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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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Waimea Bay?
Waimea Bay works best on a mid to high tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Waimea Bay?
Offshore wind at Waimea Bay blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 90° to 160° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Waimea Bay?
Waimea Bay wants NW swell (300° to 340°) between 4.6m and 9.1m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Waimea Bay?
The main season at Waimea Bay is Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Nov, Mar. Only really turns on at 15ft+. Dec-Feb peak. Eddie Aikau invitational venue.
How do I get to Waimea Bay?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 50 minutes by road. Beach access. Popular swimming beach when flat.
What kind of wave is Waimea Bay?
Waimea Bay is a big wave break, a right-hander over a mixed bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Nov, Mar
Only really turns on at 15ft+. Dec-Feb peak. Eddie Aikau invitational venue.
Getting There
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