Honukeiki
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World-famous big-wave reef break·north shore

ʻEhukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline)

pronounced eh-hoo-KAI

Pipeline. Watch in winter, swim only on summer's gentlest days — not a primary family pick.

Use caution
Updated May 15, 7:31 PM HST
Workable but watch the inputs
Surf is running elevated above typical for this beach. Rain is possible — pack a backup plan. UV is high — sunscreen and shade recommended. No DOH water quality advisory on record for this beach.

This weekend at ʻEhukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline)

NWS forecast for this exact lat/lon — forecasts can change, re-check before you go.

Friday
Iffy
Mostly Sunny
Wind 22 mph · 6% rain
Saturday
Iffy
Scattered Rain Showers
Wind 14 to 18 mph · 35% rain
Sunday
Looking good
Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Wind 9 to 13 mph · 16% rain

Fast facts

Toddlers (0-3)
Not recommended
Young kids (4-8)
With supervision
Older kids (9-12)
With supervision
Drive
60 min from Honolulu
Lifeguard
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Shade
Limited
Stroller-friendly
Yes
Get directions →

59-337 Ke Nui Rd, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712

What to expect

ʻEhukai (the public beach park fronting the Banzai Pipeline reef) is one of the most famous breaks on earth. It is included for honesty: tourists drive here expecting a swimmable beach and find the opposite. Summer can have calm windows for older kids to wade in the inside, but it is not a family swim destination. Watch surfing here; swim elsewhere on the north shore.

Parent notes

Bring the kids to watch surfing in winter — it is a real cultural experience, and a safer alternative to Pipeline-area swimming. For an actual swim, drive 15 minutes back to Haleʻiwa Beach Park.

Safety

Pipeline is a famous lifeguard station for a reason. Multiple drownings here every year. Listen to the flag.

Tsunami zone

This beach sits in the Tsunami Evacuation Zone per Hawai‘i Statewide GIS. If sirens sound or shaking is felt, move inland and uphill immediately. Hawai‘i Emergency Management →

Practical details

Parking

Small free lot at the park, with overflow on Ke Nui and Ke Waena Rd. Fills early on big-surf days.

Bathrooms

Public restrooms at the park.

Shade

Sparse — bring an umbrella.

Best time

Winter for surf-watching. Summer mornings can be calmer for a beach walk but never assume safe swim conditions.

Amenities

Picnic tables
Yes
Showers
Yes
Playground
No
Parking
Yes
Drinking water
Yes

Accessibility: Paved access from parking; sand-to-water has a small drop.

Nearby alternatives

Verification: Unverified · last reviewed 2026-05-14