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The Daily Insight

What is Waimea known for

Author

Christopher Duran

Updated on May 08, 2026

Waimea is known for many things! Its rolling hills, the crisp nights and beautiful clear skies, its close proximity to the impressive Waipi’o Valley and, of course, the beautiful white sand beaches on the north Kona and Kohala coast.

What is Waimea Bay known for?

Waimea Bay Beach Park Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world’s best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Is Waimea Hawaii a good place to live?

Waimea is really an amazing place to live – for the lifestyle, the fresh air, the views, the seasonal streams, the rainbows, the amenities, the activities, the history. I am fortunate and grateful to have been raised in such a sweet and special place in the heart of this Big Island of Hawaii.

What does Waimea mean?

Waimea is a common place name in Hawaii and New Zealand. In Hawaiian, it means reddish water; in Māori it means forgotten or hidden stream.

Why is Waimea called Kamuela?

Why is Waimea sometimes called Kamuela? … Because this is confusing a naming committee was formed to choose another name for Waimea. They decided to honor the Parker Family, who owns much of the land around Wiamea and has played a big part in Hawaiian history. “Kamuela” is the Hawaiian equivalent of “Samuel”.

Where is Jaws on Maui map?

Jaws can show up anytime between November and March every year. The access is by 4WD and you can find the turn off between mile marker #13 and #14 on Hana Highway aka Highway 36. This map was made with Google My Maps.

Is Waimea Valley worth visiting?

It’s quite crowded, but a beautiful waterfall nonetheless! We had a great time at Waimea Valley – it was actually our first time there, even though we’ve driven by it hundreds of times before! As a local, it’s definitely worth visiting at least once, as the park is exquisite to explore.

How big are the waves at Waimea Bay?

Open-ocean swells of this height generally translate to wave faces in the bay of 30 feet (9.1 m) to 40 feet (12 m).

What does Wailua mean in Hawaiian?

wailua — Pukui-Elbert, Haw to Eng / wai. lua /, 1. n., Spirit, ghost; remains of the dead.

Can you drive to Waimea Canyon?

There are two highways you can take into the park – The Waimea Canyon Road (Highway 550) that starts from Waimea Town and Kōkeʻe Road (Highway 552) departing from Kekaha a few miles to the west. Both roads merge just a few miles into the park. The Waimea Canyon road is comparatively easier to drive and is more scenic.

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Is Waimea safe?

Waimea is in the 16th percentile for safety, meaning 84% of cities are safer and 16% of cities are more dangerous. This analysis applies to Waimea’s proper boundaries only. See the table on nearby places below for nearby cities. The rate of crime in Waimea is 50.48 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.

What is in Waimea Hawaii?

  • Our favorite things to do in Waimea.
  • Big Island Brewhaus.
  • Parker Ranch.
  • 4 Waimea Farmers Markets.
  • Waipio Valley.
  • Pololū Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach.
  • Mauna Kea Tea.
  • Luau and Hula.

Is Waimea a city?

Waimea is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States. The population was 7,028 at the 2000 census and 9,212 at the 2010 census. … The name Waimea means reddish water. Waimea is the center for ranching activities and paniolo culture.

What island is Parker Ranch on in Hawaii?

In the cattle ranching business for more than 160 years, Parker Ranch encompasses 130,000 acres on Hawai’i’s Big Island. Today, most of the ranch’s prime grazing lands are located at higher elevations in North Kohala, where herds of Charolais/Angus/Hereford cattle, quarter horses and bulls roam the vast pasturelands.

What is the big island of Hawaii called?

The Big Island is officially known as the island of Hawaiʻi and received this nickname for a good reason: it is the largest island of the United States with a total surface of 4,029 square miles (10,433 square kilometers)! Its surface area is also greater than that of all other Hawaiian island combined.

What island is Haleiwa Hawaii?

Haleiwa is located on the northwest corner of Oahu, nestled conveniently along Highway 99. In fact, the town is located only about an hour’s drive from Waikiki.

How much time do you need at Waimea Valley?

What is this? It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Waimea Falls (also known as the Wailele Waterfall), which is anchored at the end of the trail. You will be rewarded with the stunning presence of a 30-foot waterfall that cascades down into a large pool below. What is this?

What should I wear to Waimea Falls?

Waimea Valley requires life vests if you want to go swimming at Waimea Falls: All guests who would like to experience a swim at the falls are required to wear a life vest. Life vests are provided by our lifeguards at the waterfall and the price of the life vest is included in your admission fee.

Where does Laird Hamilton live?

Laird HamiltonResidenceKauai, MalibuHeight6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)Weight215 lb (98 kg)Surfing career

What is the biggest wave ever surfed?

On November 11, 2011, US surfer Garrett McNamara was towed by Andrew Cotton into a massive wave at Nazaré. At the time, the 78-foot (23,8-meter) wave entered history as the largest wave ever surfed, as acknowledged by Guinness World Records at the time.

How many surfers have died at Jaws?

Seven surfers have died at the break and many more have suffered serious injuries. Once such surfer was Tamayo Perry, a local Hawaiian who was known as one of the best surfers there. In 2005 he was struck by another surfer’s board, the fin lodging in his head.

What does Waialua mean in Hawaiian?

Waialua, meaning two waters, is a moku on the island of Oʻahu with eight ahupuaʻa: Kaʻena, Keālia, Kawaihāpai, Mokulēʻia 1 and 2, Kamananui, Paʻalaʻa, and Kawailoa. It is located on the northern end of Oʻahu. Waialua was known for its abundant ocean resources, as well as its loʻi kalo (taro patches).

What island is Waialua?

Waialua (Hawaiian pronunciation: [vɐjəˈluwə]) is a census-designated place and North Shore community in the Waialua District on the island of Oʻahu, City & County of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. As of the 2020 census, the CDP had a population of 4,062.

Is there a black sand beach in Kauai?

There is actually no Kauai Hawaii Black Sand Beach. … Kauai has some astonishing beaches, including Anini, Secret Beach, Maha’ulepu, and Hideaways. Kapaa, in particular, is home to some of the island’s most fantastic beaches. Kauai is the northernmost habitable island in Hawaii.

What Jaws surfing?

Jaws is the nickname for a surf spot that has become notorious in the surfing world. On the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Maui, just off the Hana Highway lies the break of Pe’ahi. It became known as ‘Jaws’ after it was ridden by some of the best and arguably craziest surfers in the world back in the 90s.

What month are the big waves in Hawaii?

The months between November and February are the best times to see big wave surfing. The massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more—dangerous even for experienced surfers—so always heed warning signs.

Is the drive to Waimea Canyon scary?

From you own description, it has many scary parts for you. Hwy 550 up from Waimea goes very close to a steep edge in many places. Those areas all have guardrails, but some nearby places don’t. True you can take a left and go down the easier and less scary Hwy 552 (?) with great views most of the way down to Kekaha.

Is Waimea Canyon free?

HoursDaily During Daylight HoursEntrance FeeHawaii Residents = Free w/ Hawaii Drivers Lic. or ID Non-Residents = $5.00 Per Person Children 3 and Under = Free

Can you see Waimea Canyon by car?

You can see the Waimea Canyon by road and see many amazing scenic spots right from your car. … There are two highways you can take- The Waimea Canyon Road (Highway 550) that starts from Waimea Town and Kokee Road (Highway 552) starting from Kekaha which meets into 1 in just a few miles from the start.

Is Waimea safe to swim?

The good news is that Waimea Falls (also known as Waihi) in Waimea Valley offers a safe place to swim at a waterfall. Friendly lifeguards are on duty . Life vests are available for you use. A changing room and restrooms are also available here.

Why is the stairway to heaven in Hawaii illegal?

The site has been illegal to visit since 1987 — but that hasn’t stopped people. Hawaii’s famous Haiku Stairs, known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” will be removed due to illegal trespassing and injuries at the site that have led to hefty costs.