Jaws
Jaws (Pe'ahi) is one of the biggest rideable waves on Earth and the birthplace of tow-in surfing. A deep water reef amplifies massive North Pacific swells, producing giant walls of water. The iconic right barrel at XXL size is one of surfing's most awe-inspiring sights.
Jaws surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Direction range
- 320° - 30°
- Size range
- 6.1m - 18.3m
- Ideal size
- 8.9m - 12.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 135° - 225°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
24m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
2/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Tow-in or paddle from cliff access. 4WD road to overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Jaws?
Jaws is a big-wave spot in North Shore, Maui, USA, that mostly breaks right over a reef bottom. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 24m. It's fickle (consistency 2/10), so it's worth jumping on when it does turn on. A step-up or gun is the usual call.
What's the story behind Jaws?
Peʻahi means 'wave' in Hawaiian, in the sense of a beckoning wave of the hand. Maui surfers nicknamed it Jaws in 1975, after the film, comparing its sudden, unpredictable changes to a shark attack. South African Chris Bertish became the first to paddle into giant surf here in 2001.
What swell works best at Jaws?
Jaws picks up swell from the NW round to the NNE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNW. It starts working at around 6.1m and keeps going up to about 18.3m, with the sweet spot around 8.9 to 12.5m. Period matters too: aim for 20s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Jaws?
A S wind is dead offshore at Jaws, and anything from the SE round to the SW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Jaws?
Jaws isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Jaws?
The most reliable run of swell at Jaws comes Nov to Mar. Nov-Mar. Tow-in and paddle. Iconic right barrel at XXL size.
How cold is the water at Jaws?
The water at Jaws averages around 24°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Jaws good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). One of the biggest rideable waves on Earth. Deep water reef amplifies massive NP swells.
How do I get to Jaws?
The nearest airport on our list is OGG, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Tow-in or paddle from cliff access. 4WD road to overlook.
What other surf spots are near Jaws?
The closest breaks we track are Hookipa (9.9 km), Ma'alaea (30 km) and Honokohau Bay (37 km), handy when Jaws isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Nov-Mar. Tow-in and paddle. Iconic right barrel at XXL size.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Hookipa
🌬️ Windsurf capital • Multiple reef peaks • Consistent winter waves
Ma'alaea
🚂 World's fastest wave • 300-yard barrel • Handful of times per year
Honokohau Bay
🌊 Honolua's neighbor • Less crowded • Solid right reef
Honolua Bay
🌺 Maui's crown jewel • Long rights • When it's on, it's ON
Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
🌲 Kona's most consistent • Multiple peaks • Local favorite
Banyans
🌴 Big Island's best • Shane Dorian's home • Year-round waves
Plan a trip around Jaws
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.