north shore waves
 

We will be in Kauai and Maui for the 2 weeks around xmas. is it worth going to see the big waves on the North shore. All of our other trips have been in the summer and of course no waves. We are not sure if we want to take a day away from Kauai to go to the North Shore.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Karen

Watch the local news, or tune into Maui Weather Today each morning (Channel 55, 7:45 am) to hear the surf report. The big surf isn't a constant, even in the winter. If the surf report says surf is up, and you have time, by all means head over to the other side and check it out. If you are on the Maui and the real big surf is happening, you can head out to Pe`ahi to Jaws to see the big boys riding 60 foot waves.

Whatever island you are on will probably have some big surf at least once during your two weeks. There is no need to change any of your plans. Both Kauai and Maui are small enough that if big surf comes rolling in, you are probably less that an hour away.

While on Maui, stop at 'Jaws' (Hookipa Beach Park). As here today gone2Maui says you might see 60 foot surf (60 foot surf only happens a couple of times each winter). But 10-30 foot surf there is quite common. Hookipa Beach usually has windsurfers and is a nice scenic beach. This is usually my first stop on the Road to Hana.

Are you talking about leaving Kauai to go to the North Shore of OAHU? You say, "We are not sure if we want to take a day away from Kauai to go to the North Shore." Am I mis-reading you? The North Shore of Oahu is certainly famous for it's high surf; that's why I'm thinking that's what you meant ...

Jaws is not Ho`okipa. Jaws is at Pe`ahi and has no beach access. When the big surf is hitting, tow-in teams head out to the Pe`ahi. You'll not see anything remotely close to that kind of surf at Ho`okipa--it doesn't have the right kind of break. Ho`okipa can hold maybe 6 - 8 ft at best, normal is less; Ku`au Pipes maybe 8 -10, but Jaws runs 18' and upwards. Ho`okipa is usually too blown out much after early morning to surf, but the wind is why you see so many windsurfers there. To get to Jaws you have to drive beyond Ku`au and drive though Maui Land & Pine pineapple fields. It is a rough ride and in a regular car you're better off parking and hoofing it. If Jaws is going off, you'll hear about it and you can just follow the crowds to get there.

here today

I have a brochure that says Jaws is at Hookipa.

But, I just looked it up and you are correct. Thanks for the info.