Waimea Bay Beach Park

Waimea Bay Beach Park, at 61-031 Kamehameha Highway near Haleiwa, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, is one of the island's most famous beaches, about 33 miles northwest of Waikiki. The bay is a deep, horseshoe-shaped cove with a wide arc of golden sand and clear blue-green water. In summer, from roughly May to September, the bay is typically calm, with flat water that resembles a lake, and it is one of the best swimming and snorkeling spots on the North Shore. In winter, the same bay becomes one of the world's best-known big-wave surf breaks, with swells that can reach 30 feet or more, producing a powerful shore break and dangerous currents. Lifeguards close the beach on the biggest days, and swimming in winter is hazardous. At the north end of the bay, a large rock known as the jumping rock is a local tradition for cliff jumping in calm summer conditions, though jumping carries injury risk. The park is also a site of cultural significance, and the nearby valley holds Hawaiian heritage sites. The atmosphere is lively and social: families, swimmers, snorkelers, rock jumpers and, in winter, crowds of spectators. Amenities include lifeguards, restrooms and showers, a large sandy beach, and a free parking lot that fills early, especially in summer and during big winter swells. Food trucks and shops lie along Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa and Pupukea, a short drive away, and the roadside stands are popular for shrimp plates and shave ice. Access is by car along Route 83, and TheBus service is available but slow. Arrive early for parking and a spot on the sand.