Waimea Bay

This is a famous surfing spot, but the beach here is always a great place to visit, even for non-surfers, and there's always something to see. The huge, monster waves only happen during the winter; the surf is almost gentle during the summer, making it great for swimming and even snorkeling. During the winter, the beach can see waves as high as 20 to 30 feet, some of the largest in the world. Waimea Bay has good facilities (public restrooms and outdoor showers) and is well-guarded with lifeguards. The sand is powder smooth, and the beach is quite wide. After a day of water sports, get a bite with the locals at one of the many food trucks that line the Kamehameha Highway around all the popular surf breaks (including Waimea).