The hyperbolic function method for nonlinear wave equations ispresented. In support of a computer algebra system, many exact solitary wave solutions of a class of nonlinear wave equations are obtained via the method. The method is based on the fact that the solitary wave solutions are essentially of a localized nature. Writing the solitary wave solutions of a nonlinear wave equation as the polynomials of hyperbolic functions, the nonlinear wave equation can be changed into a nonlinear system of algebraic equations. The system can be solved via Wu Elimination or Grbner base method. The exact solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear wave equation are obtained including many new exact solitary wave solutions.