It’s hard to imagine that the flat bay on the North Shore of Oahu was just a few months ago home to heavy shorebreak and XL waves. This is where I come to train for the winters in the summer. It’s a long stretch of beach with rocks and a lush green valley backdrop. Sometimes you can find rocks for in water strength and endurance training. Other times it’s just a great place to take a dip while watching the sunset. One of my favorite ways to do so is in water with my camera.

Not only is this the place i’ve taken shots for the ocean art shop, it’s also where you can find yourself alongside turtles.

I love how turtles show up when you least expect it. Here’s a video of Neke snorkeling the bay with an unexpected guest joining in.

Here are a few tips for going to Waimea:

Choose your activities seasonally — watch the surf in the winter and swim or snorkel in the summer.

Come early for parking — there’s a relatively small parking lot compared to the influx of bay visitors. I’d recommend coming early and alternatively parking on the roadside spots if exiting the bay to the right. Another parking option is by Three Tables so if you head towards Sharks Cove and Foodland, it’s a bit of a walk if you carry lots of stuff but only a few minutes away.

Wait for the sun to fill in the bay or bring a wetsuit top. I’ll quickly admit that living here i’ve become warm blooded. In other words, if you get cold easily bring the wetsuit top. In the morning the sun fills in from the other side of the Valley so it takes a bit longer for the sun to warm you up during or after your swim.

Definitely bring your flippers and googles. If you don’t have them, Foodland has some basic options and is closely.

Side note, if you fly a drone or kite be mindful of the power lines. There are actually quite a few at Waimea Bay.

I hope you found these tips useful and enjoy your time at Waimea.