Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay
4.5
About
Waimea Bay is the deepest bay on Oahu’s North Shore and the birthplace of big-wave surfing, especially in winter. Between November to February, waves reach up to 40 feet in height, challenging even the most expert surfers. Even if you're not a fan of riding the waves, watching these pro surfers in action will get your heart racing too. Otherwise, visit during summer for the soft sand, arresting seaside views, and calmer waters—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving and even cliff-jumping. The wave conditions here fluctuate quickly, so look out for the colored flags before diving in.
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- islandlovingtwosomeLake Forest, California125 contributionsDon't Miss This Wonderful BeachThis is a lovely beach with great snorkeling. It's also fun to watch the crazies lining up to jump off the giant rock. The sand is soft and deep, maybe a little too soft. Snorkel to the left of the rock and you'll be in for a treat. A good variety and many schools of fish. The only negative about this beach is the parking. The parking lot is small and always seems to have a long line of cars waiting for a spot. There's limited parking on the street, which we were lucky enough to snag the last spot. If you can find parking, you're in for a treat.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 October 2023
- guavasorbetUnited States151 contributionsPostcard perfect beach on the North ShoreWaimea Bay Beach is a must-stop while exploring the North Shore! We weren't able to spend too much time there but what a stunning beach with its tan sand and vigorous aqua waves that were more for admiring than playing in. Lifeguards were on-duty. There were restrooms and a shower station for rinsing off sand. The parking lot was slammed; we were luckily able to snag a space and upon leaving, a car immediately swooped in to take ours.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 November 2023
- Christina RDüsseldorf, Germany2,587 contributionsAmazing spot on the North Shore !!Waimea Bay Beach is a very popular, wide and clean beach on the North Shore of Oahu. It is located at the mouth of the Waimea River into the Pacific Ocean and is particularly popular with surfers in the winter months due to the high waves. This beach offers the opportunity to watch turtles in the water or jump from the cliffs into the deep water. Toilets, showers and picnic tables as well as a lifeguard are also available. Unfortunately, parking options on the beach are very limited and it is advisable to arrive early or to find nearby parking spaces, although these involve a short walk. We drove the entire North Shore with our rental car, which is no problem on the well-developed Kamehameha Highway, so you can get from one well-known surf spot to the next. Don't miss Waimea Bay Beach when you take a trip to the North Shore!!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 April 2024
- RockChalkEmOlathe, Kansas72 contributionsGorgeous BeachUnparalleled beauty at Waimea Bay! Be prepared that you may have to park a mile away from the beach toward where Waimea Falls is located, but don't let that dissuade you. There are large rock formations around the area, and one of them is used for jumping into the bay. If there has been a lot of rain recently, the stream running from the falls into the bay will bring brown water into part of the swimming area. It's a small area, so you'll be able to get gorgeous pictures still.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 July 2024
- The PunisherCharleston, South Carolina377 contributionsWhere were the waves?Went to Wiamea Bay to see the giant surfing waves, however, it was the wrong time of year. That being said, the area was absolutely gorgeous! The wildlife in the area, the smell of both fresh air and the native trees and flowers was extraordinary. This is a place where peace and solitude permeate the entire atmosphere. This is a great area to relax!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,303 reviews
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Theresa
Los Angeles, CA49 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Beautiful blue water beach and soft sand. The water and waves can get pretty big and the water gets deep pretty quickly, so definitely watch your little ones. Enjoyed watching people jump from the rock but was not brave enough to do it myself haha. Theres not much shade here so if you can, bring an umbrella or beach hat, sunnies, and def wear sunscreen! There is a bathroom with changing area and place to rinse off. Parking is terrible here! Literally it’s a u-shaped lot with maybe 30 spaces. What we did was park at Waimea Valley across the way. First lot is the best and closest to beach, but costs $20. There’s maybe 2 or 3 more lots that are cheaper at $10 if U drive down but that means further from the beach. If you’re planning to go to both Waimea Valley Falls and the beach choose something in the middle. We parked at the first lot unknowing it was the most expensive and hiked to the waterfall first, changed at the car, then walked over to the beach which took maybe less than 10 minutes from that first lot. Just be careful crossing as the cars are coming and traffic is high. Thankful for the nice locals that stop and let us pass safely.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LarsieB
Denver, Colorado, USA2,089 contributions
Aug 2021
We wanted to go to this beach our whole stay in the North Shore of O'ahu but it was so incredibly busy here during the summer that we could never get our car parked near Waimea Bay. On our very last day in O'ahu we got up early so we had our car parked by 8am. This beach is totally worth a visit. Absolutely stunning sand and water and it made us wish we had gone here every day during our stay in O'ahu. We were fortunate too to have hired snorkel, masks and fins for the week so we were able to swim with the schools of fish we kept seeing while swimming at Waimea Bay. Simply beautiful!!
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pandy D
Sydney, Australia1,560 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Waimea Bay Beach, Oahu Hawaii
Doesn’t get old, everyone has heard of Waimea Bay Beach for surfing and in music. But parking is difficult as it offers only a small car park. When full you may find a spot up the hill or in Waimea Bay Valley there are 2 or 3 properties that offer all day parking from $10-$20. If you park up the hill, you’ll need to walk down along the road to the beach car park. To get back up, if you are fit, there is a near vertical path up the cliff through the bush up to the higher roadside parking area. Otherwise there is a residential area nearby with parking on Lliohu Place, Waialua.
#WaimeaBayBeach
#NorthShoreOahu
Doesn’t get old, everyone has heard of Waimea Bay Beach for surfing and in music. But parking is difficult as it offers only a small car park. When full you may find a spot up the hill or in Waimea Bay Valley there are 2 or 3 properties that offer all day parking from $10-$20. If you park up the hill, you’ll need to walk down along the road to the beach car park. To get back up, if you are fit, there is a near vertical path up the cliff through the bush up to the higher roadside parking area. Otherwise there is a residential area nearby with parking on Lliohu Place, Waialua.
#WaimeaBayBeach
#NorthShoreOahu
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BadGrandpa
Minneapolis, MN81 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Parking sucked. Circled the lot for a good while before getting a spot. Steep walk down to the water. Lifeguards get some action here I’m betting. We had been to waikiki Beach and Lanakai Beach already. This was nothing like those beaches. Huge waves smashing on shore here. I shoulda known better than to get in the water. But I did go in and get tossed around underwater. Current and waves so strong that I lost my footing and whilst underwater, I was swooshed toward the beach, on my butt. Pretty sure I got enough sand packed into my xyz to make a big glass (stained) lamp. Maybe a pair of them…..Then, still underwater, I was pulled back out till the next wave had its way with me too. I got out of the water feeling like I just went 2 rounds with Mike Tyson in his prime. Wife was entertained as anyone else who got to enjoy the beating I took.
+++luckily our hotel had a shower with a wand. Practically had to be a contortionist and aim that thing into crevices I know that it didn’t want to spray …..and the sand is still working it’s way out a day later. Enjoy!
+++luckily our hotel had a shower with a wand. Practically had to be a contortionist and aim that thing into crevices I know that it didn’t want to spray …..and the sand is still working it’s way out a day later. Enjoy!
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chowso
Gloucester, UK1,750 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
First off, the parking lot is small, so don’t expect to get a space easily. However, if you desperately want to park within 100m of the beach you can pay $20 at The Valley across the road. Or you could walk a little and park for free further up the road in the Three Tables or Sharks Cove parking. It’s literally a 5-10 minute walk.
The beach is absolutely beautiful and on the east end, much quieter. There are steps down from the road so you don’t need to scramble over the rocks. There is a steep drop to the shore but you can stay on the level sand at the top. Toilets (not nice ones) are available near the lifeguard tower as well as showers.
The best thing about this bay is the snorkelling. It was on a par with Honolua Bay in Maui - highlights were parrotfish, Christmas wrasse and an abundance of butterflyfish. The water is really clear and there are some large rocks right by the shoreline where the fish can be seen if you don’t want to swim out. There are some strong waves but if you’re sensible you’ll be fine. The other highlight was watching a spinner dolphin pod swim round the paddle boarders and boats. We spent two days at this beach - simply gorgeous.
The beach is absolutely beautiful and on the east end, much quieter. There are steps down from the road so you don’t need to scramble over the rocks. There is a steep drop to the shore but you can stay on the level sand at the top. Toilets (not nice ones) are available near the lifeguard tower as well as showers.
The best thing about this bay is the snorkelling. It was on a par with Honolua Bay in Maui - highlights were parrotfish, Christmas wrasse and an abundance of butterflyfish. The water is really clear and there are some large rocks right by the shoreline where the fish can be seen if you don’t want to swim out. There are some strong waves but if you’re sensible you’ll be fine. The other highlight was watching a spinner dolphin pod swim round the paddle boarders and boats. We spent two days at this beach - simply gorgeous.
Written 15 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thata Portugal
Vancouver, Canada246 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu. This is definitely a must see, specially if you are looking to be in a more reserved beach where you can appreciate nature without the business of tourists. Don’t get me wrong, there will be tourists, but it’s a completely different vibe than Waikiki. Parking is very limited, you have to arrive early, or you can pay $20 to park across the street in the Waimea valley.
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa F
Mount Laurel, NJ227 contributions
Nov 2021
We were here last week in oct/early Nov. IT was NOT calm this day. Waves were extremely high and guards advised not swimming. My kids and husband went anyway and lucky they are all good swimmers. It was NUTS. I lost my shoes and I was standing at edge of water. I heard its great to jump the rock there but NO one was doing that this day. Not even locals. Way rough. Beach has great glass pieces and some shells when I was there. It was a monday and Waimea falls was closed. We did not stay long but will def. check it out again if I am ever there.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicole_chelli
New Haven, CT867 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Small parking lot and very difficult to secure a parking spot unless you arrive early. We arrived towards the late afternoon and the free parking lot was already full. Cars were already in line waiting for a spot to open up and were still waiting when we were leaving the beach. We parked about ½ mile down the road near the Waimea Falls visitor’s center and paid $10 to park there (used to be free). The beach was clean, water crystal clear. They had showers and restrooms. There was also a small cliff where visitors were taking park in cliff jumping. Others brought their own snorkel gear.
Written 4 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pdamac
Ottawa, Canada248 contributions
Dec 2021
We stopped here for a mid afternoon snack with friends. The day we initially went it wasn`t crowded as it was mid week however we tried again on a weekend and it was totally pack and people were parking up the hillside (so watch the traffic). Very nice beach and we watch dolphins breaching and playing from shore even though they were far out it was very nice to see and very unexpected.
Written 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tahiti222
Rocklin, CA8 contributions
Feb 2022
We have been coming to Hawaii for many years and always make time to come to Waimea Bay. It's absolutely beautiful here and our son loves to jump off the rock...like for hours! It is a bit of a walk through the sand to get to the rock (if that's what you want to do), so try not to bring so much stuff to carry. Friends from the mainland were visiting while we were there and their kids all had a great time. Waves are a good size (at least during the summer) to play in. Lots of snorkeling spots available, too. We usually see a sea turtle swimming around (just don't touch or bother them if you see them). We absolutely love Waimea Bay and highly recommend anyone to visit.
Written 24 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does it cost to go to Waimea Bay? Need reservations?
Written 2 September 2022
It doesn't cost anything to go to the beach at Waimea Bay. But there is limited parking spaces, so you want to get their early. If you are talking about Waimea Falls, that is inside of a botanical garden and you need pay to get in.
Written 2 September 2022
What is the difference between Waimea bay and Waimea valley?
Written 7 January 2020
Waimea Bay is the beach along the ocean Waimea Valley is inland with trees flowers and a waterfall
Written 8 January 2020
hello - was wondering where you were staying on your trip and where did you get snorkel gear? thanks! - Jerry
Written 31 August 2019
Hi Jerry.
We stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort. The snorkel gear is free for guest. You can rent snorkel gear in Pupukea. The is a small area of food trucks and rental shops.
Written 1 September 2019
Is the beach swim able the last week of February or are the waves still big?
Written 13 February 2019
It really depends. Usually it is still too risky even with small waves due to currents. If you are a very good surfer or athlete in swimming you could manage maybe. Always check to forecast/Magic Seaweed conditions. So many people have died swimming along the North Shore all the years I grew up there. Life is precious, no sense in risking it - especially if you are holidaying or visiting Paradise Hawaii!!!!!!! Have fun! Swim Waikiki instead if worried.
Written 13 February 2019
Is there a place to rent a bike nearby, park and ride the
North Shore Bike path?
Written 21 January 2019
Sorry Tuttle bay is not that close by to Waimea but they have a lot going on
I saw more pedestrians that bicycles and you definitely need to be able to lock it up when you stop
Enjoy!
Written 22 January 2019
November to March are the classic winter swells that people talk about. October is hit or miss but the 15-20 feet waves won’t show until later in the winter. You should be safe for swimming in October.
Written 4 August 2018
Does anyone know if the ladies bathrooms have outlets for hairdryers? I have some girls that would like a place to primp for evening activities after a day at the beach and hoping to save a trip back to hotel.
Written 14 March 2018
A Tripadvisor member
British Columbia, Canada
No there are no outlets.
Written 21 March 2018
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