Backdoor represents one of surfing's most coveted right-hand barrels, breaking at the same reef as the legendary Banzai Pipeline but peeling in the opposite direction toward Off-the-Wall. Located off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea on Oahu's North Shore, this shallow reef break has earned its place in surf history as the right-hander counterpart to Pipeline's famous lefts. When north swells hit the reef, they create an A-frame peak where Pipeline peels left while Backdoor simultaneously opens up to the right, offering expert surfers hollow, powerful tubes that demand absolute commitment and precision. First surfed regularly in the late 1960s, Backdoor has hosted countless iconic moments in professional surfing and serves as a proving ground for the world's elite wave riders during the winter months.
Backdoor comes alive from November through March when North Pacific storms generate consistent northwest swells ranging from 6 to 10 feet on the face, with larger sets exceeding 15 feet during exceptional swells. The break works best with mid to shorter period energy between 310 and 345 degrees, distinguishing it from Pipeline which prefers slightly different swell angles. Offshore winds from the east southeast create ideal conditions, though the prevailing easterly trade winds that kick in around noon still provide clean morning sessions. Low to mid-tide ranging from negative 1 foot to positive 1 foot produces peak hollowness, with the reef's shallow, craggy bottom creating the intense tubes Backdoor is famous for. This is an experts-only surf spot where wave knowledge, reef awareness, and advanced barrel-riding skills are absolutely essential. The shallow reef sits just beneath the surface at low tide, and wipeouts frequently result in serious injuries including lacerations, broken bones, and impacts with the sharp coral bottom.
Access Backdoor via Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea, located approximately one hour north of Waikiki and one mile north of Pupukea Beach Park and Sharks Cove. From Waikiki, take H-1 West to H-2 North, then follow Highway 99 into Haleiwa Town before continuing on Highway 83 along the coast. The beach park sits directly across from Sunset Beach Elementary School on Kamehameha Highway. Parking is extremely limited at the small beach park lot and fills quickly during winter swells and surf competitions, so arrive before sunrise or prepare for parallel parking along Kamehameha Highway. Do not park at the school as vehicles will be towed. The park offers restrooms and outdoor showers but no lifeguards at the actual surf break. Bring reef booties for the sharp coral, and respect the local surf community's established lineup hierarchy and wave priority protocols.
Dining options abound in nearby Haleiwa, just 10 minutes south. Haleiwa Beach House serves fresh seafood and craft cocktails with harbor views, while Haleiwa Joe's offers locally sourced seafood and steaks in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking Haleiwa Harbor. Maya's Tapas and Wine features creative flatbreads, seafood tapas, and evening live music with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. For casual post-surf meals, Big Wave Shrimp serves garlic butter shrimp plates, while North Shore Shrimp Truck parks along Kamehameha Highway near Pupukea. Banzai Sushi offers fresh sushi and a intimate bar with reservations recommended. Backdoor holds sacred significance in surf culture as one of the world's most challenging and respected waves, where surfers test their limits against nature's raw power. The break's proximity to Pipeline creates a unique dynamic where the world's best surfers battle for position at both breaks simultaneously, producing some of surfing's most dramatic and photographed moments each winter season.
