The restaurants, shops, waves and roads are crowded. Plan your vacation around these beaches for the best North Shore Oahu vacation! State health officials are calling the hidden hazards a threat to public safety. While we are happy to visit any of our islands incredible beaches, there are some beaches with warm crystalline, turquoise waters that are a cut above the rest. In my opinion, Lanikai Beach on the windward side has the clearest water in Oahu. We got a $75 parking ticket on our first-ever trip to Lanikai Beach. In the summertime, however, Sunset Beach is popular for swimming and shoreline snorkeling. Kailua is about 2.5 miles long. It has picnic tables, restrooms, food stands, and beach volleyball courts. There are North Shore activities for everyone to enjoy! I visited Lanikai Beach many times on my trips to Oahu and did not have any issues with finding parking. Waimea Bay. Nka Blue Grade Rd, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. This is a great spot to listen to music, party, and truly live the Hawaii dream! Located within Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's north shore is this amazing little cove perfect for novice snorkelers to practice their skills in the summer months. Park on the side of the road, and don't leave any valuables in your car as break-ins are common. The bright blue water is almost always choppy, and green sea turtles tend to hang out on the shore during the summer. With Hawaii Aloha Travel, planning your vacation to Hawaii is stress-free, fun, and rewarding. You'll find a sandy shore with a little island off the coast. It was named after the three table-like sections of reef that become visible during low tide. We visited in the summer and the water was warmer and very calm. Hidden beaches are hard to come by on the North Shore. This event only happens in winter, when the waters are as serious as possible. One day, a friend visiting suggested that we stop and take a look. Personally, our family loves staying in Waikiki and doing day trips to other areas of the island. Its quiet atmosphere helps to embody the islands loveliness, and its amazing beaches only add to the relaxation. Although the tides change which beaches are best for sea glass, you are much more likely to find sea glass on the north shore than in Waikiki or on the other parts of the island. Our travel agents can help you uncover the hidden gems that will be of the most interest to you and can help you plan a day on Oahus north shore. The North Shore of Oahu is an experience like no other. In the summer months, the beaches here are much warmer and calm and depending on where you go, you might be able to see some turtles too. Your time will always be well spent.Lifeguards: YesParking: YesRestrooms: Yes.How it got its name: For the many beautiful and multifaceted sunsets that can be seen here, of course. Cockroach Cove is nestled between Halona Blowhole and Halona Point on the southeastern shore of Oahu. Top Four Hidden Beaches on the North Shore of Oahu (that aren't for everyone) Kahuku Golf Course Beach Kahuku Golf Course Beach is hidden from Kamehameha Highway by a residential community, then a rough-around-the-edges brick and mortar (mostly brick) facility, and as the name indicates - a golf course. 9. This shack is a cute outdoor caf that offers some of the best aai bowls on the island, along with other superfood snacks, smoothies, wellness shots, and coffee! The North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the most famous Hawaii beaches. Its a must if you are visiting the North Shore. View walking-trail directions, although we prefer to stroll along the sand from the resort. The Marriott Hotel is right in front of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. If youre looking for one of my recommendations for one of the beaches that is a must-see on the North Shore of Oahu, I can easily say that Waimea Bay takes the cake. The bright blue water is almost always choppy, and green sea turtles tend to hang out on the shore during the summer. Ehukai Beach Park 122 Beaches Parks By CarolF260 It was by far our favorite beach of our Oahu adventure after visiting about 7 others including Lanikai and Kailua. This shop is worth visiting for t-shirts and other trinkets. The soft white sand glows bright without beach towels and bodies to obscure the surface, and the cyan blue water is equally free of bobbing heads and snorkels. What beaches have the clearest water in Hawaii? They will take photos of the island from the parking lot and be on their way, turned off by the unkempt parking lot. I hope it helps your next trip planning process go smoothly! Its found off of Kamehameha Highway as the road runs from Sunset Beach to Turtle Bay Resort. Keep reading this post for some highlights of each location. Take The Hawaii Donut Trail For A Delightfully Delicious Day Trip, The 8 Beaches On This One Coastline Have The Absolute Bluest Water In Hawaii, 15 Swimming Spots With The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Hawaii, Avoid The Masses At These 12 Best Hidden Hawaii Beaches. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This gleaming beach is tucked just off the Kamehameha Highway on the northern end of Waimea Bay. for tips on parking, where to eat, and what to do at Lanikai Beach. Another one of the best beaches on Oahus North Shore is Kuilima Cove. Standup Paddleboard Lessons in Haleiwa Town, Food: Food trucks a mile north in Pupukea, Recommended Activities: swimming, playing in the waves, beach bumming, snorkeling, 8. From hardcore surfing fanatics to those who just want a chance to watch some surfing from afar, there is no doubt that this mesmerizing beach has incredible views that people come from all over the world to check out. The North Shore of Oahu has 7 miracle miles of incredibly beautiful beach waiting to be explored! Its quite popular as a spot for snorkeling and diving during the months of May September. In fact, the word Laniakea translates to wide sky.. Interesting name for a beach, huh? Lanikai Beach: Best Beach on Oahu Details on Lanikai Beach 5. I highly recommend hitting up the food trucks and taking your meal to the beach to enjoy the amazing scenery. The reef is close in by the shore so you paddle out over the reef and the break is about 50 yards out from the shore. ocean conditions at Lanikai (Kailua Beach is similar), Parking: street parking, do not block driveways, and be respectful to residents, Food: Take-out plate lunches readily available in Kailua Town, Recommended Activities: beach bumming, swimming, kayak to The Mokes, beach walks, How Many Days Do You Need on Oahu? The best part about this beach is that there are no crowds compared to Lanikai and Kailua. Once you reach the beach, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean surround you. If you already decided on staying on a different part of the island, then staying a night on the North Shore does not make sense when you can easily make day trips. You'll find the entrance to the trail across the street from Kahuku Land Farm. Found near the Hau'ula Loop Trail, the Ma'akua Ridge Trail is a 2.8 mile (4.5 kilometer) hike. This is, of course, during the wintertime when the water is only suitable for professionals. Before visiting the Banzai Pipeline, make sure to not visit from June to September if you enjoy playing in the waters. Check out the latest prices and more details. This is something that could have easily been prevented if we familiarized ourselves with the parking protocols. The Ultimate Oahu Road Trip Is Right Here And Youll Definitely Want To Do It. This beach is directly across the road from Dillingham Air Field. Parking is free but can be difficult and a long walk may be required to reach the bay area. Full of life, culture, and laid-back vibes, we endlessly enjoy exploring Haleiwa, an Oahu town that serves as the gateway to the famous north shore, but we also have an affinity for Paia, a Maui gem thats seen as the start of the notorious Hana Highway. We visited again in February of 2022, and it was just as amazing. Aweoweo Beach Park 7. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. There, you will spy a delightful stretch of sand that is rarely occupied aside from a basking sea turtle or monk seal from time to time. This is another lovely addition to your North Shore beaches collection. Simply leave a comment below, and well get back to you within the day. You may also enjoy authentic poke and North Shore shops. Waimea Valley is home to a 40-foot waterfall that you can swim in and a botanical garden, managed by a Hawaiian non-profit. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. Just ask any old-timer about traffic if you want to start a rant. Visiting at least one of these places is a no-brainer for one who seeks a scenic drive around Oahu or a day-long trip to Waikiki that you will never forget! Chuns Reef: Named for a well-known resident who once owned a two-story house here, its among the popular surf spots on the North Shore, as the long line of cars and spectators can attest. Absolutely, but we dont intend on giving them away. Required fields are marked *. Oahu is an amazing spot for those who love sea life. Waimea Bay is one of the most popular surfing . This shows that this place is more for just surfers; its for anyone who wants to enjoy the water and have a relaxing time. The azure waters are crystal clear, making it a dream for photographers who flock here at sunset to capture the picturesque beauty. It never disappoints. You wont find many people along Kaena Point. The North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the most famous Hawaii beaches. The North Shore of Oahu will not disappoint you. And increasingly, there are great places to eat up and down the coast, whether youre looking for a quick burger to munch on the run or a dinner with a view worth lingering over. Hidden gems quickly becomeInstagram hashtags. They all want to just get a crack at the amazing waves that are present on this beautiful beach. Shark's Cove 8. Most visitors prefer to hang with the gang at the aforementioned Kuilima Cove and Kawela Bay Beach Park. With a Foodland and Starbucks right across the street, its a good place to stock up on picnic supplies and safely dine in a place where you can feel the oceans spray on your face. Hi, I'm Trysta B, a travel expert passionate about exploring Hawaii. Of course, youll want to check the surf report before you go. Accessibility: Parking lots lead down to the water, on a steep dirt path. Although some of the other beaches on this list are known for their gnarly waves and are a hotspot for the worlds best surfers, Haleiwa Beach Park is a great starting place for those who are just beginning their surfing journey. The small islet is what makes an afternoon at this compact stretch of sand worthwhile. Its mainly known for the powerful waves that break in shallow water above a sharp reef. But across the sunburned green you will find the most isolated beach of its size on Oahu. Your email address will not be published. Any of these destinations make great day trips from Waikiki or fun stops on a scenic drive around Oahu. Closer to shore, the area is considered safer, even for beginners.Lifeguard: YesParking: Yes, 88 stalls in the park and more along Haleiwa Road.Restrooms: Yes.How it got its name: Literally house of the frigate bird. The Best Beaches on Oahu 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ppkea Beach Park: Narrow and long, Ppkea is a popular place to stop on an around the island watch the big waves crash on the rocks. Its quieter, more laid back, and has some of the best beaches in Hawaii. When it comes to ocean views, its hard to top seeing some of the biggest surfs in the entire world. There are many botanical gardens over the island of Oahu. The Banzai Pipeline can be accessed through Ehukai Beach Park. Ala Moana Beach Park: Best Beach in Honolulu, Located: Just outside of Waikiki, in front of the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Parking: Metered public parking available, Food: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue located in the park, lots of food options in Honolulu, Recommended Activities: swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, beach bumming, walking the park, Waikiki Beach: The Most Famous Beach in Hawaii, If youre going to do surf lessons during your Hawaii vacation, this is the place to do them. Lava rocks surround the beach, and cascading waterfalls form a dramatic backdrop. Check out the latest prices and more details. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is because of the plethora of things that fun lovers can do while they hang out on one of the most popular beach parks in all of Oahu. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau estimates that more than half of the state's 7 million visitors make the trek to the North Shore at some time during their stay. Be sure to do the Ehukai Pillbox Hike before or after visiting the beach. Anthony Quintano, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. After reading this, I hope you have found many beaches worth traveling to! Check out the best Oahu surfing lessons for kids. Just beware that from June to September, visitors are asked to stay out of the water. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. I love the laid-back vibe here! And a big must-do are the famous North Shore food trucks! If you love swimming you have to visit Kailua Beach, which is located a mile up from Lanikai Beach. Regardless of what time of the year you go, youll be glad you came to the North Shore with all there is to do here! It is located on the North Shore about 12 miles past the town of Haleiwa. When you walk on the sands of Laniakea Beach, its remarkable skies and landscape are the true definition of beauty. Even when the waves are big offshore, the currents and waves inshore are much gentler. If you get there early enough, you should not have any issues with finding parking. Waialua's Hidden Beaches Location Hidden by the Waialua residential community is a run of small and discrete beaches ( with public access) including weoweo Beach Park and Dole Private Beach Park, followed by a stretch of open sand that reaches all the way over to Paukauila Stream. Imagine being able to snorkel into beautiful blue water as you watch amazing sea life swim past you and swim through interesting tunnels that one can find within the rocks below. The water is calm, the sand is powder soft, its relatively clean and the views are amazing. Limu is a seaweed plant that can cause serious damage if stung by it. Not particularly good for swimming because of a shallow reef that comes all the way to shore.Lifeguard: Mobile lifeguard standParking: Only along the highway.Restrooms: No.How it got its name: Formerly known as Kumakani (to stand against the wind), the surfing spot got its new name after a well known resident, John Chun, built a home here and his kids started surfing. ; Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Tour: One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was . If youre looking for Hawaiian green sea turtles in Oahu, youll definitely want to make a stop at Laniakea Beach. There are showers off the beach to clean up before or after a swim. When I first moved to Hawaii, Kahuku Farms was a hidden gem that not many people know about. Eventually adventurous visitors work their way through the natural nooks and crannies and discover stretches of sand sans footprints. The North Shore Hawaii waves are the perfect conditions for professional surfers! The scenery is stunning and the bay is relatively calm. Malaekahana 11. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. This is where youll find that the surfing in Hawaii you see on TV and in the movies is much more incredible in real life! Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. Ehukai Beach / Banzai Pipeline 9. Great day and mix of wildlife watching and enjoying the sun and waves crashing on Oahu's North Shore. Visiting food trucks and bringing meals to the beach is an experience unlike any other. Waimanalo Beach Park: Best White Sand Beach on Oahu, Located: Windward Oahu, 41-747 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, Food: Take-out lunch and dinner plate lunches in Waimanalo Town, Recommended Activities: beach bumming, swimming, beach walks, Lucky for you, Kailua Town has a lot of great breakfast spots. and then come relax at Kualoa Regional Park Beach. When theres high surf, that means there is a strong rip current and its not safe for swimming. Ive compiled a list of eight of the best North Shore Oahu Beaches that you need to take a look at! To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. We were both pleasantly surprised at their decent prices and kitschy souvenirs. Park on the side of the road and buy a coconut and some other fruit. They have access to some of the gorgeous North Shore beaches around. WAIMEA BAY: THE BEST BEACH ON THE NORTH SHORE March 23, 2023 AMERICA, HAWAII Waimea Bay Beach has amazing snorkeling, rock jumping, underwater tunnels, sea turtles, rock climbing, and prime sunsets. Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! The hidden beach is accessible only by a rocky trail. Makapu'u Beach Park: Secluded Oahu Beach Near Waikiki, 6. Best bet: Some workers at the old Haleiwa Hotel, where the Haleiwa Joes restaurant now sits, dubbed it Alii Beach.. Discover this 6.1-mile out-and-back trail near Waialua, Oahu. Regardless of what you decide, both areas are amazing and you can easily do day trips. With showers available to help you spray off the sand and salt and lifeguards on deck to ensure that newer surfers and swimmers stay safe, this beach is perfect for travelers of all different experience levels. There are many ways to see the island of Oahutake a guided tour, hitch a ride on Its that time of the year when the fields at DuPont Pioneers Waialua farm are bu With its breathtaking beaches and a culture that values ohana, Oahu is the perfec A stunning mixture of power and beauty, action and tranquility. And theres talk about building new hotels in the area, which some say will change the pace of the place forever. With this season packing some of the most unpredictable waves on the beach, you should only really be looking into surfing at this time if you are a veteran surfer. Divers can usually see a variety of fish in numerous colors, sea turtles, and even underwater lava tubes! Probably the most famous out of all the North Shore Oahu hotels is Turtle Bay. While the beach is also a popular spot for North Shore Hawaii surfing, only experienced surfers should try to ride in the winter. The best way to find the hidden gems along the north shore is to drive along Kamehameha Highway and to pull over at any fruit stand, beach, or place that looks interesting to you. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. There is also plenty of spots for the perfect photo opportunity, chances to rock climb, and of course, get the true Hawaii experience and surf to your hearts content. Regardless of the parking situation, I can assure you that you will be glad you came here. If you want a more metropolitan feel with lots of lodging options, then Waikiki is for you. Kawela Bay is a perfect example of the hidden surprises that lay off the beaten path throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Located right in front of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, the Marriott Hotel is a great place to stay to do a lot of North Shore Oahu activities. If you are looking for a secluded beach, this is a great place to visit after exploring the Jurassic Valley of Kualao Ranch. The beauty of Laniakea Beach is visible as soon as you set foot on the sands and look at the wide, open sky. If you have the same taste in movies as I do, you probably saw this gorgeous resort in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall and you just had to come to see it for yourself! This really depends on how many days youre visiting Oahu and what you want to do. Sandy Beach: Best Oahu Beach for Bodysurfing, Be cautious, the experienced bodysurfers will make surfing these waves look easy. Most people cant be bothered with that sort of effort, which works in the favor of anyone seeking seclusion. I know it can be tempting, but remember to respect the land and health of these majestic creatures. As a result, a lucky few (yourself included) will enjoy a relaxing beach with a juxtaposing mix of soft sand and shoreline reef rock. It may be expensive, but it is very luxurious. The North Shore is sublime. Makapuu Beach Park: Secluded Oahu Beach Near Waikiki, Located: Windward Oahu, 41 HI-71, Waimanalo, HI, Recommended Activities: beach bumming, bodysurfing, fishing, 3. Not in the cases of the shorelines that weve listed below. In doing so, wont we cause them to become overrun? Its a great place to stay if you want to do a lot of North Shore Oahu activities. A lot of people come here to see the beautiful sea turtles and I dont blame them at all. The waters at this time are much calmer than in the winter. Laniakea Beach 5. Its taken us 2.5 hours when we went during rush hour. Have you ever explored this stunning trail system on Oahu's north shore before? It used to be less crowded than other spots, but these days theres almost always a line of cars looking for roadside parking and dozens of people dashing across the adjacent highway, often to glimpse the turtles that lounge there.Lifeguard: Mobile lifeguard standParking: Only along the highway.Restrooms: No.How it got its name: One of the first residents in the area called his home Laniakea (wide sky) for a nearby spring and the name eventually got associated with the break. Tucked away on the North Shore of Oahu is a hidden gem among locals and visitors alike - Haleiwa Beach House. Theres also the fact that you cant swim at this beach without scraping your belly across the reef. It depends on when you go. This depends on the time of the year you visit Hawaii; swimming in the winter months (November to April) is nearly impossible due to rough waters. Waimea Bay. Leaving Haleiwa Town, you have two choices as you head out to the beaches. from the famed rock that sits half-submerged at the shoreline. Be sure to check out my top 101 things to do on Oahu! As one of the older volcanic islands, Oahu has a lot of beach shorelines. Ehukai Beach Park is a great place to watch professional surfing in Oahu. Waimea Bay Beach Park. Below, you will see the best places to stay in Hawaii as well as other fun things to do! Located on Oahu's Waianae coast, Yokohama Bay is a long stretch of secluded sandy beach that is a great place for picnicking, hiking, shore fishing and watching spectacular sunsets. Pupukea translates to white shell in the native Hawaiian. You can drink the coconut water straight from the coconut. Otherwise, Kuilima Cove is one of the best North Shore beaches that is worth the drive. Cross the street, walk through a secret trail, pass an old Banyan tree, and you will arrive at secret beach. The North Shore of Oahu hosts some of the most world-renowned beaches in all of Hawaii. | Simply Wander, 17 Underrated Spots on New Zealands South Island. There is simply an endless number of fun options that any traveler can take advantage of, which makes sense considering that this is one of the most beloved beaches on Oahu. This spot has its popularity at its max from May to September, which may be something important to keep in mind as you make your travel plans. I am not a surfer myself, but I enjoyed watching the surfers each day I was there. Where : Located on the North shore of Oahu. 25 Best Beaches in Hawaii For A Spectacular Trip, 71 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu With Your Family. When the big waves are here, though, so are the crowds. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad454807841e6d4cf2cb61b6c6da565d" );document.getElementById("cbc326333c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau estimates that more than half of the states 7 million visitors make the trek to the North Shore at some time during their stay. The waves are quite choppy here, but the waters are rich with marine life. Ka'ena Point. Rainbow Eucalyptus trees are a must-see in Hawaii, and this is one of the best places to see them. Of course, regardless of the season, the view of the sunset at Sunset Beach is one of the most amazing things you will ever see. - Lot / Land for sale. Site Credit, Oahu has so many beaches and so many good ones. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. Kawela Bay is a small protected cove on the north shore near Turtle Bay Resort. The Honolulu beaches can be done either day, depending on whats more convenient for you. The Ehukai Pillbox trail is better known as the Sunset Pillbox Hike, because it has some beautiful views of Ehukai Beach (better known as Banzai Pipeline) and the North Shore coastline. They dont call it Sunset Beach for no reason! With few rideable waves, the site is known for its sublime sounds and sights. After that, you can walk to Lanikai Beach and you wont have to worry about losing your parking spot. Its the most western point on Oahu and is said to be the place where souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. The beach offers a myriad of activities to occupy your time. During the summer, the waves are much calmer, meaning that this is also a great spot just to chill out and swim. The water is really tumultuous during the winter months (November through April), which is why there are so many North Shore surf competitions in the winter. 1. Lanikai Beach offers some of the best views as well. 51-52 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730, USA, Kalaniana?ole Highway, Kalaniana?ole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI, USA. Puaena Point: Gently rolling swells that peter out in a beautiful bay. Ke Iki Beach and Oahu's North Shore is less than an hour from famous Waikiki. Waimea Bay Even if you dont want to stop at the Dole Plantation, drive by just to see the rainbow eucalyptus trees that line the large driveway. The beach is located in a north shore residential neighborhood off of Kamehameha Hwy. Ka'ena Point 3. There are plenty to choose from and youll get a more authentic Hawaii experience and have the chance to talk story with locals. They also offer lunch items such as fresh sandwiches, chicken katsu, garlic shrimp plates, and many more options. Waialee Beach Park is hidden in plain sight. If you were debating on whether to stay in the North Shore or Waikiki area then here is my recommendation: if you love a laid back quieter area and want to surf or watch surfers, then the North Shore is for you.