When we lived here the first time from 1992 to 1995, one of Matt's favorite places to go swimming was Waimea Bay in the summer time. During the summer months there is little to no surf at Waimea. Matt liked to jump off the big rock. Of course there are signs posted all around this rock saying that jumping off the rock could result in severe injury or death but they don't seem to have much affect on the local population. On this particular day it was just Matt and I that drove up to the North Shore. We arrived shortly before 8 in the morning and because it was a Tuesday, there were actually parking spaces available in the parking lot. If you attempt this trip on a weekend, you will have to park along the road somewhere and walk in. Not fun. Even parking in the parking lot has drawbacks.

The beach at Waimea is huge. It extends almost 100 yds from the water and the sand is deep. It is a somewhat difficult feat dragging a cooler and carry all of your swim/snorkel gear down to the water. Once you get down there you will find it well worth the effort. There is lots of reef to snorkel around and check out all the different kinds of aquatic life. Then, of course, there is the big rock if jumping from heights is your thing.