Jaws, aka Pe’ahi, is a famous surf break on the North Shore of Maui. 10 years ago, this SECRET place was virtually unheard of. Now it’s the subject of coffee table books, movies (the opening sequence to the James Bond movie Die Another Day was filmed here), is home to surfing competitions like the Billabong XXL, and is probably just as famous (or infamous) as other big waves like Tahiti’s Teahupo’o and Oahu’s Pipeline. Despite having spent a lot of time on Maui, I’d never actually been to Jaws before. We had a vague idea of where it was located (near a pineapple field somewhere in Haiku) but had never made the effort to go down there…until now.
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Finding Jaws
What makes Jaws unique is that it doesn’t break unless it’s big, really BIG. When it does, waves can reach 60 feet during the winter season, but go here on a calm day…and nothing; it’s all thanks to an underwater reef formation. The day we went, we got lucky, and the waves were about 30-40 feet. Getting there requires trespassing (access to the cliffs above the site are through privately-owned agricultural land) and a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The vibe once we got there was something between a frat party and the wild west and I kind of got the impression that local law enforcement doesn’t make an appearance very often. It probably didn’t help that we were there on a Friday before a holiday weekend either. One thing is for sure, this place is definitely NOT a secret anymore.
At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write about my experience and perpetuate the traffic and other craziness surrounding this legendary site, but at the same time if you are a fan of the sport of surfing, Jaws is a must-see! There are plenty of other places on the internet where you can read EXACTLY how to get there (with GPS coordinates). All I’m going to share is common knowledge and how I was able to find it- the turnoff is located between mile makers 13 and 14 (right about 13.5 miles) past Paia and then it’s another 1.5 miles towards the ocean down a dirt road. Parking is a free-for-all, but once you find a place and make your way to the cliff’s edge, get ready for a show!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
