North Shore Oahu Beaches

The beaches that grace the northern shores of the island of Oahu have become known as the best for surfing in the northern hemisphere winters.  Accordingly, there is plenty of north shore Oahu real estate that looks out onto the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.  Waimea Bay is just one of several popular beaches and surf hotspots. Located in Haleiwa, the bay is located at the mouth of the Waimea River and was actually first visited by foreigners in 1779 when Captain Clerke and the HMS Resolution stopped in the bay.

Historically, this was the only Oahu anchorage by the expedition following the death of James Cook a few days prior at Kealakekua Bay.  An important ancient Hawaiian temple still overlooks the bay.  Today, however, Waimea Bay is a popular place for tanning and bodysurfing in the summer months and a raging surf spot in the winter.  The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau is held annually at the bay and only takes place when waves are at least twenty feet high.  The 2004 tournament featured the largest waves, with some reaching thirty, forty, and even fifty feet in height.  A lot of popular surf photography also takes place at Waimea Bay.