Photographing The Most Beautiful Waves In The World
Peʻahi - Maui, Hawaiʻi
Every winter, if we’re lucky, we’re blessed to witness the humbling magnitude of extreme surf on the northern shores of the Hawaiian Islands. Here on Maui, I’m incredibly fortunate to have the chance to revisit Peʻahi (also known as Jaws) and photograph the powerful, fleeting beauty of Hawaiʻi’s biggest waves.
Since 2020, I’ve ventured out to Jaws each year for the largest swell events of the season. Approaching these monumental waves from private chartered boats, jet skis and doors-off helicopters has fostered some of the most memorable moments in my career. I believe Jaws is home to some of the most beautiful waves in the world.
“IMAGINE” from the Ocean Therapy series
As powerful winter storms spawn off the coast of Japan and spin across the north Pacific basin toward Alaska, violent winds surge across the open seas, sending organized swells directly toward the Hawaiian islands. In special areas off the Hawaiian coast, the underwater landscapes host a unique bathymetry, allowing for rogue pulses to reach heights of up to 70+ feet (20+ meters) before the crest of a wave peaks and crashes. Peʻahi on Maui’s north shore is home to perhaps the most perfect underwater landscape for these wild phenomena to form.
From serene glass barrels to mammoth surf the size of five-story buildings, experiencing these pristine waters roar in the golden glow of dawn and twilight has brought me back to photograph this wild place year after year. Little did I know that in 2021 and 2024, we would witness some of the biggest surf to reach the islands in decades.
“SOVEREIGN” – from the Ocean Therapy series
On January 16th, 2021 and then again on December 22nd, 2024, the Hawaiian Islands experienced remarkable swell events that produced waves reaching over 70 feet in height. After days of relentless research and tracking ocean forecasts leading up to these events, my close friends and I were able to coordinate private helicopter flights during the peak of these swells. These moments led to the creation of my award-winning fine art series - Spirits of the Sea, which you can read more about in my behind the lens story.
Venturing out to sea and into the sky to photograph this inexorable force of nature changed the way I see the world. Witnessing the raw intensity of these historic phenomena, I couldn’t help but feel utter reverence and ponder humanity’s relationship with wild places and these elements that defy control. I invite you to experience these oceanic wonders, and explore how the beauty and power of the ocean transcend imagination.
ENLIVEN YOUR SPACE
Fine art photographs from my Ocean Therapy and Spirits of the Sea series make up some of my best-selling artwork. Ocean art relieves stress and fosters a connection that we all share with the Earth’s largest ecosystem. Waves are a wonderful, yet timeless subject that creates exceptional wall art and breathes life into any interior space.
Transform your home, office, or business with beautiful wave art from Cody’s award-winning series.
What makes Peʻahi the best place for big wave surfing?
Watch This Video From Surfline To Learn More about the Mechanics of Peʻahi!
