Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big wave surfing—a thundering right-hander that only truly comes alive when swells exceed 15 feet. When it's on, the takeoff is a heart-stopping drop into a churning wall of whitewater. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held here, requiring 20ft+ consistent surf.
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Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 340°
- Size range
- 4.6m - 9.1m
- Ideal size
- 7.1m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Mixed
Max wave face
15m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
3/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access. Popular swimming beach when flat.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Nov, Mar
Only really turns on at 15ft+. Dec-Feb peak. Eddie Aikau invitational venue.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Leftovers
🤫 North Shore sleeper • World-class potential • Empty on the right day
Pupukea
🌊 Classic Hawaiian reef • Fun to demanding • Barrel potential
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Rocky Point
📸 Photographer magnet • High performance • Shifty peaks
Log Cabins
🪵 Heavier than Pipe • N swell magnet • Life-changing barrels
Gas Chambers
💀 Detonating barrels • Extremely shallow • Helmet recommended