Billabong Pipe Masters Slideshow

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The Billabong Pipe Masters is the most charged event of the year as the season conclusion to the World Surf League elite tour. It determines the most anticipated and highest regarded titles known to professional surfing: The World Champion, Vans Triple Crown Champion and Billabong Pipe Masters event winner, and it all ensues at world’s surf Mecca – the North Shore of Oahu the legendary Banzai Pipeline Hawaii, known around the world  for its perfect barreling waves.  Fans can witness the power of Pipe right from the beach (or better yet, in the comfort of their own home via WSL’s broadcast and streaming channels!)  The north shore is surfing’s Coliseum, where surfers are gladiators, waves are beasts, and surfboards are swords.

If you’re ready to venture to Oahu’s North Shore to catch the annual surfing competitions we’ve got a few suggestions for you to make the trip smooth and to get the most out of the adventure:

1. Plan to arrive early, like sunrise early! Roads on the north shore have only two lanes and as the day passes the snake of traffic grows longer  in both directions for miles.  You can find private homes offering pay to park deals or pray for an opening and prepare to walk.  Of course, there’s always da Bus if you have time to spare and you won’t need to worry about where to park.

2. What to Pack: This is an ocean conscious crowd/event so pack leave your plastics at home and don’t leave litter on the beache. Pack your water in stainless steel or glass water bottles and bring reef safe sunscreen as the sun is intense even on cloudy days.  There’s heavy competition on the shore for shade as these events are packed with people.  Finally, beware of the ocean. The raw power of the sea on the north shore is awesome and can lull unwary visitors close to it’s edge only to knock them off their feet and drag them into the churning white was. Stay a safe distance back and leave the waves for the professionals.

3. Leave time to sample some of the local restaurants in and around Haleiwa.  The food truck scene is bustling with everything from smoothies to local raised shrimp.  Jamison’s is a great place to try some seafood with a sunset view. Sample world famous shave ice at Matsumoto’s a staple since the 1950’s.  The Haleiwa shopping center hosts other local favorites like the Cholos Homestyle Mexican food, and the Coffee Gallery featuring fresh roasted coffee, breakfasts, and some of the best desserts on island! 

by Honolulu Vibes