The best waves in the world
A deep dive into 100+ of the planet's finest surf spots — their wave direction (left, right or both), break type, difficulty and the average wave height month by month. Tap any point on the map.
Banzai Pipeline
United States · Hawaii
The most famous wave on Earth: a thick, perfect left over a shallow lava reef — and its right twin, Backdoor.
- Wave type
- Left & right
- Break
- Reef break
- Level
- Expert
- Size range
- 1.5–5 m
About the data
Monthly heights are approximate seasonal averages of typical surfable wave-face height (in metres), synthesised from each region's swell window — not a forecast or a tide table. They show when and roughly how big a spot tends to break. 'Best' months are each spot's peak swell season. Wave direction, break type and difficulty are drawn from established surf guides (Surfline, Magicseaweed/Surf-Forecast, Stormrider) and regional sources. Always check a live forecast and respect local conditions and etiquette.