Log Cabins earned its name in the 1960s from a log cabin structure that once stood on shore directly in front of this powerful reef break, serving as the only reliable landmark for identifying this surf spot along Oahu's North Shore. Located in Pupukea between Rockpile and Ke Iki Beach, Log Cabins breaks west of the large rock pile that marks Off-the-Wall's western boundary, part of the legendary Seven Mile Miracle stretch where world-class waves fire consecutively from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach. The log cabin building has long since disappeared, but the name persists among surfers who recognize this as one of the North Shore's heaviest and most dangerous waves. The break gained legendary status in January 1998 when Hawaiian big-wave veteran Ken Bradshaw rode what many consider one of the largest waves ever surfed at the outer reef break known as Outside Log Cabins, estimated at 40 to 45 feet on the face. The wave's unique reef structure creates an uneven bottom that produces hollow, heaving barrels more intense than Pipeline under the right conditions, demanding absolute commitment and expert-level wave-riding skills from anyone paddling into the lineup.
Log Cabins comes alive during winter months from November through March when North Pacific storms generate powerful northwest and straight north swells ranging from 8 to 30 feet on the face. The break works uniquely well on straight northerly swells without western component, one of the few North Shore spots that performs in these conditions when other breaks go flat or close out. Mid to high tide produces the best waves as low tide exposes the shallow, uneven reef creating extremely dangerous conditions with exposed rock and coral just beneath the surface. The peak breaks both left and right with hollow, heavy barrels that pitch out over shallow reef, requiring split-second decision making on takeoff and committed tube riding through intense sections. Offshore winds from the southeast groom the faces, though the predominant easterly trades still allow quality morning sessions before winds strengthen around midday. The uneven reef bottom makes Log Cabins heavier and more unpredictable than Pipeline, with waves lurching and pitching at different angles depending on how swell energy interacts with the irregular seafloor. This is strictly an expert and professional surf spot where dangerous shorebreak, strong rip currents, shallow reef, and waves reaching upwards of 30 feet create life-threatening conditions. Numerous serious injuries and near-drownings have occurred here over decades. No lifeguards patrol the break. Only advanced surfers with extensive big wave experience and intimate knowledge of North Shore reef breaks should attempt Log Cabins.
Access Log Cabins via Ke Waena Road off Kamehameha Highway in Pupukea, located approximately one hour from Waikiki and 10 minutes east of Haleiwa. From Honolulu, take H-1 West to H-2 North, follow Highway 99 through Wahiawa to Haleiwa, then continue east on Highway 83 past Waimea Bay, Pupukea, and Pipeline. The beach access point 278A along Ke Waena Road provides entry to the shore fronting Log Cabins. Free parking is available along Kamehameha Highway in authorized areas, though spaces fill before dawn during winter swells when the break is firing. Arrive early or prepare to walk significant distances from available parking. No facilities exist at the beach access including no restrooms, showers, drinking water, or picnic areas. Bring all necessary equipment including reef booties for the sharp, exposed reef, drinking water, and first aid supplies. The area experiences high rates of vehicle break-ins, requiring all valuables to be secured or removed. Spectators should watch from shore and respect the intense focus and danger surfers face when challenging these massive, powerful waves. Locals command deep respect in the lineup, and wave priority follows strict unwritten rules based on skill level, experience, and community standing.
Haleiwa Town, 10 minutes west, provides the nearest dining concentration. Haleiwa Joe's serves fresh seafood, steaks, and tropical cocktails overlooking Haleiwa Harbor with both indoor and outdoor seating. Maya's Tapas and Wine features creative small plates, seafood, craft cocktails, and evening live music with reservations recommended. Haleiwa Beach House offers Hawaiian seafood, handcrafted drinks, and harbor views. For quick post-session meals, Kono's North Shore serves kalua pork breakfast burritos and Hawaiian plate lunches, while Haleiwa Bowls provides acai bowls and smoothies packed with nutrients for recovery. Banzai Sushi offers fresh sushi and sake in an intimate bar setting. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, a North Shore institution since 1993, serves garlic shrimp plates from its permanent roadside location. Ted's Bakery provides breakfast plates, sandwiches, and their famous chocolate haupia cream pie. Log Cabins represents the North Shore's most challenging and unpredictable waves where only the most skilled and experienced surfers dare to paddle out, where Ken Bradshaw's legendary 1998 ride at Outside Log Cabins redefined what was possible in big wave surfing, and where the raw power of the Pacific Ocean meets an uneven reef creating barrels so heavy and intense they command absolute respect from the global surfing community.
