Waimea Bay

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

What to see at Waimea Valley

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.

Ways to explore

Waimea Bay is free to visit and open year-round, making it easy to visit independently or as part of guided North Shore excursions. If driving, park near Waimea Bay Beach Park, then head to the sand for swimming or snorkeling in the calm summer waters, or watch expert surfers take on massive winter swells.

Many full-day and half-day tours from Honolulu include time at Waimea Bay, combining it with other North Shore favorites, such as Shark’s Cove and Haleiwa. Depending on your interests, you can choose sightseeing tours that visit scenic landmarks, food tours, or outdoor activities, such as snorkeling trips or paddleboarding.

Accessibility

Beach access mats are available to allow wheelchair access to the sand—the City and County of Honolulu website features details on how to request use. The areas leading to the beach are paved.

Age limits

None; the bay’s calm summer conditions make it popular with families, and lifeguards are on duty year-round.

What to pack

Sunscreen, sun hat, snacks, beach towel

What to wear

Swimwear, hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing for sun protection. Bring flip-flops or water shoes for walking across hot sand and rocky areas.

Not allowed

Drones, fire pits, alcohol, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, picnic tables

Address 

Waimea Bay Beach Park sits along Oahu’s North Shore, about one hour by car from Honolulu. Most visitors reach the bay by car. Many tours include a stop at the bay and often include round-trip transportation.

Driving

From Honolulu or Waikiki, take H-21 West and merge onto H-2 North. You’ll follow Kamehameha Highway (HI-83) along the coast. Expect the journey to take about one hour, depending on traffic.

Public transportation

You can take TheBus Route 60 from Waikiki or Ala Moana to the North Shore, and get off at the Waimea Bay stop, located steps from the beach park entrance. The ride typically takes around 90 minutes each way.

Best times to visit

Come early in the morning if you’re driving, as parking spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Best days to visit

Weekdays for fewer crowds and a better chance at finding a parking space.

Best months to visit

That depends: May through September for swimming, snorkeling, and calmer water, or November to February for world-famous surfing.

Special events

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surf Contest takes place at the bay on a date between December and March—the date isn’t set until waves meet the required height of 20 feet (6.1 meters). Once conditions are confirmed, contestants are given 12 hours to get to the bay to compete.