Maui’s Freight Trains & Epic Kaanapali Shorebreak: Rare Swell of 2022

Maui’s Ma’alaea Harbor Hosts Historic Swell, Delivering Rare Waves

A remarkable swell in July of 2022 brought unprecedented conditions to Maui, Hawaii, creating some of the most talked-about waves in recent memory. Even as the island experienced surf activity across multiple breaks, it was Ma’alaea Harbor that truly stole the show, producing the exceptionally rare and powerful “Freight Trains” wave in historic fashion.

The swell, dubbed “Code Red Two” by Red Bull, originated after impacting Teahupo’o in Tahiti, traveling across the South Pacific before reaching Maui. The unique geographical positioning of Ma’alaea Harbor – nestled between the Maui coastline and the uninhabited islet of Kayo-olawe – allowed the swell to funnel and groom, creating what many believe to be the world’s fastest rideable wave. The conditions were so unusual that even Kai Lenny, a renowned big-wave surfer known for tackling some of the world’s wildest waves, had never before surfed Ma’alaea under such circumstances.

“I consider this goes down as one of the all-time greatest days on Maui, at least in my lifetime,” Lenny said, reflecting on the extraordinary event. “The waves were all-time, all day long, I can’t believe what just happened.”

Freight Trains: A Wave Unlike Any Other

Ma’alaea Harbor’s unique wave, known locally as Freight Trains, Ma’alaea Pipeline, or simply Maalaea, has long been a subject of fascination for surfers. The wave’s speed and power are attributed to the stone wall of the harbor, which effectively shapes and accelerates the incoming swell. Before World War II, Mā’alaea Bay was already attracting longboard surfers with its promising waves, but the conditions required for Freight Trains to truly break are infrequent and highly specific.

The 2022 swell saw hundreds of surfers descend upon Ma’alaea, with legendary figures like Michael Ho and four-time Jaws champion Billy Kemper joining the throng. The sheer number of surfers in the water reportedly surpassed the local population of the Mā’alaea census-designated place, which stands at around 310 people.

Beyond Ma’alaea: Shorebreak Chaos at Kaanapali Beach

While Ma’alaea Harbor was the epicenter of the swell’s impact, other areas of Maui also experienced significant surf. Kaanapali Beach saw a particularly intense shorebreak session, with waves described as “some of the biggest and gnarliest” in years. Surfer Clay Marzo was among those who took on the challenging conditions, navigating thumping, sand-bottomed barrels.

The intensity of the shorebreak drew onlookers, with tourists gathering to witness the spectacle as whitewater crashed into beachfront buildings. The swell’s power underscored the potential dangers of Hawaiian shorebreak, a phenomenon that has previously been described as a “deathtrap” for unsuspecting tourists.

A Historic Swell Remembered

The swell of July 2022 will be remembered for the exceptional conditions at Ma’alaea Harbor, providing a rare opportunity for surfers to experience the full potential of Freight Trains. The event highlighted the unique geographical features of Maui and the power of the ocean to create truly remarkable waves. The swell’s impact extended beyond the surfing community, capturing the attention of onlookers and solidifying Ma’alaea’s reputation as a world-class surfing destination.

The conditions were so exceptional that they prompted reflection on the rarity of such events. The combination of swell direction, size, and the specific configuration of Ma’alaea Harbor created a convergence of factors that may not be repeated for years to come. The swell served as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the ocean and the unpredictable beauty of Hawaiian surf.

The swell also brought attention to the historical context of surfing in Mā’alaea Bay, recalling its popularity among longboard surfers in the years leading up to World War II. The area’s surfing culture has evolved over time, influenced by factors such as the rise of shortboarding and the cultural shifts of the 1960s, famously captured in Jimi Hendrix’s film “Rainbow Bridge,” which featured surfing footage from Maalaea.