Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Bay is the home of big wave riding in Hawaii. The waves here are not perfect but provide an elevator drop into a speeding wall as an avalanche of white water chases behind you. The wave really spikes up violently from deep water and is well known for being more powerful than it looks. The entrance is straightforward, but the shore break on the beach can be gnarly, time it right and you’ll be fine. This spot isn’t the biggest or best big wave spot in Hawaii, but it might be the most important. The waves break over a coral reef for up to 200 meters.
What are the best surfing conditions for Waimea Bay?
Gets good between double overhead and around 30 feet. A gun is the only board to ride here when it’s on. This break is suitable for advanced surfers only. The surf here does not break often (3/10) and will get ridiculously crowded when it’s breaking (9/10). The best winds are from the East or Southeast. The best swells are from the Northwest. Works on a mid-tide best.
We recommend wearing board shorts or a bikini year-round. Water temperatures range between 27 and 24. See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
