One of the biggest visitor draws to the North Shore Oahu in the winter are the waves. Accompanying the waves are a full slate of professional surfing contests, which are a real treat for guests of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. They (you) get to enjoy high-adrenaline action within a short walk, bike, or drive from the property, along with related events (surf film premieres, etc.) occurring at Waimea Valley, Sunset Elementary, and in Haleiwa Town. You get to see world class athletes not just competing at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, but hanging out at Shark’s Cove food trucks and Foodland Pupukea. They may even be one of your neighbors at KBB!
Will you be staying with us this winter? Or do you plan to book a future stay during this special time of the year? Be sure to plan your itinerary around the current schedule below.
2023-24 Winter Season Surf Contest Schedule on the North Shore of Oahu for Guests of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
VANS Pipe Masters
Date: December 8-20, 2023
Ehukai Beach Park: Get Directions from Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
The best known name in surf contests is the Pipe Masters. While it split from the World Surf League (WSL) schedule to be an independent event in 2022 (and for the foreseeable future) the name still carries weight, as heavyweights from Hawaii and around the world compete to wear the title of Pipe Master. This year (2023) North Shore mainstays such as the Florence brothers (John John, Nathan, Ivan), Jamie O’Brien (friend of KBB), Mason Ho, Moana Jones Wong, and many more will be on deck to put it all on the line at the Banzai Pipeline.
Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
Date: December 8, 2023 to February 28, 2024
Waimea Bay: Get Directions from Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
It’s the world’s biggest annual surf event that doesn’t even run most of the time. How’s that? Because the waves must hit heights of 30-feet and more during the waiting period (December 8 to February 28) for the one-day contest to be called on. That being said, the opening ceremony (December 8) is just as important as the competition itself, so be sure to head over to Waimea Bay on the day if you happen to be with us at KBB. Otherwise, monitor the Waimea Bay surf report during your winter stay and be ready to walk over to watch if/when the waves show up.
Da Hui Backdoor Shootout
Date: January 4-16 2024
Ehukai Beach Park: Get Directions from Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
While the Pipe Masters (above) and the Pipeline Pro (below) get most of the press, the most “core” and Hawaiian of all North Shore surf contests is the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, which Ke Iki Beach Bungalows has been a consistent supporter of:
“The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout (in memory of Duke Kahanamoku) is the alternative to WSL contests on the North Shore. It allows local surfers (some of the best in the world!) to compete on the grand stage of Banzai Pipeline without having to first cut through the red tape of WSL WQS/WCT qualification. While the contest is a draw for big names like Jamie O’Brien, John John Florence, Mason Ho, and other familiar faces, it also shines a spotlight on up and coming talent. A young warrior can emerge from their humble home on the slopes of Pupukea or countryside of Kahuku and reign victorious despite not having a single sponsor to back them. On that latter note, support from the local community is critical to ensuring that the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout can continue each year. This is why Ke Iki Beach Bungalows has pledged to support the ohana behind Da Hui, and is proud to sponsor the event once again this season.“
KBB Sponsors Da Hui Backdoor Shootout
WSL Pipeline Pro
Date: January 29 to February 11, 2024
Ehukai Beach Park: Get Directions from Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
This is the first Championship Tour (CT) contest of the WSL season. It’s where guests of KBB along with tens of thousands of other beach spectators can watch world champions like Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, Gabriel Medina, JJF, Italo Ferreira, and Stephanie Gilmore do battle with WSL journeymen/journeywomen in addition to up-and-comers who have their eyes on the title, and 2024 Summer Olympics qualification.
WSL Hurley Sunset Pro
Date: February 11-23, 2024
Sunset Beach: Get Directions from Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
The last big event on the 2023-24 North Shore surf contest schedule this winter is the WSL Hurley Pro at Sunset Beach. It’s the furthest from KBB, but still a quick bike or bus ride from our gates. It’s the least engaging event to watch on this schedule, as the right-handed reef break is pretty far from public view. However, you’ll get to see the world’s biggest surfing stars jump in and out of the water along the very same sands that you’ll be sunbathing on while watching the event. Worse case scenario, you can refresh and recharge at world famous Ted’s Bakery – inventor of chocolate coconut cream (haupia) pie – which is down the road.
View future updates on North Shore surf competitions here.