Waimea Bay / Hawaii / United States

In the middle of Oahu’s strip of northern shore beaches is the highly famous Waimea Bay.

Though the bay is known for its sandy beaches, sand levels have fluctuated over the years. Before the 1940’s, the place was recorded to have massive levels of sand, which extended the beach another 50 yards . However, the bay has since shrunk in recent years due to the massive 20 ft swells that have appeared. Nevertheless, these epic swells are highly desirable by surfers, even though they’ve been known to kill. .

Since the 1950’s, it has been a prime location for surfers who come from all around to catch waves that have ranged from 15 to 20 ft high in the winter (December to February). When those waves die down in the summer, the bay calms itself to provide some advanced wind and kite surfers some pretty intense sailing action. Unlike most of the other northern beaches, Waimea’s beach consists of very deep water and is clear of reefs. During the summer (June to August), this deep water creates calm wave conditions that are popular to wind and kite surfers, who take advantage of the strong northwest winds.

There is a parking lot – but get to the bay early on large swell days, because it doesn’t take long for it to become crowded. Some people park as far the church and simply walk down to Waimea. There isn’t much in the way of hotel accommodations, which is why you should consider a renting a vacation home in one of the neighboring towns. One thing not to miss in Waimea is the Heiau, a volcanic stone altar located on the northeast side of the bay.

During the heavy times, Waimea Bay should only be approached by the most experienced of surfers.