Oahu North Shore

There are a number of options for exploring the North Shore. Head to the water for a surfing or stand-up paddle board lesson, a sunset catamaran cruise, or a shark cage diving excursion. On land, tour the area’s rich farms, hike to Waimea Valley Falls, explore the fields and jungles of Kualoa Ranch, or see the island from above on a helicopter tour. While many tours leave from nearby Waikiki, it’s also possible to visit the North Shore on a day trip from Honolulu. Some full-day excursions include visits to Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay State Park, or the Dole Plantation.

• Only expert surfers should attempt to ride the North Shore’s massive winter waves.

• Parking can be difficult to find, especially during the winter surf season.

• Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.

Oahu’s North Shore stretches for more than seven miles (11 kilometers) and is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. During winter, the one-way road along the North Shore’s “seven-mile miracle” of popular surf beaches can back up for hours, so it’s best to visit on a tour to avoid the hassle of driving and parking.

The North Shore’s summer and winter seasons each have their benefits. In summer, seas are calm and you can to take beginner surf lessons, go kayaking, or enjoy some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling. Winter is the busiest time to visit, when expert surfers hit the waves and other visitors stick to the safety of land. If you opt for a winter visit, it’s best to arrive early (before 9am) to score a parking spot.

Don’t miss the historic Haleiwa Beach town, with its clapboard shops, surf boutiques, and restaurants. The Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are some of the most famous North Shore beaches, while Turtle Beach offers a chance to see sunbathing Hawaiian green sea turtles.

The best surf spots on Oahu North Shore include Banzai Pipeline, located at Ehukai Beach Park; Waimea Bay, calm in summer with big waves during the winter season; and Sunset Beach, which has various breaks and hosts major surf competitions during the winter months.

If it’s big waves you’re after, winter is the best time to visit Oahu North Shore for surfing. From November to February, large swells are a feature of the world-renowned surf breaks at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. For beginner surfers, summer offers more manageable conditions.

Oahu North Shore’s must-try local foods include garlic shrimp from a roadside shrimp truck and, for dessert, a refreshing shave ice with your choice of syrups and toppings, such as mochi balls and taro. Or, opt for a plate lunch of chicken or beef, rice, and macaroni salad.

Top attractions near Oahu North Shore include Waimea Valley, where you can explore a lush botanical garden and swim in Waimea Falls. Or, grab a bite to eat in the small town of Haleiwa and browse its stores and art galleries. You can also tour the nearby Dole pineapple plantation.

The best way to get from Honolulu to Oahu North Shore is by taking a tour that stops at multiple attractions—this way you won’t miss any hot spots. If you prefer to travel independently, it’s around a 45-minute drive or 1.5-hour bus ride (route number 52) to Haleiwa.

On Oahu North Shore, you can see green turtles and endangered Hawaiian monk seals in their natural habitat. Head to Kaena Point for a chance to observe the seals, found only on the islands of Hawaii. Laniakea Beach is a good bet for spotting green turtles basking on the sand.