Trip Ideas Home
North Shore Beaches
Tropical sun mixed with cooling trade winds and prisine waters make Oahu's shores a literal heaven on Earth. But contrary to many assumptions, the island is not one big beach. There are miles and miles of coastline without a grain of sand, so you need to know where you are going to fully enjoy the Hawaiian experience.
Many of the island's southern and western coasts are protected by inner reefs. The reefs provide still coastline water but not much as far as sand is concerned. However, where there are beaches on the south and east shores, they are mind-blowing. In West Oahu and on the North Shore you can find the wide expanses of sand you would expect for enjoying the sunset. Sandy bottoms and outside reefs make the water an adventure in the winter months. Most visitors assume the seasons don't change a thing in the Islands, and they would be right--except for the waves, which are big on the south shore in summer and placid in winter. It's exactly the opposite on the north side when winter storms bring in huge waves, but the ocean goes to glass come May and June.
NORTH SHORE OAHU BEACHES
"North Shore, where the waves are mean, just like a washing machine" sing the Kaau Crater Boys about this legendary side of the island. And in winter they are absolutely right. At times the waves overtake the road, stranding tourists and locals alike. When the surf is up, there will even be signs on the beach telling you how far to stay back so that you aren't swept out to sea. The most pretigious big-wave contest in the world, "The Eddie Aikau," is held at Waimea Bay on waves the size of a six-story building. The Triple Crown of Surfing roams across three beaches in the winter months.
All this changes come summer when this tiger turns into a kitty with water smooth enough to water ski on and ideal for snorkeling. The fierce Banzai Pipline surf break becomes a great dive area, allowing you to explore the deadly coral heads that have claimed so many on the ultra-hollow tubes that are created here in winter. But even with the monster surf subsided, this is sitll a time for caution. Lifeguards become more scarce, and currents don't go away just because the waves do.
This all being said, it's a place like no other on earth and must be explored. From the turtles at Mokuleia to the tunnels at Shark's Cove, you could spend your whole trip on this side and not be disappointed. Beaches are listed from east to west.
Turtle Bay. Now known more for its resort than its magnificent beach, Turtle Bay is mostly passed over on the way to the more known beaches of Sunset and Waimea. But for the average visitor with the average swimming capabilities, this is the place to be on the North Shore. The crescent-shape beach is protected by a huge sea wall. You can see and hear the fury of the northern swell, while blissfully floating in cool, calm waters. The convenience of this spot is also hard to pass up -- there is a concession selling sandwiches and sunblock right on the beach.
Address: 4 mi north of Kahuku on Kamehameha Hwy. Turn into the resort and let the guard know where you are going; they offer free parking to beach guests.
Sunset Beach. The beach is broad, the sand is soft, the summer waves are gentle, and the winter surf is crashing. Many love searching this shore for the puka shells that adorn the necklaces you see everywhere. Use caution in the water; at times the current can come ripping around the point. Carryout truck stands selling shave ice, plate lunches, and sodas usually line the adjacent highway.
Address: 1 mi north of 'Ehukai Beach Park on Kamehameha Hwy.
Ehukai Beach Park & the Banzai Pipeline. What sets Ehukai apart is the view of the famous Banzai Pipeline, where the winter waves curl into magnificent tubes, making it an experienced wave-rider's dream. It's also an inexperienced swimmer's nightmare; spring and summer waves are more accommodating to the average swimmer. Except when the surf contests are going on, there's no reason to stay on the central strip. Travel either way on the beach, and the conditions remain the same. But the population thins out, leaving you with a magnificent stretch of sand all to yourself.
Address: Small parking lot borders Kamehameha Hwy. 1 mi north of Foodland at Pupukea.
Waimea Bay. Made popular in that old Beach Boys song "Surfin' U.S.A.," Waimea Bay is a slice of big-wave heaven, home to king-size 25- to 30-foot winter waves. Summer is the time to swim and snorkel in the calm waters. The shore break is great for novice bodysurfers. Due to its popularity, the postage-stamp parking lot is quickly filled, but everyone parks along the side of the road and walks in. Use some caution as currents can get out of hand.
Address: Across from Waimea Valley, 3 mi north of Haleiwa on Kamehameha Hwy.
Haleiwa Alii Beach Park. The winter waves are impressive here, but in summer the ocean is like a lake, ideal for family swimming. The beach itself is big and often full of locals. Its broad lawn off the highway invites volleyball and Frisbee games and groups of barbecuers. This is also the opening break for the Triple Crown of Surfing, and the grass is often filled with art festivals or carnivals.
Address: North of Haleiwa town center and past harbor on Kamehameha Hwy.
Mokuleia Beach Park. There is a reason why the producers of the TV show Lost chose this beach for their set. On the remote northwest point of the island, it is about 10 mi from the closest store or public restroom; you could spend a day here and not see another living soul. And that is precisely its beauty -- all the joy of being stranded on a deserted island without the trauma of the plane crash. The beach is wide and white, the waters bright blue (but a little choppy) and full of sea turtles and other marine life. Mokuleia is a great secret find, just remember to pack supplies and use caution as there are no lifeguards.
Address: East of Haleiwa town center, across from Dillingham Airfield, HI