Waimea Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that offers relaxation in the summer and adrenaline in the winter, Waimea Bay is the place to be. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this iconic spot is famous for its massive winter waves, which attract the world’s best surfers, and its calm, crystal-clear waters in the summer, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Whether you’re here to watch surf competitions, cliff jump, or just chill on the golden sand, Waimea Bay is always a great stop. Why Visit Waimea Bay? Big Wave Surfing in Winter: From November to February, the waves here can reach 30+ feet, making it a legendary spot for surf competitions like The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Calm, Swimmable Waters in Summer: From May to September, the ocean is flat and crystal-clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Cliff Jumping from “The Rock”: On the left side of the bay, you’ll find a famous 30-foot rock that locals and visitors love to jump from into the water. If you’re feeling brave, this is the place to take the plunge! Great for Snorkeling & Marine Life: In calm conditions, you can spot colorful fish, sea turtles (honu), and even dolphins in the bay. Amazing Sunsets: Since Waimea Bay faces west, it’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Tips for Visiting

Best Time to Go: Summer for swimming & snorkeling, winter for watching surfers & big waves.
Swimming: Yes, in summer! But in winter, the waves are too dangerous for casual swimmers.
Parking: Small free parking lot, but it fills up fast—arrive early! You can also park along the road and walk in.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and lifeguards on duty.
Cliff Jumping: Only when the water is calm! Always check conditions before jumping and be mindful of changing tides and depth.
Bring Snacks & Water: No food vendors directly on the beach, but food trucks are nearby.

Thoughts from my Visit

Great beach equipped with life guards and changing facilities with outdoor showers. There is a cool rock nearby that you can jump off from. The beach drops off quickly as you enter the water, which leads to waves breaking close to the shore. In the winter, these waves come in fast and can get pretty tall. If your not paying attention, they will knock you right off your feet. The sand is really nice and there seems to be plenty of room for everyone. The parking lot gets full pretty quick, so I ended up parking up the road a little bit. Plan on going early. Waimea Falls Hike is just up the road a little, so you could go real early to get a parking spot, bring breakfast and do the falls hike at 9:00am first. Also, a cool side note; this beach has been featured on the show "Live Rescue" on AMC.