If you are looking for high surf, winter is the time of year to visit Hawaii. And, Waimea Bay is where you can find some of the biggest walls of water tumbling into the beach.
Lifeguards bark instructions to a wayward crowd who are tempted by the sea and they look out for children who find themselves in the way of the next massive set. Surfers in the distance wait for the best swell to roll their way and crowds "ooh" and "aww" when the big waves crash on the sand.
Waimea Valley also boasts a nice paved trail to Waimea Falls. You will want to visit after it has rained or all you will see is a trickle. The trail is flanked by well-maintained botanical gardens representing places around the Pacific Ocean.
On a calmer day, you will also find folks jumping off Waimea Rock.
There is no doubt that you will find something to do if you park at Waimea Valley and wander around a bit!