Waimea Bay has long been one of the most popular beaches on Oahu. During the summer months, the calm water and gorgeous sand makes this one of the greatest beaches to spend a day at and go for long, leisurely swims. During the winter months, this is one of the best beaches to watch kamikaze surfers risk bodily harm by surfing the towering waves that break in this Bay.

Waimea Bay

Waimea (which means sacred water or red water), has seen a lot of history. The valley was a huge settlement for the Hawaiian people due to its fresh water and abundant supply of fish. Captain Cook’s ships, the Discovery and Resolution, anchored in Waimea Bay in 1779 after Captain Cook had been killed at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island.

Treasure is found in Waimea Bay

During the 1800s Waimea Bay became a huge port of call for sandalwood traders, even earning the unofficial title of “Sandalwood Capital.” The giant surf has further cemented the legendary status of the bay.

Discover Hawaii Tours stops at Waimea Bay on our Discover the North Shore tour.

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Surf fans again have reason to head north. The big waves are here for 2010. Though they aren’t expected to stay long, the first round of waves have hit the north facing shores of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. With faces expected to reach between 25 and 35 feet from Tuesday November 2^nd through Thursday November 4^th, surfers in paradise will no doubt be out in full force.

Catching Waves at Waimea Bay

It is best advised to leave the surfing and swimming to the seasoned and expert surfers during high surf advisories, though we do recommend visiting Oahu’s Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay along the  North Shore to witness these massive waves.  In December, The Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau will hit Waimea Bay. 28 surfers are invited each December with the hope of competing in this classic event. The event requires face heights of 30 feet in order

With the big waves, comes the high surf warning and deadly currents. The advisory is in effect for the western shores of Oahu as well as Ni’ihau and Molokai, and the Big Island’s north shores. The National Weather Service in Honolulu will continue to closely monitor the surf conditions and make changes accordingly and as they deem appropriate for the waters.

Sunset Beach Shore Break

Be sure to join us on one of our Circle Island Tours exploring the island of Oahu, for your chance to see the North Shore and these impressive waves.

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Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! Or Happy New Year!Trade in your cold weather clothes for your beach gear because Honolulu’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the largest celebration of the islands.Whether you are on a budget or even if no expense is too grand, you will be sure to find something to meet your needs this New Year’s Eve.This is a time where both visitors and locals alike can take part in the many different activities offered throughout the city.

Before you start your celebrations, be sure to take advantage of the short drive to the North Shore where you can visit world class surf destinations such as, Haleiwa historical town, Waimea Bay, Pipeline Beach, and Sunset Beach.Let us do the driving for you on any of our North Shore tours including; Tour 4A: Lost and Famous Films Experience, Tour 5A: Pearl Harbor/North Shore Combo, Tour 7A: Pearl Harbor/Circle Island Tour, Tour 9A: Full Day Scenic Island Oahu Tour, Tour 10A: Discover the North Shore Tour, Tour 11A: Pearl Harbor/Dole Pineapple Plantation/Polynesian Cultural Center Tour, Tour 13A: Polynesian Cultural Center & Deluxe Circle Island Tour, and Tour 14B: North Shore and Twilight Ali’i Luau Package.

North Shore's Haleiwa Surf Town

The main attraction during New Year’s Eve is the fireworks.Every year the city of Honolulu produces the largest New Year’s Eve display in the state of Hawaii.Be swept away by the lights and explosions above your head as you feel the sand between your toes on the beaches of Waikiki.Or if the beach isn’t your scene you can also enjoy free live entertainment on multiple stages at the Aloha Tower Marketplace where you can view a separate firework display over the Honolulu Harbor.

Fireworks from the Aloha Tower Marketplace

For a truly memorable New Year’s Eve experience, ring in the New Year with a glass of Champaign off-shore while onboard one of the many different dinner cruises available.Experience Hawaii’s largest firework display from the water while enjoying live music, food, and one of the best vantage points on the island.

For those of you who are looking to rock into the New Year, the Sheraton Waikiki is the place to be.RumFire will be hosting a “Studio 54 meets Waikiki Beach” bash.Located directly on the beach RumFire will be sure to offer you both amazing views of the fireworks as well as a chance to dance in the New Year.This year, RumFire will be hosting one of the most iconic groups of the 70’s music scene, The Village People.Also rocking the place will be the R&B group The Stylistics.

Wherever the night may take you, I’m sure that you will find many ways to ring in the New Year truly “Island Style.” Hau’oli Makahiki Hou 2010!!

Read more: New Year’s Eve in Hawaii