Peahi, Hawaii

Jaws ( Peahi Hawaiian name ) know the name of a world famous surfing spots on the island of Maui, in the U.S. state of Hawaii and for the exercise and development of the so-called tow- in surfing. The beach is located in the north of the island at the foot of the sugar cane hills between miles 13 and 14 of the Hana Highway. The name Jaws (English for " jaw, throat " ) refers to the size and intensity of the surf. The waves can heights over 20 m (70 ft) at the front and at speeds of up to 48 km / h (Big - waves ).

In order to be able to form big waves at Jaws, different weather and sea conditions must interact. Play a key role in the winter storms in the North Pacific. The ocean swell generated by storms strikes after thousands of miles unhindered on the north coast of Maui. By lying below the water surface reef and rock formations, the waves are further strengthened. Jaws is known for the quality of these large hollow breaking waves that occur only a few days a year from December to February.

For the film Die Another Day Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, and Darrick Doerner 2001 surfed as stunt doubles in Jaws 20-foot waves. When this became known, and the National Geographic Adventure Magazine published an article about Jaws in July 2002, more and more people trying to get to the surf spot.

After December 15, 2004, the beach of inexperienced surfers, tourists and other observers was crowded and some surfers were injured, Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama complained the large crowds on the waves, which were thus very difficult to surf. 2006, the access road to Jaws was blocked by unknown with old car wrecks and anti-tank ditches. The bay was accessible only by off-road vehicles or from the water side to the evacuation of the blockade in 2009.

Some documentaries about surfing deal inter alia with Jaws on Maui, like Stacy Peralta's Riding Giants or Step into Liquid by Dana Brown.

Other spots with comparable wave heights are Mavericks and Todos Santos.