UPDATE 01/19/23 8:39am – The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has a GREEN LIGHT for 01/22/23.
The contest is set to begin on Sunday for its 34th edition of the contest dedicated to the North Shore’s legendary waterman, Eddie Aikau. Clyde Aikau said on Hawaii News Now that conditions will be epic on Sunday (01/22/23) with waves estimated to reach 30 feet and wind and wave directions will be just right.
UPDATE 01/10/23 8:44am – The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is OFFICIALLY CALLED OFF!
The expected strong winds in the morning of 11/01/23 and the size of the swell are not ideal to hold the competition. THERE IS HOPE! Another, even bigger swell is expected for January 22, 2023. Daniels Hawaii will keep you updated.
Source: Hawaii News Now
Greenlight for the most prestigious, surf competition in the world – the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational! At the Eddie Aikau Invitational Surf Competition, the best of the best surfers will show their skills at famous Waimea Bay. Wednesday January 11 2023, Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu will once again be the Surf Mekka. If you want to explore the North Shore and the world famous Waimea Bay, book an Island Tour with Daniels Hawaii.
Check out ALL the Surf Videos of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational 2016 on Daniels Hawaii YouTube Channel.
The last time the Eddie Aikau Surf Competition was held in 2016. Daniels Hawaii filmed at the 2016 competition – Check out our Playlist with Videos of the 2016 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Competition.
Why is the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational so Special?
As the name states, there’s no way to actually qualify for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational – only the best surfers in the world are invited. Waimea Bay was Eddie Aikau’s favorite beach. He was the first lifeguard there an saved hundreds of life. Waimea Bay is arguably one of the nicest beaches on the North Shore of Oahu.
How big have the waves to be?
For the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational to actually GO, the waves have to be at least 20 feet. The conditions have to be perfect, with light winds and have to hold for a whole day, which is rare.
Is the Eddie a dangerous competition?
YES! Even though the best of the best Big Wave surfers attend, the power of a wave 20 foot and higher is incredible and can be deadly.
Videos of the Eddie Aikau Surf Competition 2016
John John Florence won the 2016 Eddie Aikau Surf Competition. John John was in exceptional form and rode some of the nicest and biggest waves that day. Check out this amazing drop in of John John at Waimea Bay 2016.
Waves were huge and a lot of surf fans remember the GIGANTIC wave that wiped out Mason Ho and was so big, even the Life Guards and helping hands on the Jet Skis beached!
Remember the GOAT, Kelly Slater getting barreled at the 2016 Eddie? See the video below!
Who will be surfing the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational 2023?
These are the invited surfers for the 2022 / 2023 Eddie Aikau Invitational.
- Aaron Gold
- Andrea Moller
- Billy Kemper
- Eli Olson
- Emily Erickson
- Ezekiel Lau
- Grant Baker
- Greg Long
- Ian Walsh
- Jake Maki
- Jamie O’Brien
- Jamie Mitchell
- John John Florence
- Josh Moniz
- Justine Dupont
- Kai Lenny
- Keala Kennelly
- Keali’i Mamala
- Kelly Slater
- Koa Rothman
- Kohl Christensen
- Landon McNamara
- Lucas Chianca
- Luke Shepardson
- Makani Adric
- Makuakai Rothman
- Mark Healey
- Mason Ho
- Michael Ho
- Nathan Florence
- Nathan Fletcher
- Nic von Rupp
- Paige Alms
- Peter Mel
- Ramon Navarro
- Ross Clarke-Jones
- Shane Dorian
- Taio Shipman
- Tikanui Smith
- Tyler Larronde
Men Invitees Alternates
Women Alternates
- Mikey O’Shaughnessy
- Kahea Hart
- Chris Owens
- Dave Wassel
- Ben Wilkinson
- Joey Cadiz (Aloha)
- Reef McIntosh
- Mike Pietsch
- Torrey Meister
- Ryan Seelbach
- Chris Bertish
- Jamie Sterling
- Bianca Valenti
- Laura Enever
- Raquel Heckert
- Silvia Nabuco
- Polly Ralda
- Isabelle Leonhardt
Where can I learn more about the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational?
If you would like to learn more about the Eddie, as locals call the surf competition, click the link below to learn about the official website for the Eddie Aikau Surf Competition. Also: Check out the pictures of the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 / 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
Should I visit the North Shore to watch the Eddie LIVE?
If you visit the North Shore on Wednesday 1/11/2023 to watch the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational or even just to hang out at the North Shore, BE PATIENT! The traffic is going to be crazy and expect long waits. Usually thousands of people try to get to Waimea Bay to watch the surf competition. If you really want to watch the Surf Competition we recommend to get to the North Shore the night before. Sleep in the car (no legal, but during the competition the police often looks the other way), rent a room at the Turtle Bay Hotel or at the Courtyard Marriott in Laie. The chances of you getting to Waimea Bay are better that way. If you decide to drive to the North Shore the day of the competition, we recommend to leave your accommodation as early as 2-3 am at night.
If you decide to watch the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational 2023 from home, you can do so on Surfline.
