Things to do nearWaimea Bay
Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore is a legendary stretch of coastline celebrated for its massive winter surf, turquoise waters, and dramatic rocky shoreline.
Waimea Bay carries deep significance in Hawaiian history. The surrounding valley, Waimea, meaning reddish water in Hawaiian, was one of the most densely populated areas on Oahu before Western contact. The bay served as an important landing point for canoes, and the valley behind it was home to thriving agricultural communities for centuries. That layered past gives the place a weight that goes beyond its scenery.
For surfers, Waimea Bay is hallowed ground. It is widely credited as the location where big-wave surfing as a modern pursuit began, after surfers in the late 1950s paddled out into waves that most considered unrideable. Today the bay hosts the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, a prestigious competition held only when wave faces reach a minimum height that may occur just once every few years, making each holding of the event a rare occasion.
Outside of major swell events, the bay is a welcoming beach for visitors. The sandy shore is broad and open, ideal for lounging or bodysurfing in the shorebreak. The large lava rock jutting into the water on the north end of the beach is a popular spot for cliff jumping when conditions are calm, a rite of passage for many who visit the North Shore.
Waimea Bay rewards those who experience it across seasons. The contrast between its serene summer character and its raw winter power makes it unlike almost any other beach in Hawaii, and that range is exactly what makes it worth the drive up the North Shore.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Waimea Bay
Visit during summer months, roughly May through September, for calm, swimmable conditions and safe cliff jumping from the large rock near the shore.
Arrive early in the morning on weekends to secure parking, as the small lot along Kamehameha Highway fills quickly by mid-morning.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes, since the sandy bottom gives way to rocky areas near the bay's edges.
Walk the short trail up to Waimea Valley just across the highway for a shaded botanical garden and a freshwater waterfall swim.
Watch winter surf from the beach berm rather than near the waterline, as shore break and surge can be dangerously unpredictable during high swell season.
Top tours & experiences near Waimea Bay
Self-Guided Sharks Cove Snorkel Gear Rental
Snorkel Sharks Cove with provided gear and local route tips
Circle Island Tour From Waikiki With Turtle Swim
Circle Oahu with North Shore stops and a sea turtle snorkel
Morning Sail & Snorkel Cruise From Haleiwa
Sail the North Shore and snorkel near Waimea Bay with a small group
Explore Oahu on a 10-Hour Pearl Harbor Circle Tour
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, then circle O‘ahu’s North Shore and East Coast
Explore Oahu Highlights Circle Island Guided Tour
Circle Oahu in a day with a small-group tour to 30+ sights and 10+ stops
North Shore Guided Tour From Waikiki With Activities
Ride The Surf Bus to Oahu’s North Shore with 2 activity choices
Customize a Private Guided Tour on Oahu
Build your own private Oahu itinerary with a local expert guide
North Shore Activities Tour From Ko Olina
Ride the Surf Bus to Oahu’s North Shore with gear rental and Waimea Valley admission
Fly a Private 60-Minute Oahu Helicopter Tour
Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats
Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Stop
Circle Oʻahu with North Shore stops, Dole Plantation, and local food trucks
Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Plantation
See Oahu’s North Shore: Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, surf spots and beach turtles
Circle Island Guided Tour of Oahu in a Convertible
Private 9-hour Oahu circle island tour in a luxury convertible
Waimea Valley & Haleiwa Round-Trip Shuttle From Waikiki
Ride round-trip from Waikiki to Waimea Valley and Haleiwa by shuttle
Cruise Oahu’s North Shore at Sunset
Private 2-hour North Shore sunset cruise with views of Waimea Bay
Explore Oahu on a Private Custom Circle Island Tour
Private circle island tour built around your family’s interests
Take a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Over Oahu
Land at a private Waimea Bay overlook on a doors-off helicopter flight
Explore Oahu on a 9-Hour Circle Island Bus Tour
See Oahu’s top lookouts, beaches, and North Shore stops on a shared 9-hour bus tour
Private Oahu Circle Island Luxury Van Tour
Customize a 7-hour private circle-island ride in a luxury van for up to 7 people
Explore Oahu Highlights Guided Island Tour
See 30+ Oahu sights in 6–7 hours on a small-group island tour
Guided Honolulu & North Shore Convertible Tour
Ride a luxury convertible to Honolulu sights and North Shore beach stops
Private Oahu North & South Shore Guided Tour
Private Oahu North & South Shore beach tour in a luxury convertible
Private Oahu Island Tour With Turtle Snorkeling
See Oahu in a day with a private Spanish-speaking guide and turtle snorkeling
Afternoon Snorkel & Sail Tour in Haleiwa
Sail the North Shore and snorkel near Waimea Bay in a small group
Sail a Private Charter on Oahu's North Shore
Private sailing charter on Oahu’s North Shore for up to 6 people
Dolphin Watching Cruise on Oahu's North Shore
Private North Shore sail to spot dolphins and see Waimea Bay
Full-Day Private Sailing Charter to Waimea Bay
Private 6-hour sail to Waimea Bay for up to 6 people
2-Hour North Shore Oahu Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel Waimea Bay and ride out to Wana Pauoa with mask and fins included
2-Hour Surfing Tour in Haleiwa
Surf for 2 hours and tour North Shore spots like Pipeline and Waimea Bay
Advanced North Shore Surf Lesson
Build advanced skills and contest strategy with North Shore coaching
2-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Oahu
Learn to surf on Oahu’s North Shore in a 2-hour open-group lesson
Private 2-Hour Surf Lesson At Puaʻena Point
Private 2-hour surf lesson with 1:1 coaching
2-Hour Semi-Private Surf Lesson on Oahu
Learn to surf with personalized coaching for 1–2 students