Waimea Bay
One of your first stops on the highway is Waimea Bay. Although it first may appear just another state beach park, it is far from it. The Bay is host to some of the largest surfing waves in the world; and until the recent rash of tow in surfers took over, this bay was considered the largest rideable waves. It is the annual site of 30+ foot waves and a rip tide that kills.
For Hawaii surfers and surfers world wide, Waimea is still considered a right of passage. It comes with a price however. During the winter, the intensity of the currents and waves are so high, many people have been swept away from the shoreline.
A commemorative plaque is located on the beach. It pays a tribute to lifeguard Eddie Aikua (Eddie would go), credited for saving thousands of lives in the Bay. He died on his final rescue attempt, likely the most famous lifeguard rescue attempt ever (see below). Waimea is the most dangerous lifeguarding job on earth.
