Peahi (Jaws) & Hookipa
For experienced surfers, mere mention of the name elicits a knowing smile. Jaws. Not the movie – but one of the best big wave surf spots on Earth. Located on Maui’s windswept North, just east of the airport at Kahului, Jaws (or Peahi) is not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced. In the winter, the waves here are nothing short of ferocious – thus the name Jaws. Actually the Hawaiian name, Peahi, literally means “beckon” – which the thunderous waves have done to surfers around the world. Of course you don’t have to be a surfer to appreciate the awesome force of Peahi – bring a picnic lunch and watch the pros tackle the waves.
TIP:
This is Maui’s North shore, so in winter months the surf is for the pros only. And due to perilous coral reefs and tricky currents, swimming at Hookipa is not recommended.
Just down the shore, Hookipa Beach fronts a vast expanse of Pacific that is arguably the best place to windsurf… anywhere. Sometimes referred to as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World”, Hookipa is home to fantastic windsurfing conditions. With nearly constant winds year-round, you are likely to see dozens of colorful sails cutting back and forth across the cobalt waters at any time of day.
