pronounced wai-MEH-ah
Iconic north shore bay — a glassy family swim spot in summer, a closed-out big-wave arena in winter.
NWS forecast for this exact lat/lon — forecasts can change, re-check before you go.
61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712
Waimea Bay is a tale of two seasons. From roughly May through September the bay is glass-flat and one of the best big-beach family pools in Hawaiʻi — wide sand, gentle entry, deep water for older kids to jump from the famous rock. From October through April, this is a big-wave coast and the entire shorebreak is unsafe for kids. Always check before driving up.
Summer-only family pick. Check north-shore forecast before you drive — if surf is over 4 feet on the buoy, skip it. Once there, the bay is wide and beautiful. Older kids will want to do the rock jump; assess the depth on the day.
Lifeguarded. Always defer to the flag system here. The bay can switch from calm to dangerous within hours during transitional seasons (April, October).
This beach sits in the Tsunami Evacuation Zone per Hawai‘i Statewide GIS. If sirens sound or shaking is felt, move inland and uphill immediately. Hawai‘i Emergency Management →
Free lot fills early on weekends. Overflow along the highway. In winter big-surf days the lot can be impossible — locals show up at dawn.
Public restrooms at the parking lot.
Limited at the beach; some shade at the parking area. Bring an umbrella.
Summer (May-September) only for swimming. Winter for surf-watching from the bluff above (NEVER from the water).
Accessibility: Paved access from parking; sand has a small slope down.
Sheltered north-shore beach park next to Haleʻiwa Harbor — calm even in winter, when most north-shore beaches are unswimmable.
Pipeline. Watch in winter, swim only on summer's gentlest days — not a primary family pick.
Long open north-shore beach — wide summer-calm sand, winter big-surf venue, dramatic sunsets.