Hawaii • North ShoreBuoy: 51201

Waimea Bay

Junky

Wave Height

3-5

ft

Swell

~8s

S

Wind

14mph

Sideshore (ENE)

Water

80°

Boardshorts

Rising• High in 5h 49m

Updated: 8/28/2026, 5:42:28 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Tomorrow
H2:22am2.1ft
L8:56am0.2ft
H2:47pm1.5ft
L8:30pm0.3ft
Sun, Aug 30
H2:50am1.9ft
L9:19am0.2ft
H3:29pm1.6ft
L9:20pm0.5ft
Mon, Aug 31
H3:17am1.7ft
L9:42am0.1ft
H4:17pm1.7ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big-wave surfing, the place where Greg Noll and a generation of California transplants first proved that 30-foot waves could be ridden. The bay funnels and focuses North Pacific swell into towering, triangular peaks that break with apocalyptic force. Below 10 feet, Waimea is a calm, beautiful swimming bay. Above 15 feet, it becomes one of the most dangerous waves on the planet. The Eddie Aikau big-wave invitational, held only when waves reach 40+ feet, is surfing's most prestigious event.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Waimea Bay?

The current water temperature at Waimea Bay is 80°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Waimea Bay today?

Waimea Bay currently has waves around 3-5ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Waimea Bay?

Today's high tide at Waimea Bay is at 9:54 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Waimea Bay?

Today's low tide at Waimea Bay is at 4:34 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Waimea Bay?

Waimea Bay works best with swells from the N, NNW, NW and S, SE, E winds (offshore). The ideal tide is all tides.

Is Waimea Bay good for beginners?

Waimea Bay is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.

This Week's Outlook

Tuesday morning looks cleanest with 4-5ft waves on 8-second intervals and light winds dropping to 9mph by afternoon. The swell's got some shape to it, tide's working in your favor at the low, and the cross-shore winds won't trash it like they have been.

Updated 8/28/2026, 6:28:12 PM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break
BottomSand and Rock
Skill LevelExpert Only
CrowdHeavy
Best TideAll Tides
Best SwellN, NNW, NW
Best WindS, SE, E
ParkingWaimea Bay Beach Park lot, fills early on big days

Local Tip

Only breaks well above 15 feet. If the bay is closing out, the shorebreak alone can break bones.