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals (men’s, women’s).
- Waterproof Waist Pack: Keep your rental car keys, cards, and phone dry and safe while you swim or snorkel with a dry bag. We love this 2-pack AiRun Tech Pouch with waist strap. The transparent one is touch-screen friendly!
Ocean Safety Tips
Hawaii’s beaches are beautiful, but ocean activities can be dangerous. Ocean conditions are dynamic and can change without warning.
Here are some tips to enjoy the ocean and beaches safely:
- ALWAYS heed posted warning signs.
- Check conditions just before you arrive at your chosen beach, and watch conditions at the beach for a bit before you decide to enter the water.
- Swim at a lifeguarded beach and ask the lifeguard for advice before you enter the water.
- Never turn your back on the ocean, whether you are standing at the shore or on a cliff above. If you see wet rocks or sand, it means the water has been here recently.
- Know your limitations, especially if you are not an experienced swimmer. If in doubt, do not go out.
- If you choose to enter the water, go with a partner or in a group.
- Know that alcohol can impair judgment and motor skills in the water.
- Keep children close and always keep your eyes on what they are doing in the water.
- Watch for sharp coral or rocks or sea urchins.
- Check advisories regarding water quality at various beaches here.
Best Oahu Tours
Have you booked these popular Oahu tours and excursions yet?
Love snorkeling? This Turtle Canyon snorkeling excursion from Waikiki lets you frolic with colorful fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Hands down the MOST BOOKED Oahu snorkeling tour: turtle sightings are guaranteed!
The most popular luau in Oahu, Paradise Cove Luau has a 4.5 rating on Viator with over 3.5K reviews. The tour includes pick-up from your Waikiki hotel, pre-dinner games, arts, and crafts, a delicious meal, and an award-winning show.
Based in Waikiki but want to see more of the island? This full-day Oahu Circle Island Tour includes Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haleiwa, the Dole Plantation, and more!
Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor! This popular Pearl Harbor tour includes boat tickets and round-trip transport from Waikiki.
A super popular Oahu North Shore excursion, this Oahu shark cage dive allows you to observe wild sharks in the open ocean from the safety of a cage! It’s a THRILLING Oahu adventure for your bucket list.
We have a detailed guide to the top Oahu tours and excursions if you are in the midst of planning your itinerary for the island.
Renting a Car in Oahu
If you want to explore more of the island of Oahu on your vacation, you should get a rental car.
Oahu’s popular attractions are spread over the island: the windward coast, the North Shore, and Ko Olina are great places to explore beyond Waikiki (or the greater Honolulu area).
While Oahu does have public transport options that are better than the other islands, a car offers a lot more flexibility and time savings.
We always use Discover Cars to book Oahu car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Oahu car rentals now!
Honolulu Airport-Hotel Shuttle
If you are not planning to get a rental car at Honolulu Airport, consider booking shuttle transport in advance!
This shared shuttle can be canceled up to 24 hours from the date of service. It serves hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu and then back again to the airport the day you leave. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
>> Check prices and availability for shared round-trip airport transfer in Oahu now!
Staying in Ko Olina? Consider this round-trip airport transfer instead!
Where to Stay in Oahu
Honolulu (Waikiki in particular) offers a large number of hotels and resorts, along with shopping and dining options. Most visitors to Oahu choose to base in Honolulu at least for a part of their stay.
While many of the large chains have a presence if you are looking to use your memberships, Honolulu also has several unique boutiques to consider.
Our faves include Halekulani for a splurge stay, the Lotus Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, and The Laylow for its awesome location.
Want more room to spread out or looking to stay elsewhere on Oahu? You will find VRBO listings all over the island!
On previous trips to Oahu, we have stayed in VRBO rentals in Waikiki as well as on the North Shore and the east coast and we’ve found the choice and quality great.
>> Look for an Oahu vacation rental on VRBO now!
More Oahu Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out our other in-depth Oahu travel guides for help finalizing your Oahu itinerary!
Start by discovering the best things to do in Oahu. We also have a detailed guide to Oahu’s North Shore, a round-up of things to do on the east side of Oahu, and the best things to do in Ko Olina, on the west coast of the island.
If you ar planning a short first visit to the island, we have the perfect day-by-day 3 days in Oahu itinerary for you!
Of course you’ll want to learn about all the exciting things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and Waikiki, the touristic core of Oahu. We also have an article on the best places to eat in Waikiki!
Check out our guide to the best beaches in Oahu, and a round-up of the best beaches on the north shore of Oahu. Also read about must-visit Oahu waterfalls and botanical gardens in Oahu you have to visit.
Oahu is home to so many must-visit landmarks! Check out our in-depth article on how to visit Pearl Harbor, and our guides on the beautiful Waimea Valley in Oahu and the spectacular Byodo-In Temple.
Want to enjoy the thrill of observing sharks in the wild? Check out our article on shark cage diving on Oahu’s North Shore!
Discover the top places to go snorkeling in west Oahu, where you will find a long coastline with lovely beaches, and tips for snorkeling Kaneohe Sandbar on the island’s east coast as well as the super popular Hanauma Bay.
And if you love marine life, also check out our complete guide to (respectfully!) see and swim with dolphins in Oahu, and the best spots to snorkel with turtles in Oahu.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have a round-up of the best Oahu hikes, and if you are looking to exclude the harder Oahu trails, a guide to the best easy Oahu hikes.
Find out how to do the iconic (and VERY popular) Diamond Head Hike near Waikiki for exceptional views. We also have a guide to the very popular Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu.
More advanced hikers will want to read up on the Koko Head Hike, a long set of stairs leading to expansive views.
Learn where to go for the best sunsets in Oahu, whether you want to hike or enjoy watching a colorful Hawaiian sunset without working up a sweat.
We also have a guide to the best sunrise hikes in Oahu, one of which is the spectacular Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in the southeastern part of the island. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is another wonderful sunrise hike on Oahu!
If you are a garden enthusiast, check out our detailed guide to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, our article on the unique Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and our guide to Foster Botanical Garden!
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