Hawaii • North ShoreBuoy: 51201

Pipeline

Junky

Wave Height

3-5

ft

Swell

~5s

E

Wind

13mph

Sideshore (ENE)

Water

80°

Boardshorts

Rising• High in 2h 1m

Updated: 8/28/2026, 5:39:08 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H2:22am2.1ft
L8:56am0.2ft
H2:47pm1.5ft
L8:30pm0.3ft
Tomorrow
H2:50am1.9ft
L9:19am0.2ft
H3:29pm1.6ft
L9:20pm0.5ft
Mon, Aug 31
H3:17am1.7ft
L9:42am0.1ft
H4:17pm1.7ft
L10:21pm0.6ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Pipeline

Banzai Pipeline is the most famous wave on Earth. Breaking over a shallow, jagged reef just yards from shore, Pipeline produces the heaviest, most perfectly barreling waves in surfing. The left (Pipeline) and the right (Backdoor) are both world-class, but it's the left that has defined competitive surfing for decades. December through February is prime season, when massive North Pacific swells march straight into this stretch of the Seven Mile Miracle. Pipeline is beautiful, terrifying, and unforgiving—lives have been lost here. The local hierarchy is deep and strictly enforced.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Pipeline?

The current water temperature at Pipeline is 80°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Pipeline today?

Pipeline currently has waves around 3-5ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Pipeline?

Today's high tide at Pipeline is at 10:22 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Pipeline?

Today's low tide at Pipeline is at 4:56 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Pipeline?

Pipeline works best with swells from the N, NW, NNW and S, SE, E winds (offshore). The ideal tide is low to mid.

Is Pipeline good for beginners?

Pipeline is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.

This Week's Outlook

Monday morning looks like your best bet with solid 6-footers and lighter winds before the low tide around 9:42. If that doesn't work, Tuesday morning's pretty much identical so you've got a backup option.

Updated 8/28/2026, 6:18:15 PM

Spot Info

Break TypeReef Break
BottomSharp Coral Reef
Skill LevelExpert Only
CrowdVery Heavy
Best TideLow to Mid
Best SwellN, NW, NNW
Best WindS, SE, E
ParkingRoadside parking along Ke Nui Rd, Ehukai Beach Park lot

Local Tip

Do not paddle out here unless you are an expert in hollow waves. The reef is razor sharp and inches below the surface.