For many surfers, conquering the infamous Banzai Pipeline is little more than a pipe dream. This ocean terror is one of the deadliest 10 hidden around the world, veiled by weak summer rolls and currents. It is in winter that this watery giant emerges. With heart-pounding haste, it gallops across the deep ocean and surges over the natural, shallow breakwaters in the form of spiked arms of coral. In an eerily graceful descent it rolls in upon itself and comes to a roaring halt at the foot of the beach, all its pent up power and rage dissipating in a heartbeat.

At its zenith, the winter swells can easily top 30ft yet they more commonly hit an average of 9 that closes in with such rapidness that few would dare approach it. Treacherous lava spires add to the inescapable fear factor shrouding the Banzai Pipeline and yet surfers regularly pit themselves against the boss for a showdown. In summer, the waters’ milder colors are revealed and tourists tenuously approach the now quiet oceans to unveil its underwater treasures. Snorkeling amidst the three big reefs, it is often easy to forget that these are the creators of the monstrous barrels seen later in the year. Two alluring faces so diametrically opposed to each other define the Banzai Pipeline which is a natural marvel to be admired regardless.