- Waimea Bay & Beach on the North Shore - O‘ahu, Hawaii -
Waimea Bay is located in Haleiwa on the North Shore of O‘ahu in the Hawaiian Islands at the mouth of the Waimea River. Waimea Valley extends behind Waimea Bay. Waimea means "Red Water" in Hawaiian.
Captain Clerke aboard HMS Resolution stopped at Waimea Bay on 28 February 1779. Clerke had shortly before taken command of the ship after Capt. James Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay on 14 February. They were the first Europeans to visit O‘ahu and they described the Waimea Valley as lush and picturesque. Waimea Bay was the only O‘ahu anchorage visited by the expedition. Waimea Valley was densely populated at the time, and the remains of a Pu‘u o Mahuka, an important heiau (Hawaiian temple) can still be seen above the bay.
In winter, Waimea and other North Shore locations such as Pipeline and Sunset Beach host a number of surfing contests because of the large waves found here. These waves are created by winter storms in the North Pacific, and their arrival on O‘ahu's North Shore are typically forecast accurately several days in advance. In summer, Waimea typically has clear and calm water.
The surf break at Waimea Bay was significant in the development of Big wave surfing. Larger surf at the bay went unridden for years until November 7, 1957 when a handful of surfers finally paddled out and rode the giant waves that break off the northern point of the bay. While the surf only breaks big several times a year, Waimea was the most prestigious big wave surf break in the world for decades. With the advent of tow-in surfing, more and more big wave breaks have been discovered that are far superior in quality than Waimea. However, the bay still holds a significant place even in today's world of big wave surfing.
The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau takes place in this point to honour the legendary surfer and the first lifeguard of the North Shore of Oahu. Since its inception in 1984, the tournament has only been held seven times, due to a precondition that there be waves at least 20 feet high at Waimea Bay. The most recent tournament was in December 2004, when waves in the bay reached 30 to 50 feet high.
On January 28 1998, Hawaii issued its first ever "condition black" legally closing all North Shore beaches including Waimea bay. The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau was canceled due to above average behemoth surf.
Places to visit in and around Waimea Bay on the North Shore
Waimea Beach — is near the town of Hale‘iwa. During the summer months the water of this "Reddish" bay is calm and great for swimming with a large sandy beach area. But watch out during the winter months when the waves can reach heights of thirty feet. This is the home of the largest, most dangerous and spectacular surf in the world.
Waimea Beach offers views of beautiful turquoise waters of Waimea Bay. The shoreline of Waimea Bay is a broad white sand beach approximately 1,500 feet long and 150 feet wide. The width of the beach varies seasonally. Sand moves to the east end during the winter and to the west end during the summer. During the summer it is an ideal place for sunbathing, picnicking, swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.
There is 30-foot rock off the shoreline, (pictured left), that local thrill seekers dive from. Some locals believe it is bad luck to climb up on the rock and not jump. The calm water and serene beach are transformed each winter when high surf arrives. The rock can no longer be seen when waves as tall as 30 feet crash to the shore. In addition, high surf produces a powerful, pounding shore break that itself may reach heights of ten feet or greater. The high surf season normally occurs during the winter months, approximately October to February. This can prove dangerous for even the experienced ocean swimmer.
Waimea Bay is also a popular spot for photographers. They capture the skill and boldness of world renowned professional surfers. The summer, from May to September brings tranquility back to the North Shore again with gentle waves lapping the shoreline. Whether it ’s just stopping by to watch the surfers and the winter waves or spending the entire day playing in the surf and the sand of summer, Waimea Bay Beach Park is a spectacular place to visit.
Cautions: Visitors are highly recommended to check with the lifeguards and read warning signs on the beach and be cautious around the waterline. Do not enter when the swells are large as the water is fast and deadly. There is a strong riptide current running out at the center of the bay. Obey all postings and warnings.
Waimea Falls — is located in the beautiful 1,800-acre Waimea Falls Park. It is located slightly inland in tropical forest of Waimea Valley. The lush valley was once populated by Hawaiians before European arrival and was a rich farming area with terraced taro plantations. Archaeological excavations have unveiled many house foundations and several large heiau or sacred temples. Some of the sites have been excavated and restored with storyboard displays explaining their significance. In ancient times, the Hawaiians believed that Waimea had healing powers and they would bring their wounded soldiers to the waterfall and lay them in the water for healing. The water has a reddish tint due to the iron oxide found in the volcanic soil that flows down from the mountains by the Waimea River.
Captain Clerke aboard HMS Resolution stopped at Waimea Bay on 28 February 1779. Clerke had shortly before taken command of the ship after Capt. James Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay on 14 February. They were the first Europeans to visit O‘ahu and they described the Waimea Valley as lush and picturesque. Waimea Bay was the only O‘ahu anchorage visited by the expedition. Waimea Valley was densely populated at the time, and the remains of a Pu‘u o Mahuka, an important heiau (Hawaiian temple) can still be seen above the bay.
Waimea Beach — is near the town of Hale‘iwa. During the summer months the water of this "Reddish" bay is calm and great for swimming with a large sandy beach area. But watch out during the winter months when the waves can reach heights of thirty feet. This is the home of the largest, most dangerous and spectacular surf in the world.
There is 30-foot rock off the shoreline, (pictured left), that local thrill seekers dive from. Some locals believe it is bad luck to climb up on the rock and not jump. The calm water and serene beach are transformed each winter when high surf arrives. The rock can no longer be seen when waves as tall as 30 feet crash to the shore. In addition, high surf produces a powerful, pounding shore break that itself may reach heights of ten feet or greater. The high surf season normally occurs during the winter months, approximately October to February. This can prove dangerous for even the experienced ocean swimmer.
Waimea Falls — is located in the beautiful 1,800-acre Waimea Falls Park. It is located slightly inland in tropical forest of Waimea Valley. The lush valley was once populated by Hawaiians before European arrival and was a rich farming area with terraced taro plantations. Archaeological excavations have unveiled many house foundations and several large heiau or sacred temples. Some of the sites have been excavated and restored with storyboard displays explaining their significance. In ancient times, the Hawaiians believed that Waimea had healing powers and they would bring their wounded soldiers to the waterfall and lay them in the water for healing. The water has a reddish tint due to the iron oxide found in the volcanic soil that flows down from the mountains by the Waimea River.