{"id":1577,"date":"2023-01-13T21:50:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T21:50:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/?p=1577"},"modified":"2023-02-15T06:49:56","modified_gmt":"2023-02-15T14:49:56","slug":"why-are-waves-so-big-in-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/why-are-waves-so-big-in-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are waves so big in Hawaii?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nothing symbolizes Hawaii better than its beautiful beaches and majestic waves. But why are the waves so big in Hawaii? No, it’s not because of a tsunami or a tidal wave. In fact, there isn’t even a Hawaiian word for a tidal wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, the big waves at Waimea Bay on Oahu are not caused by the moon. There is also no correlation between how big or small the waves are and whether or not there’s a full moon or new moon. The energy that creates these monster swells comes from deep within the Earth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hawaii is a volcanic island chain, and this volcanic activity gives Hawaii a variety of extremes, from some of the world’s tallest sea cliffs to the world’s most active volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to surfing, all that magma moving around underneath the Earth’s crust creates an energy that moves water in the form of waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more magma, the bigger the waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One final note:<\/strong> Those monster swells in Hawaii are not nearly as dangerous as tidal waves because they don’t travel very fast, usually between 10-15 miles per hour. So you can hang ten in relative safety. They’re still dangerous, though, especially if they grow to over 30 feet tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do waves in Hawaii seem to come from all directions?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Why<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Why is there a calm day? And what is a swell, anyway?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waves in Hawaii come from all directions because of the island’s isolated location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ocean swells that hit our shores are not affected by other landmasses. Waves travel thousands of miles across open water with only minor changes in height and direction until they reach shallow water at the reefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is when swells start to build height, refract and combine with other waves making surf more giant waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

How big are the waves in Hawaii on average?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The waves are massive on average in Hawaii, but that doesn’t mean they are totally unpredictable. If you want to find out about the size of the waves throughout any given season, you can check online. <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are websites where surfers post their videos and photos with the exact date, time, and location they took them at. You can also check with your local surf shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of them keep up-to-date information on the size and consistency of the waves in different surfing areas throughout Hawaii and even Oahu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to try this extreme sport in smaller waves, look for a break in a reefy area called a beach break. If you are by yourself, don’t paddle out if there is a crowd because it’s too hard to judge where to sit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be respectful of local surfers and know your limits. Surf Watch is a volunteer group that helps with rescues by patrolling beaches for swimmers in distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

What are the most giant waves ever surfed?<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There are many different records of who holds the record for most significant wave surfed. Still, one thing is sure Garrett McNamara was definitely the man who revolutionized big wave surfing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His record of riding a 100-foot wave at Praia do Norte in Nazar\u00e9, Portugal, is definitely one for the history books. Not only was this massive wave ridden, but Laird also towed in with his ski, which proved that big waves can be conquered without using a board or flippers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the most giant waves ever surfed, check out this article<\/strong><\/a>, but be warned it’s pretty intense stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Title: Big Wave Surfing FAQ’s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n

What are Hawaii’s most giant waves?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

The most giant wave ever recorded in Hawaii was at Jaws (known locally as Peahi) on Maui. On January 7th, 2000, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara broke his own world record by riding a wave that was 78 feet high. Many surfers believe that Jaws produces the most giant waves annually, although it isn’t always consistent.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What makes Hawaii’s waves so big?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

The Hawaiian Islands are located in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean, which is one of Earth’s largest oceans, and because of this, there is very little wave interference. Hawaii is also surrounded by deep water, which amplifies the size of waves that hit its shoreline.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

How do swells get so big?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

Swells are generated in the open ocean by solid storms near the equator. They can be hundreds or even thousands of miles long, but they lose energy as they move away from the storm system. When they reach Hawaii, these swells are generally between 10 and 50 feet high, depending on how long it took them to travel across the ocean.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

What kinds of waves do you find in Hawaii?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There are three main types of swell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n