Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore is more than just another stunning Hawaiian beach (though it is worth a pic, or two). The legendary spot essentially created big wave surfing back in the 1950s when a small group of fearless surfers first tackled its massive winter swells. Today it hosts surfing’s most prestigious contest, “The Eddie,” where elite surfers take on waves that can reach heights of 40 feet. But only when conditions are absolutely perfect.
History and significance
Long before Instagram-worthy surf shots and GoPro footage, Waimea Bay was already making waves in surfing history. In November 1957, a group of California surfers including Greg Noll, Pat Curren, and Mike Stange arrived at this North Shore break and changed big wave surfing forever.
While locals had likely surfed these waves before, this marked the first documented session of riding waves over 20 feet and established Waimea as the original big wave surfing spot.
The bay quickly became a testing ground for surfing’s most daring pioneers. Throughout the 1960s, surfers like Peter Cole, Fred Van Dyke, and Buffalo Keaulana pushed the boundaries of what was possible in giant surf.
Waimea represented a direct connection to ancient Hawaiian surfing culture, where chiefs would demonstrate their mastery over the ocean by taking on the biggest swells.
The birth of The Eddie
What started as a memorial surf contest has grown into one of surfing’s most prestigious and respected events. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational was first held in 1984, honoring the legendary Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer who disappeared at sea while trying to save his fellow crew members of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa in 1978.
The spirit of Eddie
The competition bears Eddie Aikau’s name not just because he was an extraordinary surfer, but because he embodied the true spirit of aloha. As Waimea Bay’s first lifeguard, Eddie never lost a life on his watch and made over 500 rescues. His motto, “Eddie would go,” became a symbol of courage and selfless commitment to helping others.
The 20-foot rule
What makes The Eddie truly special is its strict wave-face requirement of 20 feet (Hawaiian scale, equivalent to 40-foot faces). This requirement is so stringent that the competition has only run nine times since its inception. When the waves aren’t big enough, the event simply doesn’t happen – a testament to its commitment to honoring Eddie’s legacy with only the most challenging conditions.
Champions of The Eddie
Each time The Eddie runs, it creates surfing history. John John Florence became the youngest winner at age 23 in 2016, while Bruce Irons claimed an emotional victory in 2004 riding waves that seemed impossibly large. In 2023, Luke Shepardson, a North Shore lifeguard like Eddie himself, won the event while taking breaks from his lifeguard duties to compete.
Winter waves and summer serenity
So, when is the best time to catch some surf at Waimea Bay? There’s something for everyone, no matter what time of the year you visit.
Winter’s wild side
From November to April, Waimea Bay turns into a big wave amphitheater. Massive north swells can send waves crashing into the bay that reach heights of 30-plus feet. On these days, only the most experienced surfers dare to enter the water, while crowds gather on the beach and cliffs to witness nature’s awesome display.
Summer’s gentle embrace
Come summer (May to October), Waimea becomes almost unrecognizable. The same bay that produces monster waves turns into a peaceful swimming and snorkeling paradise. Crystal-clear waters reveal abundant marine life, and the famous “jump rock” on the bay’s north side becomes a popular spot for cliff jumping into the calm waters below.
When are the best times to visit?
The sweet spot for visiting depends on what you want to experience. Big wave enthusiasts should plan trips between December and February when large swells are most likely. For swimming and snorkeling, July through September offers the calmest conditions and best visibility.
Getting there and staying safe
Located approximately 45 minutes from Honolulu, Waimea Bay is easily accessible via the Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83). The bay is part of the famous “Seven Mile Miracle” of the North Shore, situated between Haleiwa and Pipeline.
Parking and amenities
The main parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during big swells. Arrive early to secure a spot, or be prepared to park along the highway. The beach park offers restrooms, showers, and lifeguard towers, though facilities are basic compared to more developed beaches.
Safety first
Never underestimate the power of Waimea’s waves. Even during summer, sudden shore break can be dangerous. Always check with lifeguards about conditions and pay attention to warning signs. During big swells, stay well back from the shoreline as waves can surge unexpectedly far up the beach.
Prime viewing spots
For watching big wave surfing, the beach itself offers excellent views, but the cliffs on either side of the bay provide spectacular vantage points. The north point near the jump rock is particularly popular during The Eddie, though it can get crowded.
Cultural significance
The story of Waimea Bay is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian culture. Ancient Hawaiians considered the bay a sacred place, where the art of he’e nalu (wave sliding) was practiced not just as a sport, but as a spiritual connection to the ocean. The name “Waimea” itself means “reddish water,” referring to the erosion of red soil that once tinted the bay during heavy rains.
Eddie Aikau’s legacy extends far beyond surfing. He represented a bridge between traditional Hawaiian waterman culture and modern surf culture, showing how ancient values of courage, respect for the ocean, and helping others remain relevant today. His story has inspired countless others to become lifeguards and ocean safety professionals, while The Eddie competition reminds us that some things – like respect for the ocean and its power – are worth waiting for.
The endless set
Like the waves that roll into its legendary bay, Waimea’s significance to surfing culture continues to build and grow. It remains a place where the old and new Hawaii meet, where ancient traditions blend with modern athletic achievement, and where the ocean commands respect from everyone who visits its shores, whether they’re a professional surfer or a casual beachgoer. At Waimea, every day brings the possibility of witnessing something extraordinary.
