Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big wave surfing—the Hawaiian wave that pioneers like Greg Noll and Eddie Aikau first conquered in the 1950s and 60s. The wave breaks over a shallow reef at the mouth of a deep bay, producing massive, wedging faces that require precise positioning and absolute commitment. The famous "Eddie Would Go" competition (Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational) is held here when waves reach 40+ feet. This is where big wave surfing began.