hawaii is where surfing was born, a sport that the native hawaiians invented centuries ago by balancing on a board and “surfing” the perfect waves that touch the hawaiian island. every winter, the north shore, arguably the best surfing coast in the entire world with massive 20-30 feet ways becomes the mecca for surfers, surf-groupies, and the world of water-sports. during the winter months, “pipeline,” the surfing strip, is world-famous and the sleepy little town of haleiwa swells to thousands, as people from around the world make the pilgrimage to the surf spots of hawaii. during the summer, however, the big waves subside and the small-town atmosphere resumes. one such beach that i would visit if i lived closer to it would be “waimea bay,” located near along the north shore. the water is a rich cerulean blue, which is outlined by a huge expanse of pure, white sand, which is rare nowadays in the slowly eroding coasts, that is often relatively quiet on the weekdays. there is almost no surf, and the water is completely calm (though still with a steep drop off). there is a huge rock outcrop that the adventure-seekers jump off of into a deep pool, to little small islands that swimmers can walk around on. parking is limited so come early. although the trip is a little far from tourist-happy waikiki beach, it is well worth the trip, especially on a calmer weekday to visit waimea bay, to frolic in the sun and experience the calming aura of this beautiful beach.