It's an event so rare that it has only happened 11 times in the past 41 years, and when it's anticipated to run, all of Hawaii turns its attention to the North Shore of Oahu. People arrive a day or two ahead, sleeping in cars or tents on the side of the highway that leads to Waimea Bay and tailgating into the night to claim a sliver of parking. They're waiting to hear if the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing contest, also called the Eddie for short, will get the green light from the lifeguards, who have the final say.