A sea where you can enjoy astonishing clarity and massively powerful big waves: Waimea Beach.
If someone asks me which beach to recommend on Oahu’s North Shore, this is the beach I answer first.
In the summer season, it’s a stunning beach with what you could call the best water clarity in Hawaii, perfect for relaxing on its wide shore, napping, or swimming!
Despite being such a beautiful beach, it has a delightful off-the-beaten-path feel because it’s not very well known among Japanese tourists. (laughs)
On the other hand, in winter you can sometimes see enormous waves easily exceeding 10 meters—waves you would rarely encounter in Japan.
It’s a fantastic beach you can enjoy no matter what season you visit.
Snorkeling at Waimea Beach in Summer
If you visit during the summer season (May–September), be sure to try snorkeling!
The water clarity is outstanding—you can see the bottom no matter how far out you go.
The bay is flanked by rocky areas on both sides, so you can often see fish there.
With luck, you might encounter schools of fish (fish balls), sea turtles, or even dolphins.
If snorkeling tires you out, it’s the kind of beach where you’ll want to lay out a beach mat and simply laze around. (laughs)
However, there are very few shaded spots on the beach, so be sure to take proper sun protection measures.
The Cliff for Jumping at Waimea Beach
On the west side of the beach there is a large cliff about 8–10 meters high from which people jump into the sea.
Jumping is technically prohibited, but so many people do it that lifeguards often turn a blind eye. (laughs)
It’s one of the ways people enjoy Waimea Beach.
There’s even a crowd that gathers to watch the brave jumpers!
Note that the water pressure on impact is stronger than you might expect, so be careful not to hit your stomach or back.
Always jump feet-first and vertically, keep your mouth closed, and do not wear life jackets or snorkeling gear when jumping.
Watching Surfers at Waimea Beach in Winter
Around October, the beginning of the winter season, the waves gradually grow larger, and until around April there are many days when entering the water is not possible.
When the waves swell, world surfing contests are held at various North Shore beaches, so be sure to take time to watch the surfers!
At Waimea Beach, when waves over 40 feet (12 meters) roll in, the “Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau” event is held.
Actually, Waimea Beach is the place on the North Shore where the waves get the highest.
The event is held only once every few years and only 30 invited surfers can participate, making it one of Hawaii’s most popular surfing events.
The Postcard Viewpoint at Waimea Beach
The most beautiful vantage point for viewing Waimea Beach is from the hill further inland beyond the cliff, not from the jumping rock.
It’s a view familiar from postcards, but you actually can’t access it from the beach!
If you want to take a photo from the same angle as the postcard, you need to walk about five minutes along a mountain path from a completely different spot.
There are hardly any people there, so if you have time, enjoy having this beautiful view all to yourself.
Basic Information for Waimea Beach
| Name | Waimea Beach |
| Address | 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 5:00 – 22:00 |
| Closed | None |
| Duration | About 15 minutes or more |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Website | None |
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