Banzai Pipeline
Banzai Pipeline
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
412 reviews
Excellent
290
Very good
104
Average
17
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Bex I
Silverdale, New Zealand157 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
We were disappointed there was absolutely no surf at all when we visited, surprised to find it dead calm. Lovely outlook anyway.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wilkeson Smart
Bonney Lake, WA70 contributions
Dec. 2022
Absolutely breathtaking! Road to get there is packed and not the greatest but way cool once you get there. Waves are HUGE with best viewing from Sunset Park (I think that was the name). Do NOT swim here! The surf is far too strong for anyone. Bravo to those surfers who take it on!
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina
Hamburg, Germany15 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Solo
Whether you surf there or not, the power of the waves also fogs up the glasses of those who are out of the water. The waves are so effervescent that you get salted like a fish right up to the parking lot.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn R
110 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Couples
This is a very iconic location. Many surf boarding competitions take place here. I loved watching the waves and the surfers.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Toronto, Canada990 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Family
Went for a swim. It the shore break was huge so gave it a miss.
It does have lifeguards which is nice but only attempt if serious
It does have lifeguards which is nice but only attempt if serious
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ITRT
Virginia38,566 contributions
Apr. 2022
Banzai Pipeline, one of the best-known areas on the North Shore, is noted for barreling waves and swells. The Pipeline has two personalities so to speak. During the summer, the area is calm and is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. However, during the winter months its waves are enormous and dangerous for the novice surfer. The waves sometimes reach 30 feet. Several professional surfing competitions are held here in the winter months. We visited the end of March but did not see any huge swells. The pipeline is the “Holy Grail” of riding the waves. One of the waves is featured at the beginning of the Hawaii-Five-O television program. Surfing here is ot for the amateur so leave it to the professionals. Many surfers have lost their lives or suffered injuries when attempting to ride the pipeline waves.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TOJ
Birmingham, AL134 contributions
Mar. 2022
The North Shore was experiencing exceptionally high waves when we visited and it was breathtaking to watch the surfers! Fun to be part of the cheering crowd! Remember your towel or chair to sit on. Food trucks close by (driving distance).
Written March 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rik T
Fredericton, Canada1,353 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Couples
For our visit, we watched. And the pile of surfers were having a great time riding some good waves.
Sitting on the beach and watching made me want to surf again. I mean, I took a couple of lessons and these waves would be tough for me but watching these guys go for it made me want to try it again.
Lots of places to rent and stay at. Definitely a young vibe.
Sitting on the beach and watching made me want to surf again. I mean, I took a couple of lessons and these waves would be tough for me but watching these guys go for it made me want to try it again.
Lots of places to rent and stay at. Definitely a young vibe.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce B
Ocala, FL317 contributions
Nov. 2021
The Banzai Pipeline has a reputation for having the best waves and surfing in Hawaii and I am so glad the wife and I made the ride out there to experience it.
Written December 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greengirl68
Eden Prairie, MN815 contributions
Nov. 2021
The waves were seriously impressive the day we were there. They were so high no one was surfing Pipeline. We could really feel the power of the ocean!
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elana_K
Chicago, IL1,098 contributions
Is it worth visiting the Banzai Pipeline in late May? Too late for good surfing?
Heading to the North Shore the first week in December. How is the parking by the Pipeline? Where should I park? What's the best place to view it?
BLMerce
Kensington, MD904 contributions
We drove on an alley parallel to the beach and found parking there
Sabrina Y
7 contributions
Hi there! Heading there for a day trip next month as we are staying in Waikiki... Are there vendors selling food nearby? Chairs to sit on the beach? Places for us to swim (kids coming with may get hot or tired from watching surfers)?
BennyBrown2014
Wilmington, NC62 contributions
Looks like everyone else has already answered your questions. It is definitely a to do item! We love the Pipe and plan on going back next winter.
Karim T
Iquique, Chile3 contributions
Que recomiendan a una persona que quiere viajar solo (hablando económicamente), voy a conocer y también por las olas (viajo siosi con mi tabla)
~Voy por que es un sueño~
Traveling007Texan
Houston, TX229 contributions
Traveling alone on the North Shore of Hawaii is fine. People are friendly and helpful. You can inexpensively take the bus to the beaches and sit and relax for many hours. There are hostels to stay at near Waimea Bay that are reasonably priced.
Fruitcake13
Celebration, FL16 contributions
Best place to park for pipeline access?
Traveling007Texan
Houston, TX229 contributions
There is a small parking lot at the entrance to Banzai but most parking will be parallel parking along the main road. Do NOT park at the school across the street as you will be towed. If a tournament is going on and parking is hard to find, there is a skate park to the south that will have excess parking spaces.
Loretta B
Beech Mountain, NC18 contributions
What the best way to travel to pipeline beach from Waikiki without renting a car
Traveling007Texan
Houston, TX229 contributions
The easiest way is to Uber. We have used them several times to go back and forth to the airport. The cheapest way is to take the local bus.
Shiloh W
Eagle Mountain, UT40 contributions
What time of day is best for watching surfers?
Mechell93401
San Luis Obispo, CA45 contributions
We were there in mid morning. Ask around and find out what the waves are like. If it’s messy, the good ones may not be out. Enjoy
Hola! ire en junio con mi familia y no se donde hopsedarme. Haremos muchos paseos y actividades. recomiendas algun sitio donde contratar ?
Gracias!!
"Could a tourist bogeyboard on the little waves right near the shore in April?"
carmen632
Houston, TX74 contributions
Depends on surf conditions. There is a lifeguard and the beaches are flagged according to conditions.
GPhillo
Wollongong, Australia8 contributions
I will be in Oahu with my family Dec 19 and 20, 2017. I see this may well be great timing to see the Pipeline Masters. Was likely to be staying in Waikiki and was wondering if there was any suggestions how to get to see the surfing ? If too hard to get there from Waikiki, can anyone suggest where to stay that would be good and closer ?
Dan M
Cape Breton Island, Canada44 contributions
Hey Phil, you could easily stay in Waikiki and travel up to pipeline for the day, very doable. It's about an hour's drive. If you are not dead set on staying in Waikiki I would consider staying on the North Shore if I were you. It's much more relaxing up there and a more "authentic" Hawaiian experience. Waikiki is ok to visit for a short time but unless you are there for high end shopping, the bar scene or you just enjoy crowds, I'd stay North shore every time. Depends what you are there for I guess.
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Claim your listingBANZAI PIPELINE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Banzai Pipeline
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Banzai Pipeline:
- Tour of North Shore & Waimea Waterfall (From C$204.25)
- Full-Day Guided Private Tour (From C$1,780.72)
- Zipline Tour On Oahu's North Shore (From C$264.48)
- Deluxe North Shore Tour - Activities Included (From C$215.32)
- Oahu Grand Circle Island Audio Driving Tour (From C$27.40)
- Hotels near Banzai Pipeline:
- (0.11 km) Mind-bending views of the North Shore! On the ocean, steps from sand.
- (0.14 km) Beachfront two bedroom house that sleeps up to six guests
- (0.19 km) Beachfront Home, directly on Banzai Pipeline Beach, Private, 30 day min rental
- (0.39 km) Newly Remodeled Ocean-View Home With A/C, Steps From Pipeline: Ehukai Beach Hale
- (1.43 km) Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
- Restaurants near Banzai Pipeline:
- (0.84 km) Storto's Deli & Sandwich Shop
- (1.23 km) Sunrise Shack - Sunset Beach
- (2.06 km) Ted's Bakery
- (2.12 km) Foodland
- (1.11 km) Banzai Bowls
- Attractions near Banzai Pipeline:
- (0.10 km) Ehukai Beach Park
- (0.18 km) Ehukai Pillbox Hike
- (0.09 km) North Shore Country Market
- (1.33 km) Sunset Beach Park
- (2.07 km) Happy Trails Hawaii