Waimea Bay is one of the world’s best-known surfing beaches. During
the winter the waves often times reach heights of 25 feet and more –
a fact that make this beach the home of popular surfing
competitions. Before you get into the water, obey all signs and
warnings on the beach because there is strong rip current running
out at the center of the bay that can be treacherous.
When the surf is of twenty or more feet, even the inshore break is
big (it could reach 12 feet), so use extreme caution if you want to
get into the water during the winter. The beach is a challenge even
for the most experienced surfers. The currents and the waves are so
strong that they can be deadly for non-experienced surfers. If in
doubt, don’t get into the water, or ask the lifeguards for their
opinion.
During the summer months the waves calm down and the beach becomes a
popular swimming, snorkeling and fishing destination. But even
during the summer, you should be very careful while in the water
because strong currents may occur in the bay. There are all kinds
facilities on the beach to spend a perfect day – restrooms, showers,
picnic tables and parking.
Waimea Bay Beach Park in Bullet Points
One of the best surfing beaches in the world
Huge waves in the winter - 25 feet and more
Obey all signs and warnings
Big inshore break
Strong rip current
A challenging beach even for experienced surfers
Calm waves during the summer
Popular snorkeling, swimming and fishing destination
Head southeast on Kalakaua Avenue toward Kaiulani Avenue. Turn
left at Kapahulu Avenue and go for 1.5 miles. Slight left to stay on
Kapahulu Avenue and go for 255 feet. Slight left at Waialae Avenue
and go for 0.3 miles. Take the ramp onto Highway H1 West and go for
5.3 miles. Continue on H-78 W/H201 W (signs for H201 W/Fort
Shafter/Aiea) and go for 4.1 miles. Take the exit onto H1 W toward
Pearl City and go for 4.7 miles. Take exit 8A to merge onto H2 N
toward Mililani/Wahiawa and go for 7.9 miles. Take exit 8 toward
Wahiawa and go for 0.3 miles. Merge onto S. Kamehameha Highway and
go for 8.5 miles. Continue on Joseph P. Leong Highway and go for 1.9
miles. Slight right at Kamehameha Highway. Waimea Bay is to your
left. There is a large parking lot area.
One of the best beaches. Great place to be snorkling and chasing sharks. Amazing how many sharks are right under the people swimming and they dont even know it. Tunnel goes through the jump off rock. Dont stop on your way through, people behind you may run out of air. LOL.
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List of Oahu Beaches
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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Hawaii travel and
vacation guide, including sightseeing tips
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Lanai.
Great place to be snorkling and chasing sharks.
Amazing how many sharks are right under the people swimming and they dont even know it.
Tunnel goes through the jump off rock. Dont stop on your way through, people behind you may run out of air. LOL.