Oahu North Shore

The basics

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.

You’ll also want some time to find the best fish tacos in Haleiwa Town where there are almost more restaurants and food trucks than residents. The friendly-ish (some locals can be territorial) surfing village is also home to plenty of surf shops and boutiques where you can pick up hand-made souvenirs. Full-day tours to this memorable spot on the North Shore even include visits to Oahu’s main attractions like Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Hanauma Bay State Park, or the Dole Plantation in central Oahu.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

• If you’re not short on time, locals highly recommend driving one of the coastal routes if you’re traveling from Honolulu to the North Shore; the inland road is faster but not as scenic.

How to get there

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 guided Oahu North Shore tours if you want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking.

When to get there

The North Shore’s summer and winter seasons each have their benefits. In summer, the seas are calm and you can 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.

Must-see North Shore spots

Don’t miss the historic Haleiwa 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.

Ways to explore

Sitting about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Waikiki, the North Shore makes for an easy day trip or overnight getaway. Explore independently or join a small-group tour that includes stops at surf beaches, cultural sites, and scenic lookouts. Some excursions combine the North Shore with the Dole Plantation or the Byodo-In Temple, while others focus on experiences such as kayaking, snorkeling, or waterfall hikes. Many tours also include a stop at a local tropical fruit stand—perfect for sipping cold coconuts and sampling fresh mango. Most excursions depart from Waikiki and include round-trip transportation, guides, and select meals or admission fees.

Accessibility

It depends. Waimea Bay and Haleʻiwa Beach Park offer paved access paths and some beach wheelchair availability, but reef and gravel terrain at spots such as Sunset Beach may limit accessibility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection (rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen), water shoes for snorkeling, reusable water bottle, cash/card for food trucks

What to wear

Light breathable clothing, swimwear for snorkeling, water shoes for reef beaches, a light cover-up for coastal winds

Not allowed

Climbing on dunes or reefs, touching or feeding sea turtles

Amenities

Beach parks such as Haleʻiwa and Waimea offer free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables. At Haleʻiwa, there is a cluster of popular shrimp and food trucks.

Address

The North Shore is about a 45-minute drive from Waikiki along the Kamehameha Highway. Travelers typically reach it via rental car or guided tour departing from Waikiki.

Driving

Take H‑1 W to H‑2 N, then exit onto Kamehameha Highway through Haleʻiwa. The route offers beach parking at Puʻupukea, Waimea Bay, and Haleʻiwa town, though spots fill quickly on weekends.

Public transportation

Take Bus Route 52, which runs from Ala Moana Center in Waikiki to Haleʻiwa on the North Shore. The journey takes approximately two hours.

Best times to visit

Plan a trip for early morning for fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and to arrive before surf competitions begin.

Best days to visit

Weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday, generally see lighter crowds and easier parking. Weekend days—especially during surf season—can bring heavy traffic.

Best months to visit

The summer months of May to September offer calm waters suitable for snorkeling and turtle viewing. Winter, from November to March, has massive surf and pro competitions such as the Triple Crown.

Special events

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and Triple Crown pro surf contests take place during winter at Waimea Bay and Pipeline, typically between December and February.