HALEIWA, Hawaii (AP) – A surfing contest that is only held in extreme conditions is on for the first time in five years, thanks to the massive waves pounding Oahu's famed North Shore.

Contest Director George Downing made the announcement Tuesday morning as wave heights at Waimea Bay reached 35 feet. The Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surfing Contest is only held when there are very large waves. Surfers entered in the contest include Andy Irons, Kelly Slater and Sunny Garcia.

The National Weather Service is forecasting 30- to 40-foot waves, with some sets approaching 50 feet on the outer reefs as Hawaii remains under a high surf warning.
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