The azure gem of Hawaii: Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is one of the most iconic areas on O‘ahu’s North Shore. In the summer, it offers visitors a beautiful white sand beach to lounge and blue-green water to swim. During winter, it’s one of the world’s most historical surf break. Waimea is a beach that has a little bit of everything so there is little chance you’ll get bored. Swimming, snorkeling, and surfing on small waves (or watching people surf on the big waves) are amongst the most popular pastimes.
Here’s the fun part: what to do in Waimea Bay?
WAIMEA BAY SURFING
Waimea Bay’s history as a global surf destination started back in the 50s, when O‘ahu’s original big wave surfers – including the immortalized Eddie Aikau – pioneered the spot and introduced Hawaiian waves to the world. Today, Waimea Bay is considered the birthplace of big wave surfing.
WAIMEA BAY SWIMMING AND SNORKELING
While it’s rough in winter, Waimea Bay can be as calm as a swimming pool on summer days, giving swimmers a chance to enjoy the sparkling water and snorkelers the opportunity to explore the rocks surrounding both sides of the bay. It’s part of the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District, which limits the amount of fishing and protects the local aquatic life.
WAIMEA BAY CLIFF JUMPING
When the surf is calm, it’s possible to jump into the water from the rocks in the bay. This is a very popular activity for both locals and visitors, and you are more than likely to see people jumping when you visit.
How to get there
By car:
Waimea Bay is located approximately 4.5 miles northeast of Haleiwa on Kamehameha Highway. Honolulu, on the other side of the island, is a 34 mile (45 minutes without traffic) drive away.
By bus:
Waimea can be reached via public transit on Bus Route 60 from Haleiwa. Taking the bus from Waikīkī to Waimea Bay is possible, but not recommended, as it will take between two and three hours.
