North Shore businesses prepare for ‘The Eddie’ crowds

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The North Shore community is preparing for what could happen on Sunday, but residents and businesses are getting ready for the anticipated crowds.

Tens of thousands of people are expected on Oahu’s North Shore for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, and Hawaii News Now will be tracking the action live online throughout the day.

THE EDDIE IS ON: View our complete coverage

Most of the activity will be north of Haleiwa watching the contest, but the town is still expecting to see a bit more business once the meet is over.

“Some of our supermarkets will do really well. Some of our grab-and-go places will do good. The shops though, you know, it’s five days before Christmas, so people will have to do their Christmas shopping and we’re going to make it very convenient for them,” said Carol Philips with the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.

READ MORE: ‘The Eddie’ is on! From parking to park rules, here’s what you need to know

“People around, brings more people, and you have the best chance of getting more business and especially with it being a holiday weekend,” said Stacy Lieser, a manager at Cholo’s Mexican Restaurant. “Going into that holiday season, I am hopeful for all of the North Shore businesses that will see an increase in business for sure.”

Officials suggest spectators park in Haleiwa, then take the bus up to Waimea in order to alleviate traffic around the bay.

Merchants are also hopeful that people who come to the Eddie will make more return trips to the North Shore, especially during the holiday season, to boost business.

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