Waimea Bay, North Shore

Photo #1 of 2 . Swipe for more photos. Waimea Bay Beach Park Name: Waimea Bay What: Legendary surf spot influential in the birth of big wave surfing Where: Oahu's North Shore More Info: Parking lot, restroom, showers, picnic areas, lifeguards Photo copyright Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson.

Overview

"Located on the legendary North Shore, Waimea Bay was an influential surf spot during the dawn of big wave surfing in the 1950's. Adventurous surfers began to challenge the powerful winter waves of Waimea (as well as Makaha Beach on the west side) giving birth to the big wave-riding phenomenon.

Big wave season hits Hawaii from November through February attracting the best men and women surfers in the world. Waimea Bay, along with other famous spots including Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), Sunset Beach and Haleiwa Beach host world-renowned surf competitions. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, known as the Super Bowl of Surfing, happens every year between November and December on Oahu.

Waimea Bay is also home to the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau surf competition. Honoring legendary Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau, this special contest only happens during massive swells when "The Bay calls the day." The sport's elite surfers are called between December and February to surf Waimea when the waves are at a minimum of 20-feet high (30-foot face heights). In the last 24 years, the call for this epic competition has only been made eight times.

Beyond the surf, Waimea Bay is a beautiful North Shore Beach with wide stretches of sand to sunbathe and picnic. During the summer, the waves of Waimea actually subside making the waters suitable for swimming. A rock outcropping in the bay is a popular spot for locals to climb and jump off of, but this can be dangerous and is not advised. Also please heed all postings and lifeguard warnings. Leave the dangerous big waves of Waimea to the pros.

Nearby you can also explore Waimea Valley, a botanical garden and cultural attraction that is home to beautiful Waimea Falls. And after the beach, a trip to Haleiwa for a cool shave ice will hit the spot. There is a parking lot at Waimea Bay, but parking is limited since this is one of the more popular beaches on the North Shore."

-Information gathered from www.gohawaii.com/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/north-shore/waimea-bay