Winter Panic

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
A surfer at Banzai Pipeline rides a large, thick wave from the second reef. On the north shore of Kauai, waves 25 to 30 feet high pounded Haena yesterday and reached 15 to 20 feet at Hanalei, the National Weather Service said. Surf was 15 to 20 feet on Oahu's North Shore, and 15 to 18 feet on the west side. The surf peaked last night and is expected to fall to advisory levels. Oahu's lifeguards performed four rescues, five assists and 650 preventive actions yesterday. CLICK FOR LARGE

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
On the North Shore of Oahu, big surf also means big traffic. One of the largest swells of the winter season reached Oahu's North Shore yesterday, bringing with it droves of gawkers and sightseers. Bicycles were the preferred mode of transportation between Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, and after looking at Pipeline, New Zealand surfer Jarred Hancox left Ehukai Beach Park for Waimea Bay. CLICK FOR LARGE

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Traffic approached Waimea Bay from Haleiwa yesterday, at left. Some reported an hourlong drive from Haleiwa to Ehukai Beach Park. CLICK FOR LARGE

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Above, an unidentified rider cruised along the bike path at Waimea Bay's bridge. CLICK FOR LARGE