Hawai'i is well represented in this year's Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards, thanks to unusually large surf in December and January that sometimes forced the closure of north-facing beaches.

Finalists were announced today for the contest that tries to identify the biggest waves ridden by surfers during the past year.

All of the video clips in the Biggest Wave category come from Peahi, Maui, a surf break that also is known as Jaws.

Hawai'i surfers and waves are featured in other categories of the contest that is sponsored by surfwear maker Billabong. The video clips are available at www.BillabongXXL.com.

The winners will be announced on April 23 in California.