Oahu's North Shore

North Shore Oahu - Monster waves in winter make this the world’s surfing destination. Discover more year round: close-knit community, sporty boutiques, great eats and an easy-going lifestyle.

During the summer, Oahu’s North Shore offers pristine diving and snorkeling conditions and a calm that befits its rural setting. But during the winter, the community is awakened by monster waves that roll in unabated 2,000 miles from Alaska. Top surfers and curious onlookers crowd Sunset, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay.

Officially designated a historic, cultural and scenic district in 1984, Haleiwa was the site of Queen Liliuokalani’s summer home.

Haleiwa, the hub of the North Shore, overlooks picturesque Waialua Bay with its restaurants, shops and landmark Anahula Bridge. Further down the road, famous surf spots line the coast past Waimea Bay. Across the street, find historic Waimea Valley and the Saints Peter and Paul Mission around the bend.

TRAVEL TIPS
Drive time from Waikiki– about one to two hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops.

1. From Honolulu via Kahala, follow the coastline and take in Hanauma Bay, Sea Life Park and Halona Blowhole.

2. From Honolulu via Kaneohe, head over the Koolau mountains to Pali Lookout, Chinaman’s Hat and Polynesian Cultural Center.

3. From Honolulu via central Oahu, stop at Pearl Harbor, Wahiawa town–the gateway to the North Shore–and Dole Pineapple Plantation with its giant maze.

•Be sensible and don’t leave any valuables in the car—or on the beach while swimming.

TOP THINGS TO DO
•Watch the filming of TV’s hit
show “Baywatch Hawaii” at Haleiwa Alii Beach Park
•Drop by the Waialua Coffee Visitor Center for a sample
•Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
•“Talk story” with friendly, small-town shopkeepers
•Check out surf museums: Strong Current Surf Shop and the Cultural Museum in the North Shore Marketplace

FAMOUS BEACHES
Mileage from Haleiwa’s North Shore Marketplace to:
•Alii Beach Park– .7 miles
•Chun’s Reef– 2.9 miles
•Waimea Bay– 4.7 miles
•Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park– 6.9 miles
•Sunset Beach– 7.7 miles courtesy Strong Current

WORLD CLASS SURF CONTESTS
•Triple Crown of Surfing- Nov.-Dec.
•Eddie Aikau Surf Contest-Dec.-Feb.; when waves reach 20 feet at Waimea Bay
•Hui O He’e Nalu Back Door Shoot Out- Jan.13-26 (best three wave days); at Banzai Pipeline off Ehukai Beach
•Morey Bodyboard World Championship- Jan.