The final event of the women's world surfing championship began in a powerful three metre swell at Honolua Bay on Friday with three Australians still in the title hunt.

Layne Beachley is well placed to claim her seventh world crown in the Billabong Pro Maui, leading the tour ratings with 6170 points ahead Melanie Redman-Carr (5622) and reigning world champion Chelsea Georgeson (5605).

While Beachley is in the box seat, Georgeson has won the past two events at Honolua Bay and to keep the world title she needs to win or place second in the event and hope Beachley doesn't reach the final.

Redman-Carr can seal her first world title with a victory or by finishing second or third with her two rivals behind her.

Beachley can win with any result providing her rivals don't progress beyond the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, organisers of the men's tour finale, the The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters, called a lay day despite a three metre swell pounding Oahu's north shore.

Conditions were considered too messy.

With Kelly Slater already sealing an eighth world title the focus is on Hawaii's Triple Crown.

Hawaiian Andy Irons leads with 4325 points from Aussie Joel Parkinson (4025) and Hawaiian Fred Patacchia (3200).

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