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Julian Wilson says a wave of support from near and far is inspiring him as he chases a maiden World Surf League title at the Pipe Masters in Hawaii.

Julian Wilson is riding a wave of support from near and far as he chases his maiden World Surf League title.

The Australian cruised into the third round of the season-ending Pipe Masters in Hawaii on Friday after an opening-round heat win at the famous Banzai Pipeline.

A late 5.57 out of 10 on the best wave of the heat was enough to lift Wilson to a two-wave total of 8.07, eclipsing Brazil's Tomas Hermes (6.40) and local wildcard Seth Moniz (4.57).

Wilson is one of three surfers hunting the world title, along with Brazilian pair Gabriel Medina and Felipe Toledo.

"The support's unreal. My family's here and I feel like I'm doing it for Australia in a way," Wilson said.

"The support's been incredible from home. Between everyone, I'm trying carry the power and power through the event."

To claim the championship, Wilson has to better Toledo's result and hope Medina doesn't reach the event final.

If Medina wins the event or finishes runner-up he'll claim his second world championship.

If he falls in the semi-finals, Wilson or Toledo must win to take out the title.

Should Medina be eliminated in the quarter-finals or worse then Wilson or Toledo will be world champion if they make the final.

Medina made an ominous start, dominating his heat with a two-wave score of 13.16 to ease past Australia's Connor O'Leary and wildcard Benji Brand.

Toledo, however, faces a second-round elimination heat against Brand after he was upset by Australia's Matt Wilkinson in their first-round match-up.

"I feel like the three of us that are in contention are all thinking we need a big result to clinch it," Wilson said.

"I feel like we're all in the same boat, just get the ball rolling and feels really good to get through a heat that's so tricky like that. It doesn't get much more challenging out at Pipe than that."

Former world champion Joel Parkinson, meanwhile, has made a strong start to his final event on the world tour.

The 37-year-old locked into a great barrel for an 8.33 on his way to a comfortable win over American Kolohe Andino and Australia's Adrian Buchan.

Parkinson is another surfer riding emotion in the event.

"I've been here with my family and listening to my wife and daughter speak last night (at my retirement party) was really amazing and emotional," he said.

"The love and support I've received from everyone including the fans has been overwhelming. I can't wait for the next chapter and let's go out with a bang."