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
German-Guided Oahu Circle Island Tour
See 30+ Oahu sights in 6–7 hours on a small-group island tour
Round-Trip North Shore Shuttle from Waikiki
Shared Waikiki transportation for a self-guided North Shore day
Round-Trip Shuttle from Waikiki to Waimea Valley & Haleiwa
Explore the North Shore with round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki
Cruise Oahu’s North Shore at Sunset
Private 2-hour North Shore sunset cruise with views of Waimea Bay
Oahu Circle Island Tour with North Shore & Waikiki Pickup
Discover island scenery and Hawaiian history with a locally owned tour operator
Full-Day North Shore Oahu Beach Tour with Turtle Snorkeling
Trade bus time for beach time on the North Shore
Pearl Harbor & Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki
Pearl Harbor history and Oahu’s North Shore and East Coast in one day
Oahu Circle Island Tour & North Shore Turtle Swim
Guided Oahu sightseeing, local tastings, and a North Shore swim
Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Bay Snorkeling
Explore beyond Honolulu while someone else does the driving
North Shore Guided Tour From Waikiki With Activities
Ride The Surf Bus to Oahu’s North Shore with 2 activity choices
Private Oahu Helicopter Tour with Doors-Off Option
Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats
Sail a Private Charter on Oahu's North Shore
Private sailing charter on Oahu’s North Shore for up to 6 people
Small Group Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki
Explore Oahu's coast, culture, and film locations with an expert guide
Advanced North Shore Surf Lesson
Build advanced skills and contest strategy with North Shore coaching
2-Hour Surfing Tour in Haleiwa
Surf for 2 hours and tour North Shore spots like Pipeline and Waimea Bay
North Shore Oahu Surf Lesson & Tour From Honolulu
Explore Oahu's surf coast and its royal history
Sharks Cove Self-Guided Snorkel Rental
Explore North Shore snorkel sites with gear and local route tips
9-Hour Guided Oahu Circle Island Tour
See Oahu’s scenery, beaches, and turtle swimming opportunities
Private Oahu Circle Island Tour
Set your own pace on a private, guide-led journey around Oahu
Private Family-Friendly Circle Island Tour of Oahu
Set your own pace on a private Oahu tour tailored to your family
Oahu Circle Island Tour & Turtle Bay Snorkeling
Leave the city behind for Oahu’s coastal scenery and local island life
North Shore Oahu Tour from Ko Olina with Waimea Valley
Coastal sights, Haleiwa exploration, and activity choices on Oahu's North Shore
Private Full-Day Oahu Circle Island Convertible Tour
Private 9-hour Oahu circle island tour in a luxury convertible
Private Dolphin Watching Sailboat Charter in Haleiwa
Private North Shore sail to spot dolphins and see Waimea Bay