NORTH SHORE – WAIMEA BAY

Oʻahu’s North Shore is one of the world’s most famous surf destinations.

Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach are two of its signature stops, with wide sandy beaches, dramatic waves and a completely different atmosphere from Waikīkī. In winter, huge swells attract expert surfers; in summer, conditions are generally much calmer.

🌊 EXPLORER TIP
Make this a full North Shore road-trip day.
Combine Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach with Haleʻiwa, food trucks and other coastal stops.

⏱️ GOOD TO KNOW
• Time needed: Half day to full day
• Drive from Waikīkī: Around 1–1.25 hours
• Best for: Beaches, surfing, scenery & road trips
• Big-wave season: Roughly November–February
• Calmer conditions: Usually May–September
• Waimea Bay: Parking, restrooms, showers & lifeguards
• Sunset Beach: Parking, restrooms, showers & lifeguards
• Always check ocean conditions before swimming

✅ WHY GO
• Legendary surf coastline
• Beautiful wide beaches
• See some of Oʻahu’s biggest waves in winter
• Great road-trip scenery
• Easy to combine with Haleʻiwa

💡 FUN FACTS
• Waimea Bay became famous for big-wave surfing in the 1950s
• Sunset Beach is considered one of the world’s longest stretches of rideable surf
• North Shore waves can reach around 30 ft or more during major winter swells 

📍 LOCATION
Waimea Bay Beach Park
North Shore, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi