Waimea Bay Summer Anchorage

21° 38.5′ N · 158° 3.9′ W

The North Shore's one real yacht anchorage: a crescent of sand under the Waimea valley that is clear and calm in summer, where Captain Clerke anchored Cook's ships in 1779, and where in winter 30-40 ft faces break across the mouth.

Practical

Waypoint from Noodle's Notes (21-38.47N 158-03.93W). 12-40 ft, sand with good holding where deep enough over an underlying hard pan; winter waves move the sand, so the bottom changes each summer. Calmest closest to the northern end, but that corner sometimes shows hard pan: dive the anchor. Rules (HAR 13-256-63, Zone A): motorized vessels prohibited except sailing vessels with auxiliary engines, which must enter and leave under sail or oar; anchor only in sand and at least 200 ft from shore; slow-no-wake. The Coast Pilot calls it indifferent anchorage in 9-10 fathoms, sand, 0.3 mile west of the river mouth, with rocky ledges either side of the entrance, the Wananapaoa rocks off the south point and submerged rocks off the north-east point usually marked by breakers. Dinghy landings on the beach only in very smooth weather. Foodland Pupukea is half a mile north. 72-hour limit applies.

Best for

Summer overnight with world-famous beach and snorkeling close by

Season

June-August is most reliable; leave at the first sign of north swell (Oct-Apr untenable)

Practical

Best for

Season

Nearby