Waimea Bay Beach Park
Haleiwa, HI
A wide bay on the North Shore, calm for swimming in summer and home to huge surf in winter. The car park is small and fills quickly; do not enter the water when the waves are big.
Waimea Bay is a wide bay on the North Shore of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, near Haleiwa, and according to Lonely Planet the most popular beach on the North Shore. It changes dramatically through the year: in summer the water is calm, "flat as a lake", and swimming and snorkeling are considered safe only from about June to September, sometimes into October. In winter big waves roll in, which Fodor's puts at 25 to 30 feet (roughly 8 to 9 m), along with strong rip currents. For beginners the water is off limits then.
The bay is known for big-wave surfing. The Eddie Aikau event takes place between December and February, in honor of the lifeguard Eddie Aikau, and only when the waves are high enough. A lifeguard is on duty every day, and there are showers, restrooms and picnic tables.
Parking: the lot is small and often full. Do not park along the highway, where cars are frequently towed; on weekends Waimea Valley across the road charges fees. Jumping from the big rock at the south end is officially prohibited.
- Nearest town
- Haleiwa, HI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 21.6406, -158.0650
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kaiaka Bay Beach CampsiteCampsite5 mi from Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Malaekahana Beach CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Camp MokuleiaCampsite9 mi from Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Kahana campgroundCampsite13 mi from Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Kalaeloa Beach ParkCampsite23 mi from Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Ke'ehi Lagoon MemorialCampsite24 mi from Waimea Bay Beach Park
All campsites in Hawaii · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Waimea Bay Beach Park?
Waimea Bay Beach Park is in Haleiwa, HI, at GPS 21.6406, -158.0650. It is about 27 mi from Honolulu.
Can you camp near Waimea Bay Beach Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kaiaka Bay Beach Campsite, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Waimea Bay Beach Park?
Waimea Bay Beach Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oʻahu circle: Diamond Head to the North Shore.
What is there to see near Waimea Bay Beach Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kualoa Regional Park (17 mi), Pearl Harbor National Memorial (21 mi), ʻIolani Palace (27 mi) and Diamond Head State Monument (31 mi).
When is the best time to visit Waimea Bay Beach Park?
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)