Surfing in Pe'ahi (Jaws), Maui

Historical Conditions Overview

99
Max Epic Score · Jan

76.6°F

Avg Temperature

17.6 mph

Avg Wind Speed

6.2 ft

Avg Wave Height

Jan

Best Month

★ BEST

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

LEGENDARY 90+

EPIC 75–89

SOLID 60–74

DECENT 40–59

POOR 0–39

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Pe'ahi (Jaws), Maui

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Destination

Pe'ahi (Jaws), Maui

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Surfing

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About This Destination

About Pe'ahi (Jaws) for Surfing

Pe'ahi, known locally as Jaws, is a big wave surf break located on the north shore of Maui near the town of Haiku. The break sits in a channel where winter swells from the North Pacific converge with the local bathymetry, creating waves that regularly exceed 40 feet on the face during peak winter months. The wave is generated by consistent North Pacific swells combined with the specific underwater canyon and reef formation that accelerates and focuses the swell energy into defined, powerful walls of water. Access to Pe'ahi requires either a jet ski tow-in approach or positioning from a boat, as the break is situated roughly a mile offshore and cannot be paddled to under normal conditions. The surrounding area is characterized by rugged Maui coastline with volcanic rock formations, and the nearest coastal town of Haiku provides basic services, though most serious surfers base themselves in nearby Paia or Kahului. Winter swell seasons from November through March bring the most consistent and largest waves, with January historically showing peak conditions. The water temperature during winter months averages around 73°F, making board shorts and light wetsuits standard equipment rather than heavy protection.

Where to Stay

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Typical prices: ⛺ Camping — from $0/night 🛏️ Hostels — from $15/night 🏠 Rentals — from $80/night 🏨 Hotels — from $100/night

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Pro Tips

Insider Knowledge for Pe'ahi (Jaws)

1

Book a jet ski tow-in operator weeks in advance during winter swells; guides like Maui Tow-in and other local services are essential and fill quickly during November-January when conditions peak
2

Arrive at the break by 6 AM before trade winds increase velocity; morning glass conditions typically last 2-3 hours before afternoon wind makes conditions choppy and less organized
3

Use a medium-sized tow-in board (around 4'6" to 5'2") rather than oversized guns; Pe'ahi's powerful water movement requires maneuverability, and wave face angle changes quickly
4

Carry a secondary flotation device and communicate hand signals clearly with your jet ski operator; the offshore break creates distance that makes verbal communication impossible once in the water
5

Study tide charts before sessions; incoming tides tend to create cleaner, more predictable wall formations compared to outgoing tides which can produce choppy, disorganized conditions

Experience Level Guide

Who Should Visit?

⚠️ Pe'ahi is expert-only and inherently hazardous; inadequate preparation has resulted in serious injuries and fatalities; participation requires professional tow-in training, rescue equipment, and observer support.

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Beginner

NOT RECOMMENDED

Pe'ahi is not suitable for beginners. The break requires experienced big wave handling, jet ski tow-in proficiency, and understanding of offshore rescue procedures. Beginners should develop skills at smaller Maui breaks like Hookipa or Sunset Beach first.

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Intermediate

NOT RECOMMENDED

Intermediate surfers will find Pe'ahi extremely challenging and potentially dangerous. While some intermediate athletes have observed the break from boats, actually surfing requires expert-level wave reading, physical conditioning, and emergency response capability. Most intermediate surfers are not ready for the power and scale.

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Advanced

NOT RECOMMENDED

Advanced big wave surfers can begin training and observing Pe'ahi during smaller swell days (15-25 foot faces), working with experienced tow-in operators to understand the break's rhythm and mechanics. Advanced athletes typically spend a full season training before attempting major swells, using video analysis and mentorship from locals who have logged consistent experience here.

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Expert

Expert tow-in surfers find Pe'ahi offers consistent, well-defined wave formations during winter swells, with organized wall angles that reward precise positioning and timing. The break's predictable swell window and defined channel create repeated opportunities for multiple rides per session when conditions align. Experts appreciate the wave's mechanical consistency and the established tow-in community that operates here, though the sheer power and speed of water movement demands constant attention and peak physical condition.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best Time to Visit

Month	Epic Score	Avg Temp	Avg Wind	Wave Ht	Rating
January ★ Best	99	73.3°F	15.3 mph	6.6 ft	🔥
February	92	72.6°F	13.3 mph	8.4 ft	🔥
March	77	73.6°F	16.9 mph	6.6 ft	⚡
April	56	75.5°F	20.3 mph	7.8 ft	⚠️
May	61	76.5°F	19.9 mph	6.6 ft	✅
June	65	76.4°F	16.9 mph	5.0 ft	✅
July	61	78.9°F	20.5 mph	5.2 ft	✅
August	61	79.9°F	21.5 mph	5.2 ft	✅
September	65	79.4°F	19.0 mph	4.6 ft	✅
October	80	78.8°F	16.1 mph	5.3 ft	⚡
November	99	78.5°F	15.7 mph	6.8 ft	🔥
December	98	75.5°F	15.3 mph	7.2 ft	🔥

Based on 10-year historical averages. Scores calculated for intermediate level.

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About Pe'ahi (Jaws) for Surfing

Browse Accommodation in Pe'ahi (Jaws)

Insider Knowledge for Pe'ahi (Jaws)

Who Should Visit?

Best Time to Visit

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