Did you know Waimea Bay Beach Park is one of the most iconic places to visit on Oahu's North Shore? You might know it for snorkeling and big waves, but there's so much more to it! This guide covers what to know, fun things to do, and my local tips to help you plan your visit.
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Why you'll love Waimea Bay
- Scenic beach - set against the cliffs of Waimea Valley, the scenery alone is beautiful!
- Calm water in summer - perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or spotting the sea life (🐬 dolphins!).
- Biggest waves you'll see - Hawaii's most famous big-wave surf spot, home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surf contest in winter (amazing to watch!).
- Wide, sandy beach - sheltered from the wind and perfect for sunbathing ☀️.
- Grassy beach park - a relaxing spot to spend the day, have a picnic, and play games.
- Facilities & accessibility: lifeguards, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, paved paths, and accessible parking.
- Waimea Falls is right across the street - a great add-on after spending time at the beach.
This is just a snapshot! I haven't even mentioned the jump rock, the fishing, the rock climbing, and all the little details that make Waimea Bay Beach Park one of a kind.
Coming here is always fun! It's a favorite with my family and friends, and I think you'll feel the same.
The beach at Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay isn't long, but it's wide with soft sand and plenty of room to spread out. The bay curves gently between the cliffs, giving it a calm, tucked-away feel.
Most days you'll see people laying out in the sun, and on weekends the beach fills up with families setting up tents and enjoying the day.
It's nice and shallow near the shore, especially on either side of the bay, but it drops off quickly once you head out.
Tip: For a bit of shade, grab a spot by the cliff on the left side of the bay.
What to know about the park
Waimea Bay Beach Park has a large grassy area, picnic tables, and shaded trees. It's great for relaxing, playing games, or celebrating special occasions.
Tip: Watch out for the chickens! They're everywhere in the park, not shy at all, and won't hesitate to steal your food if you're not careful.
- Lifeguards: Always on duty - the best on the North Shore! Check in with them and read the posted warning signs before heading into the water.
- Restrooms: On-site restrooms include changing areas. They're kept surprisingly clean for a beach facility, stocked with toilet paper, and are currently being renovated.
- Showers: Outdoor showers are next to the restrooms and open for everyone to rinse off sand and saltwater.
- Picnic Tables: Scattered throughout the park for public use. You can also bring a tent or BBQ grill to set up alongside them.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly restrooms, paved paths to the beach, and a few accessible parking spots make the park easy to navigate.
- Food & Drinks: There are no vendors at the park. Bring your own snacks and drinks, or stop by one of the popular North Shore restaurants and food trucks. Check our guide for the best spots!
What to expect in summer & winter
Waimea Bay is totally different in summer and winter, and I think knowing more about each season can help you plan your beach day.
- Summer (May-September): calm water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Winter (October-April): you might see some of the biggest waves of your life!
As you can see, these aren't the traditional summer and winter months. In Hawaii, when locals talk about "summer" or "winter" on the North Shore, they're really referring to ocean conditions - not the weather or calendar months.
Let me tell you more about it so you know what to expect and what to look for when you come.
Waimea Bay in summer
Waimea Bay in summer is one of the best beaches on the North Shore to visit - here's why, plus a few things to do and see:
Calm, clear water - summer is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cooling off in the ocean.
My favorite place to snorkel is on the far left side of the bay - that's where I usually see the most fish and sea turtles swimming around the reef 🐟🐢!
In the middle of the bay, sometimes you see Hawaiian Monk Seals and large schools of fish!
Waimea Bay jump rock - the famous jump rock everyone talks about on Oahu! This is a summer activity you can't miss.
The rock is about 30 feet high, with lower spots to jump from if you're feeling intimidated (me 🙋♀️!).
It's a little scary at first, but the water is deep, and jumping is so much fun. Plus, it's easy enough to climb back up!
Dolphins all around - in summer, dolphins often come into the bay, and swimming with them is my favorite part of the season! They sometimes hang out for hours and come really close to shore.
Watch my video swimming with them - it's surreal! If you also want to get close, I recommend renting a surfboard in Haleiwa - plus a mask and snorkel.
Tip: You'll usually see them in the mornings!
Fishing in the bay - You'll see lots of local families fishing from the shore in summer.
It's fun to watch, and if you enjoy fishing, bring a rod and give it a try yourself!
I've heard that early mornings are the best time for fishing there.
☀️ Waimea Bay is stunning in the summer, calm, warm water, fun activities, but everything changes in winter - let's see what it's like when winter rolls in.
Waimea Bay in winter
During winter, Waimea Bay feels completely different! The water gets rougher, currents pick up, and the beach takes on a whole new vibe.
It's still a great spot to relax on the sand, but getting in the water can be dangerous. So, if you visit in winter, here are three things you might be lucky to see:
🌊 Waimea shorebreak
In winter, the shorebreak comes alive! It's wild, powerful, and incredible to watch from the beach.
You'll see bodyboarders and bodysurfers riding waves that explode right near the sand. It's intense and a little scary, but beautiful - you can really feel the power of the ocean up close.
Just be careful and keep your distance; the currents are strong!
💦 Waimea River wave
If you're lucky, you might see surfers on the rare Waimea River standing wave!
I know it sounds a little weird, but when winter rains fill the river, the sand on the beach can stop the water from flowing into the bay. That's when local surfers dig a trench, the water rushes out, and a short-lived wave forms.
I've tried it - it's so much fun but tough to ride, and the current is so strong!
🏄♂️ Big wave surfing
The biggest waves on the North Shore roll into Waimea Bay. When the large, long-period swells hit, the whole bay comes alive with massive waves and a lineup full of surfers ready to charge.
You won't see waves like this every day, but when they show up, it's unreal to watch! The energy on the beach is something else, and I really hope you get to experience it.
And if you're here during the biggest swell of the season, you might get to see the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
When this event runs, the North Shore completely stops! Roads close, people skip work, and everyone heads to Waimea to watch it. It's one of the most exciting days of the year!
Here's the window period for The Eddie, in case it lines up with your visit.
Hot tips!
Current conditions:
- See what's happening right now at the Waimea Bay live webcam!
- Check current ocean conditions and safety alerts on Hawaii Ocean Safety and Surfline.
Year-round activities
🧗♂️ Waimea Bay bouldering: If you like rock climbing, you can climb the Waimea Bay cliffs any time of year.
Just in front of the famous jump rock, on the left side of the bay, there's a cliffside boulder about 30 ft tall.
I'm not an expert, but it looks challenging! From what I've read, the rock has a variety of routes for all skill levels, from easy V0s up to more challenging V7s.
🏐 Beach volleyball: The beach at Waimea Bay is super wide, so there's plenty of space for games any time of year.
Bring your own volleyball net and ball, or try beach tennis with friends or family.
I often see people setting up their tents and volleyball courts on the sand in front of the restrooms on weekends and holidays.
Tips for Parking
Parking at Waimea Bay is free, but it can be tricky! The lot is very small and fills up fast. Here are my top tips for finding a spot:
- Try to arrive before 7:30 AM, especially on weekends.
- If the lot is full, drop everyone and your beach gear off first, then the driver can look for parking at these nearby spots:
- Park at Waimea Valley and walk across the street (about a 5-10 minute walk).
- Just north of the bay, you can park across from the Mission of Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Three Tables Beach (about a 5-10 minute walk).
- Be careful - parking on the cliff can get you a ticket!
- During the Eddie Invitational, roads and parking may close. Park along Kam Hwy and walk down to watch the contest. We usually ride bikes that day, it's way easier, and you can rent them from North Shore Bike Rentals.
- If you'd rather skip the driving and parking, you can hire a local guide to pick you up from your hotel and take you there.
Note: Parking should be free everywhere, unless you park on private property (sometimes the church or residents open their yards for extra parking options).
Waimea Bay FAQs
Waimea Bay is on the North Shore of Oahu, near Haleiwa Town. If you're driving from Waikiki or Honolulu, it usually takes about an hour.
The quickest way is on the H1/H2 freeways, but if you have time, I love taking the scenic route along the eastern side of the island.
You'll drive past the stunning Koʻolau Mountains and then along the coast all the way to the North Shore.
It takes a little longer, around 1.5 hours depending on traffic, but the views are worth it. Plus, on the way, you can stop at two of my favorite east-side beaches, Chinaman's Hat and Crouching Lion, and grab lunch at the Kahuku food trucks (try Giovanni's Shrimp Truck!).
In winter, Waimea Bay comes alive when long-period swells over 15 feet roll in from the Pacific. On the biggest days, the waves can reach up to 50-foot faces -though surfers usually call that 25 feet because they measure from the back of the wave.
You'll see these huge waves only a few times each season, usually between December and February. The best spots to watch are from the cliff or across from the Mission of Sts. Peter and Paul Church.
When it gets any bigger, the waves close out the bay and become unsurfable. Lifeguards often close the beach on those days for safety. I've seen a few of these massive swells - they're powerful, dangerous, and can be scary for the homes along the shore!
There aren't any rentals at Waimea Bay itself, so you'll need to bring your own beach gear. You can rent snorkel gear, beach chairs, and surfboards online ahead of time and pick them up at a shop in Haleiwa Town.
Waimea Bay doesn't have lockers, so make sure to lock up any valuables in your car. The beach is generally safe, and most people leave their things on the sand when they go in the water.
Yes, you can bring your pets to Waimea Bay Beach Park! They're allowed on the beach and in the grassy areas, as long as they're on a leash.
Extra tips for your visit
- If you come to Waimea Bay, go up the Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau to see the bay from above - the view is incredible!
- Right around the corner, across from Sharks Cove, check out Pupukea Grill, a food truck I love - perfect for lunch.
- While you're on the North Shore, go shopping in Haleiwa Town for the cutest gifts!
- If you plan to stay a few nights, check out this popular vacation rental and other accommodations on the North Shore.
- Don't get sunburned! Wear a rashguard or sun shirt, and don't forget to bring some reef-safe sunscreen.
Here are a few more guides I've put together to help you plan your North Shore trip:
I hope this helps you feel more prepared (and excited!) to visit Waimea Bay. Remember to stay safe, talk to the lifeguards, and read the posted warning signs on the beach! Got questions? Drop them in the comments!
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