Waimea Bay Beach Park, Oahu

Oahu's top surfing beach

Waimea Bay Beach Park, located off of Kamehameha Highway on Oahu’s North Shore, is home to one of the most famous, thrilling and dangerous surfing locations in the world. During the winters, the term “surf’s up” takes on unprecedented meaning, in which the ocean churns with monstrous 30-foot-high waves and a strong rip current that runs through the center of the bay. Under these conditions, even just the inshore break is incredible, with waves as high as 12 feet pounding the Waimea shore.

Even the most expert of riders need to exercise serious caution during this time, and inexperienced swimmers and surfers are strongly advised to abstain from entering the waters at all. Lifeguards are regularly on duty to handle any questions or emergencies that arise, and beachgoers should be sure to obey all signs and warnings. With such epic water conditions, it should be no surprise that Waimea Bay Beach Park hosts various international surfing competitions and has been featured in various surf action films.

In the summer months, the waves settle down, and the shore, after months of constant erosion, reveals itself in lovely red and brown hues (“Waimea” in Hawaiian means “reddish”). During this time, Waimea Bay takes on a much friendlier face, drawing in all types of visitors, including families with children. At the end of the bay, local children can often be seen climbing up a large rock and jumping into the bay. Swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding and fishing are popular here, and ample amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, free parking and freshwater fountains make the park an ideal location for a picnic.