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Beach · Haleiwa, Hawaii
Waimea Bay (Oahu)
A crescent bay on Oahu’s North Shore, birthplace of big-wave surfing: in winter, swells can form waves several meters high; in summer the sea is usually calm and blue, good for swimming. Not to be confused with Waimea on Kauai.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Waimea Bay (Oahu)
Waimea Bay opens between lava headlands about 8 km northeast of Haleiwa, at the mouth of the Waimea River. The name means “reddish water” in Hawaiian. There are other Waimeas in the archipelago, such as the town on Kauai and the one on the Island of Hawai‘i, which are not related to this bay.
Waimea’s big waves went un-surfed for a long time until a group entered the water in November 1957. For decades the bay was considered the world’s premier big-wave spot. There, only when the sea reaches a minimum size, the Eddie Aikau Memorial Big Wave Invitational is held in honor of the first North Shore lifeguard; the contest can go years without being held.
In summer the same place changes: the sea is usually calm and clear, and the rocky point on the south side becomes a jumping spot. The beach park has lifeguards, restrooms and outdoor showers.
Behind the bay, the Waimea Valley preserves botanical gardens and Hawaiian historical sites, and atop the ridge sits the Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau, the largest temple on Oahu.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour to see the waves in winter, half a day at the beach in summer.
Best time
From November to March to see the big waves from the sand; on those days swimming is often prohibited by lifeguards. Between May and September the water tends to be flat and clear, good for swimming.
How to get there
By Kamehameha Highway (83), about 8 km from Haleiwa and one and a half hours from Waikiki. The park parking lot is small and fills early; there are city buses that run along the coast.
Tip
Always follow the flags and lifeguard warnings: when there are waves, the bay’s rip currents are strong. On big-swell days, watch from the sand or the roadside overlook.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Waimea Bay (Oahu)
When are there big waves at Waimea Bay?
Generally from November to March, with winter swells from the North Pacific. In summer the sea is usually calm.
Can you swim at Waimea Bay?
In summer, when the sea is usually calm, yes. In winter, with big waves, swimming can be prohibited by lifeguards.
Is Waimea Bay on Oahu the same as the one on Kauai?
No. Waimea Bay is on Oahu’s North Shore; Waimea on Kauai is a town on that island’s southwest coast, near the canyon of the same name.