Best Surf Competitions to Watch in the North Shore in 2024 and 2025

If you didn’t know already, Oahu is the home of modern-day surfing, and the island’s North Shore beaches are revered for their giant, barrelling waves. During the winter season, when the waves are at their mightiest, pro and amateur riders from around the world come to battle it out at a host of North Shore surfing competitions. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned surfer or have never tried to pop up on a board before, these ocean contests are among the most electrifying sporting events on the planet.

 

History of Hawaii and North Shore Surfing Competitions

  • The origins of Hawaii surf contests date back to the early 20th century when locals would organize informal events. 

  • Then, in 1953, the Waikiki Surf Club hosted an international contest at Mākaha for both men and women. 

  • This was followed by the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational, which took place at the North Shore’s Sunset Beach from 1965 to 1984. 

  • Today’s contests are a mix of events that are part of the WSL Championship Tour and invitational competitions. 

 

Tips for Watching Surfing Competitions

  • North Shore surfing competitions are extremely popular, so arrive at the beach early in the morning to get a prime spot and parking space (if you’re driving).

  • Remember that event dates are loose estimates and are subject to vary according to the surf forecast. 

  • Check the competition’s website or social media accounts for updates – organizers typically announce if the event will be on around 7am. 

  • Despite the best competitions being in winter, it’s still sunny so bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water and snacks.

  • Make a backup plan – events are reliant on the weather; if the waves are too small or violent, the heats will usually be called off.

 

7 North Shore Surfing Competitions

 

Sunset Pro

  • About: This is a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) event for both men and women. Surfers are competing to make it onto the WSL Championship Tour. 

  • Where: Sunset Beach, North Shore (a 1-hour drive or 2.5-hour bus ride from Waikiki Resort Hotel)

  • When: October 28 to November 4, 2024

  • Good to Know: While you won’t see the biggest names in surfing here, it's the perfect time to watch some of the best emerging talents. 

 

HIC Haleiwa Pro

  • About: Like the Sunset Pro, this is another World Surf League Qualifying Series event. When it’s on, the beach is revered for its big, high-performance waves. 

  • Where: Ali’i Beach Park, Haleiwa, North Shore (a 50-minute drive or 2-hour bus ride from the hotel)

  • When: November 26 to December 7, 2024

  • Good to Know: The beach’s two parking lots fill up extremely fast, which often makes finding a spot elsewhere difficult. Come early and plan to stay all day.

 

The Vans Pipe Masters

  • About: An invitational-only contest for men and women featuring world-famous surfers, like John John Florence and Carissa Moore, and a big Hawaii representation. 

  • Where: Banzai Pipeline, Ehukai Beach Park, North Shore (a 1-hour drive or 2.5-hour bus ride away)

  • When: December 8 to 20, 2024

  • Good to Know: Riders are judged by their barrel riding ability, aerials, and turns, so expect show-stopping performances at one of the gnarliest surf breaks known. 

 

The Eddie Big Wave Invitational 

  • About: Another invitational event, this North Shore surfing competition is held in honor of the legendary local waterman, lifeguard and big-wave surfer, Eddie Aikau. 

  • Where: Waimea Bay, North Shore (a 1-hour drive or 2.5-hour bus ride away)

  • When: December 14, 2024 to March 13, 2025

  • Good to Know: Suring only takes place when waves reach 30 feet in height, hence the long holding window. The vibrant opening ceremony on the first day of the window is worth checking out. 

 

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout

  • About: This invitational event honors Waikiki icon Duke Kahanamoku and the Hawaiian surfing philosophy of style, strength, and respect for the ocean. Eight teams of four surfers compete in huge Pipeline waves. 

  • Where: Banzai Pipeline, Ehukai Beach Park, North Shore

  • When: January 4 to 16, 2025

  • Good to Know: There are individual events for shortboard and longboard surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and bodyboarding. 

 

Pipe Pro

  • About: WSL Championship Tour event for men and women gives you the chance to see the best of the best – think Gabriel Medina and Kelly Slater, Brisa Hennessy and Caitlin Simmers.

  • Where: Banzai Pipeline, Ehukai Beach Park, North Shore

  • When: January 29 to February 10, 2025

  • Good to Know: This is the spectacular curtain raiser for the pro tour and the most prestigious of all the North Shore, Oahu surfing competitions. Plan ahead because things get busy early. 

 

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

  • About:  WSL Championship Tour event for men and women attracting the same caliber of surfers as the Pipe Pro. Waves are often enormous and unforgiving, thus producing epic performances. 

  • Where: Sunset Beach, North Shore

  • When: February 12 to 23, 2025

  • Good to Know: Bring a set of binoculars because the waves break offshore. There are plenty of bars and food trucks nearby to keep you refueled throughout the day. 

Waikiki Resort Hotel is the perfect base for all your Oahu adventures. When you aren’t experiencing these thrilling North Shore surfing competitions, kick back in our comfortable suites and rooms, or take part in one of our Hawaiian cultural and wellness experiences.