Waimea Bay is the quintessential North Shore destination. This famous Oahu beach holds a special place for our family. It is one of the first beaches on the North Shore we visited shortly after moving here.
In the winter it is one of the best places to watch the waves and appreciate the great forces of nature that they are. Surfers flock to the area to catch their dream wave. The ground literally shakes when the wave crashes. That being said it is not an ideal place for little ones to play in the water during those months.
Life guards will remind you of this often when conditions are rough.
However, in the summer, this bay is as calm as a lake and offers some great swimming.
There is no shade and the beach does have a steep slope, so Dads will get there workout hauling the gear to the beach.
At the far left end of the beach you will often see some local boys testing there bravery as they jump off a large rock into the ocean below. The 30 foot drop is exhilarating but better left to those with experience around the fickle rocks.
There are bathroom facilities with a changing area and outdoor showers. Vendors frequently sell snacks and drinks but beware of there steep prices.
Parking here can be a bit tough. Think of the mall at Christmas time and stalking is a must, but it is worth the battle.