Waimea Bay is located on the North Shore of O‘ahu in the Hawaiian Islands at the mouth of the Waimea River. Waimea Valley extends behind Waimea Bay. In winter, Waimea and other hosts a surfing contest because of the large waves found here. These waves are created by winter storms in the North Pacific, and their arrival on O‘ahu's North Shore are typically forecasted accurately several days in advance. In summer, Waimea typically has clear and calm water.