Surf spot

Waimea Bay

Forecast conditions and map view for Waimea Bay in USA, Hawaii, Oahu. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: USA, Hawaii, Oahu
Coordinates: 21.6418, -158.0630

Metric
Metric	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00
Wave height (m)	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.4	0.5	0.8	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.4	0.5	0.5
Wave direction	S	SSE	SSE	S	SSE	SSE	NNE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NE	NE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	SW	SSW	NNE	SW	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
Wave period (s)	7.6	7.7	7.9	9.2	8	8.1	6.4	6.8	6.3	6.7	6.8	7.1	7.4	7.3	7.3	7.2	6.8	7.2	7.2	7.3	7.7	7.5	7.5	7.2	6.9	6	6.6	7.3	7.3	7	7	7	6.9	6.7	6.5	6.3	6.7	7.3	8	8.1	6.7	6.6	6.6	8.1	12.2	11.4	6.5	11.6	11.1	11.2	10.8	10.8	10.8	13.6	13.5	12.8
Wave energy (kJ)	60	58	54	56	52	44	36	55	48	55	57	61	67	68	72	73	67	72	69	65	57	56	54	50	49	35	29	32	36	31	31	29	30	30	28	31	28	31	40	32	24	29	29	28	39	55	49	62	62	62	64	67	67	72	77	81
Wind speed (km/h)	17.3	16.2	16.6	19.5	19	17.4	15.4	14.6	11.2	11.2	12.3	14.6	15.3	14.8	13.8	12.6	11.2	9.7	14.1	16.4	18.5	15	13.8	16.4	14.3	14.6	14.8	17.9	20.3	19.7	14.2	15	11.5	9.9	12.6	18.2	19.9	19.7	18	18.4	20	19.2	21.5	24.1	23.5	23.1	21.9	22.6	23.1	21	21.1	25.3	25.1	24.4	25	25.1
Wind direction	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENECross-off	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENECross-off	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore

Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, known for its powerful winter waves and deep big-wave surfing history. In peak season, especially from roughly November to February, it can produce massive, heavy surf that attracts elite big-wave surfers and spectators alike.

Surf characteristics

Wave type: Powerful reef/breaking bay wave with big, hollow sections on large swells
Best conditions: Very large north and northwest swells, offshore winds, and winter storm systems
Skill level: Advanced to expert only when surf is running big; it can be dangerous and unforgiving
Wave quality: When it’s on, the waves are world-class, with long walls and dramatic drops

What makes it special

Big-wave mecca: Waimea Bay is historically one of the original big-wave proving grounds
Seasonal drama: The bay can look calm and inviting in summer, then transform into a heavy, intimidating surf arena in winter
Spectator-friendly: The beach and cliffs offer great viewing when conditions are large

Hazards

Strong currents and shorebreak
Shallow reef and powerful impacts
Large crowds when the swell is up
Surfing should only be attempted by highly experienced big-wave surfers

Local note

Waimea Bay is not a beginner spot. On smaller days it may be swimable and scenic, but when the winter swell arrives, it becomes one of the most intense surf breaks in Hawaii.