
North Shore
Scroll to Continue
North Shore, Oʻahu
If the perfect wave exists, you’ll find it on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The towering, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca draw the best surfers in the world, while smaller and gentler summer waves are better for beginners. Stretching for more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). Waimea Bay, ʻEhukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
The months between November and February are the best times to see big wave surfing. The massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more—dangerous even for experienced surfers—so always heed warning signs. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfing and swimming.
Roughly a one-hour drive from Waikīkī, the North Shore is also home to a variety of accommodation options, including condo rentals and the exclusive beachside Turtle Bay Resort. Take a little road trip to the charming surf town of Haleʻiwa Town, where you can shop, eat like a local and cool off with rainbow-flavored shave ice. Continue your drive to Lāʻie to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and the old plantation town of Kahuku.
The months between November and February are the best times to see big wave surfing. The massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more—dangerous even for experienced surfers—so always heed warning signs. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfing and swimming.
Roughly a one-hour drive from Waikīkī, the North Shore is also home to a variety of accommodation options, including condo rentals and the exclusive beachside Turtle Bay Resort. Take a little road trip to the charming surf town of Haleʻiwa Town, where you can shop, eat like a local and cool off with rainbow-flavored shave ice. Continue your drive to Lāʻie to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and the old plantation town of Kahuku.
Regions of Oʻahu

Kaʻena Point is a scenic and sacred spot where, legend says, the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.
Learn More
The most popular beach on the Leeward Coast offers ocean-lovers a long stretch of golden sand to play or relax.
Learn More
This laid-back surfer town offers beautiful beaches, tasty local restaurants and food trucks, cool shops and plenty of shave ice.
Learn More
This beloved beach is popular with locals and visitors alike, and was an influential surf spot during the dawn of big wave surfing in the 1950s.
Learn More
Hike to this scenic point on Oʻahu’s easternmost tip for incredible views and whale watching during the winter.
Learn More
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is one of Oʻahu’s most popular scenic spots, with panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Koʻolau Mountains.
Learn More
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park houses Byodo-in, a stunning replica of a Japanese Buddhist Temple set in a lush forest.
Learn MoreHonolulu

The state capital and largest city in Hawaiʻi, Honolulu is a unique combination of tropical glamour and buzzing international metropolis, where sandy shores meet city streets.
Learn MoreCentral Oʻahu

Gain a unique perspective on World War II with a visit to Pearl Harbor, or explore the island's agricultural traditions at the Dole pineapple plantation.
Learn MoreLeeward Coast

This area on Oʻahu's west side is home to rural towns, off-the-beaten-path beaches and one luxurious resort area, Kō Olina.
Learn MoreNorth Shore

Rub shoulders with champion surfers and laid-back locals on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the big wave surfing capital of the world.
Learn MoreWindward Coast

It’s only a short drive from Honolulu to enjoy the highlights of Oʻahu’s lush Windward Coast, including the peaceful Byodo-in Temple and adventurous Kuaola Ranch.
Learn MoreNorth Shore Highlights

Haleʻiwa Town
This laid-back surfer town offers beautiful beaches, tasty local restaurants and food trucks, cool shops and plenty of shave ice.
More
Waimea Bay
This beloved beach is popular with locals and visitors alike, and was an influential surf spot during the dawn of big wave surfing in the 1950s.
More"Waimea Bay has a lot of history. It’s known to be one of the first places where the guys ventured out in the 50’s and rode giant waves. Banzai Pipeline is a remarkable spot. For spectators it’s probably one of the better spots to watch surfing. It is a dangerous place, so it’s for experts only. Sunset Beach is my favorite spot, actually. It’s where I learned to ride big waves."

Find Things to Do on Oʻahu

View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide
