Waimea Bay, a landmark big-wave surfing location, is on Oahu.
Waimea Bay lies on Oahu’s North Shore, where winter swells generated by storms in the North Pacific can produce powerful waves. The bay became internationally important in the development of big-wave surfing during the 1950s, when surfers began riding waves that had previously been considered too dangerous.
The location is also closely connected with Eddie Aikau, the Hawaiian lifeguard and big-wave surfer. The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau is an invitation-only event held at Waimea when exceptionally large and safe conditions occur.
Oahu is sometimes confused with Maui because Maui’s Peʻahi, commonly called Jaws, is another famous Hawaiian big-wave break. Kauai and Hawaii Island also have notable surf spots, but Waimea Bay is specifically located on Oahu’s North Shore.