Get a bird’s eye view of Waimea Bay as tens of thousands gather for ‘The Eddie’
WAIMEA BAY (HawaiiNewsNow) - By dawn Sunday, massive crowds had already gathered on Oahu’s North Shore with parking lots filled to capacity at Waimea Bay for the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
First responders, including police, fire, ocean safety, medical services, and emergency management personnel are on alert to ensure the public stays safe.
At 4:40 a.m., Honolulu police issued an update, saying the area was experiencing significant traffic congestion with an estimated 10,000 attendees.
THE EDDIE IS ON: View our complete coverage
One spectator arrived at 1 a.m. from Hawaii Kai and camped out until the park opened.
“Last year I tried to come, but it didn’t happen, so I’m stoked to be here,” he said. “I expect to see big waves, have a lot of fun, and enjoy the crowd.”
Officials advised the public to take public transportation, or stay home and watch the contest on television or online on rogue.tv or ripcurl.com.
This is the 11th time “The Eddie” has run in the last 40 years, and participation is by invitation only.
Previous Coverage:
- ‘The Eddie’ is on! Tens of thousands gather on North Shore for big wave surf contest
- North Shore businesses prepare for ‘The Eddie’ crowds
- ‘We are on’: The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational gets green light for Sunday
- Will ‘Eddie’ go? What big-wave contest organizers are looking for
- With ‘The Eddie’ possible, groups and organizers urge safety — and to leave a lot at home
- Yellow alert for ‘The Eddie’ this weekend as north-shore surf rises to dangerous levels
- SPECIAL SECTION: 2023 Eddie Aikau Stories
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