Jaws, Big wave surf spot in Maui County, US
Jaws is a world-renowned surf break on Maui's northern coast where waves regularly exceed 60 feet in height, formed as ocean swells pass over deep coral reefs. The spot features steep, powerful breaking sections that attract experienced surfers.
Surfers discovered these massive waves in the mid-1970s and named the location Jaws after the famous film, referencing the unpredictability of large wave conditions. Since then, this coastal area has become a symbol of extreme water sports.
The location carries the Hawaiian name Peahi, meaning wave, connecting it to the ancient lands stretching from Haleakala mountain to Peahi Gulch. This name reflects the deep link between these waters and the island's cultural identity.
A roughly 2.5-kilometer walk from the parking area leads to the cliffs overlooking the break, and four-wheel drive vehicles help during wet conditions. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the path is exposed to elements.
The seafloor's shape amplifies incoming swell energy so powerfully that waves can break both left and right from the same spot. This unusual feature creates massive barrel sections that make the break prized among surfers.
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