Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is included in many Oahu sightseeing tours, especially circle-island and North Shore tours. In the winter, surfing reigns supreme. But in the summer, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and fishing are the top activities at this beach, which is well equipped with lifeguards, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and picnic tables. Several big rocks at the shoreline are popular locations for cliff jumping, while the cliffs at the back of the beach offer rock climbing.

• Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.

• Only expert surfers should attempt to ride Waimea Bay’s massive winter waves.

• There are no snorkel rentals at Waimea Bay. Bring your own or rent from a shop in Haleiwa.

• Cliff jumping from the rocks is popular but a dangerous activity, and should be done at your own risk.

Waimea Bay is located on the north shore of Oahu, around 35 miles (56 kilometers) northwest of Honolulu and 4 miles (7 kilometers) northeast of Haleiwa. From Haleiwa, take the coastal road to Waimea Bay Beach Park. There’s parking on-site. It’s also reachable by bus #60 from Haleiwa and bus #55 or #88A from Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu.

Waimea Bay is popular over the summer and winter, and the dedicated parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Visit before 9am to get a spot and to avoid the biggest crowds. Winter sees big surf conditions, and swimming is not safe then. Big wave surf competitions are held over the winter, including the Quicksilver “Eddie Would Go” surfing contest between December and February.

Located across from Waimea Bay is Waimea Valley, home to a botanical garden, cultural center, and café. Here, you can learn about native Hawaiian flora, take workshops, and explore historic ceremonial sites and recreated traditional dwellings. A paved and mostly flat trail leads to the 45-foot (13-meter) Waimea Falls, where you can swim.