This legendary surf break has a gentler side
Surfers know the name. Waimea Bay is one of the planet’s premier big-wave destinations. When winter swells roll in, the best riders in the world converge on the beach to challenge swells that rise up and break in 30-foot walls of cascading whitewater. It’s not for the fainthearted.
Summer reveals a very different side of this site, as when seasonal weather patterns shift, the waves subside and waters become calm, clear and inviting. Waimea Bay Beach Park offers wide expanses of sand for sunbathing, with parking and restrooms nearby.
Rock formations at the southern end of the beach attract snorkelers with the promise of colorful tropical fish, turtle sightings and the possibility of a visit from a pod of spinner dolphin. The parking lot fills up quickly on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. For a break from sun and sand, visitors can explore the nearby botanical gardens at Waimea Valley.
