Restrooms and showers are located near the parking lot along Kamehameha Highway. Otherwise, its an easy kayak. Get a feel for the laid-back lifestyle of this tranquil paradise. Stay safe, and have fun! Take them seriously. Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or Surfing are great ways to experience Hawaiis oceans and have a blast while doing so. North Shore murder suspect Hailey Dandurand testified on Tuesday in Oahu Circuit Court that her then- boyfriend was responsible for the 2017 slaying of a Sunset Beach woman. We only took the southern path to get to the end of the cape, but the northern path seemed to us to be interesting, in a wilder and sandier landscape than the southern access which is very rocky. All Rights Reserved. The beach is rather narrow but offers a nice place to lay your towel at the water's edge. This path runs along the cape on both sides. Wintertime is typically rife with powerful, massive waves that attract daredevil surfers from the island, all across the US, and even around the world. Popular with locals for fishing, barbecuing, and family hang outs. Oahu's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Oahu's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. #12. It is perfect for a fun day at the beach with family and friends. This Oahu beach offers a lot of action in both the winter and summer months! Restroom facilities with showers are available within the Beach Park. Malaekahana Beach is a pocket beach tucked away between Laie and Kahuku. Especially if you divide your stay between the two areas. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Sharks Cove is surrounded by a natural rock barrier creating a perfect pool of calm water filled with vibrant fish. From Kulima Cove it will be possible to continue the tour of the island of Oahu to discover the East Shore. Nearby is Uncle Bryans Sunset Suratt Surf School for those that want to take a lesson. The bay offers great swimming and snorkeling conditions when there are no swells. This stunning bay is home to crystal-clear waters and offers a variety of ocean activities. ), 9 Noteworthy Things to Do in Napili, Maui (and Nearby! Keep reading this post for some highlights of each location. Access is from the Farrington Highway. The waves here are calm year-round and the water is so clear. But no matter which beach you choose, youre sure to have a great time. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Are you looking for the best North Shore beaches? Remember when in doubtdont go out!!! Near Shark's Cove is this little unknown Beach Park which houses a kind of pond rather cute but where I had doubts about the freshness of the water which does not seem to be renewed frequently. ), How to Visit Iao Valley State Monument (a 2023 Update! There is a good chance that swimming is forbidden during the winter. In winter, the big waves are impressive and make the joy of surfers. In my opinion, the North Shore is great for surfing and snorkeling but if you are looking for a nice beach to swim in with calm waters, I recommend visiting some of the beaches on the windward side. We visited in the summer and the water was warmer and very calm. I am not a surfer myself, but I enjoyed watching the surfers each day I was there. The place is famous for snorkeling when the water is not murky but we did not test it. Tip when visiting Waimanalo Beware of jellyfish signs. Just as the name implies, Sunset Beach is famous for its gorgeous sunsets. The bathing is not lifeguarded. For good swimmers, it should be noted that the real Shark's Cove Bay (the natural pool area borrowed the name of the bay) is located north of the beach where the deeper water forms a small bay. If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. In the summer, the ocean will be calmer, and you can enjoy snorkeling, as the area is part of the Ppkea Marine Life Conservation District which is a protected area, the experience there is generally better than at Shark's Cove. A large protected cove is idea for families and beginner swimmers. Lanikai. You can watch surfers take off on waves with 40-50 foot faces getting the ride of a lifetime. Puaena Point: Gently rolling swells that peter out in a beautiful bay. Take Kamehameha Highway (Hwy 83) from Hale'iwa or Kahuku to Waimea. An hour away from Waikiki going north, Ke Iki Beach is a summer haven for travelers and tourists. Added Bonus: Located at the end of the road, Yokes is the last sandy stretch on the Leeward Coast. By beachbuddy10 " Great little beach with amenities. Try here if the winter surf is too unsafe for swimming at other places along the northern coast. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Laie offers some of the best accommodations along the North Shore beaches. I visited Lanikai Beach many times on my trips to Oahu and did not have any issues with finding parking. Waimea Bay is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Hawaii and its also considered to be one of the most iconic beaches by many as well. Even though you may not be able to go into the water you will not be disappointed watching the massive surf as expert surfers challenge their skills on some of the worlds largest waves. This large and wide sandy beach, lined with private properties and coconut trees, is protected by a reef that juts out to the sand along the beach. The calm waters make it a great place for beginners to try snorkeling for the first time. O'ahu's beaches need no introduction. The long sandy beach is easily accessible from the Beach Park as well as from various locations by parking on one of the streets along the beach and then walking along one of the beach accesses to the waterfront. The swimming is not lifeguarded. We left with our baby, Lena, who was only 5 months old at the time. It is part of an area that is well known for its gigantic waves during winter and this draws in surfers the world over. Download your copy of our Waimea features a huge rock known as the Jump Rock providing tons of fun plunging into the blue cool water from the Jump Rock. I will also share some tips and tricks that I learned to help you plan your trip. It will be necessary to continue on foot on a path of approximately 300m which skirts some paddocks with horses before leading to the beach. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Its typically windy, and theres a large open field with an absence of trees. They dont call it Sunset Beach for no reason! It was designed and built to blend into the natural ambiance of the island of Oahu. This beach park has something for everyone offering public amenities such as picnic tables, bathrooms & showers to rinse the saltwater off. The North Shore of Oahu is best known for its world-class waves and soft sandy beaches. Cactus Restaurant ranks among the best on the beach while Paradise Bay Resort offers the best of modern hospitality with an island theme. 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. We now arrive in Ppkea, the main town in Northeast Oahu. When the waves are in the calmer months, it makes for a good beach for wading in the water. If you are a surfer or love to watch people surf, then this is your paradise. See also our Oahu surfing guide. Why Go: An extension of Waimanalo Beach, Bellows is located on an active Air Force base but open to the public during weekends. A small island is located just in front of the beach as a decoration. Today, if we can continue this adventure, it is above all thanks to our blog, Smartrippers! Go snorkeling off the beach or book a snorkeling tour. In 2019 we quit everything to live our dream, become nomads and travel around the world. Its not overly rough, but it does get mild waves along the shore, fun for active swimming. A lot of people tend to come here when Lanikai Beach is overcrowded, and I dont blame them at all. Parking is available along the entire length of Kamehameha Highway, on the roadside. Let's start this article with the western sector, from Wailu to Ka'ena Point, the small cape at the northwest end of Oahu. The north coast of Oahu offers a wide range of varied landscapes and a multitude of sandy beaches. Picnic tables (in the sun), shower and restrooms are located in the green areas in front of the parking lot. There is a dirt parking lot at the very end of Farrington Highway. A second, larger parking lot is located 200m north of the beach and gives access to restrooms with shower. Its location below the road makes it a pleasant place to relax, as it is surrounded by greenery. It has picnic tables, restrooms, food stands, and beach volleyball courts. This large beach park offers a large expanse of shaded grass ideal for picnicking, as well as a campground. Added Bonus: The beach cove is named after Halona Blow Hole, which is located on the front side of the cliffs above the beach cove. Thanks, Your email address will not be published. Do not attempt to swim inside; instead, simply look down in. Located at the entrance of Ppkea, Waimea Bay Beach is a beach famous for its big waves in winter. You can also give us a call at 1 (800) 899-7873. During the large winter swells extending from October to April this beach becomes very dangerous with massive shore breaks and strong ocean currents. The ocean is relatively calm, protected by a coral reef in the distance and a reef at the edge. Added Bonus: Located nearby are the Mermaid Caves caverns carved in the rocks along the shore. Why Go: Haleiwa is one of the beaches with calmer waters on the north shore. Why Go: Waimanalo Beach is one of the longest in Hawaii, offering several miles of white sand to walk. Try out the Queens Surf Beach or Kaimana Beach sections for a more local feel. The divers, age 28 and 32, were discovered at Velzyland Beach . There is also a lifeguard on watch as well as visits from food and ice cream trucks, so your kids will certainly enjoy Waimea Bay. Waimea Bay is also known as one of the best cliff jumping spots on Oahu. This beautiful beach park offers spectacular views down the east coast of Oahu as well as Mokolii, an islet off the Windward Coast. The setting with the ridge in the background is quite nice although the beach itself lacks charm. Swimming is not supervised. ), 12 Best Luaus on Maui (+ Fire Shows, Hula, & Tips! Theres lots of good shade thanks to the Ironwood trees, and lots of small surf for bodyboarding and swimming. From now on the waves sweep the shore, the coast being more and more exposed to the wind. Why Go: Just east of Halona Beach Cove is Sandys beach. The Oahu beach is also a popular fishing spot for locals, and thrill-seekers . The sand leaves place little by little to the black rocks. The first access is from a small parking lot along Farrington Highway, near Camp Mokul 'ia. We know because even while trying to narrow down a list of the best beaches that Oahu has to offer, we still ended up with a list of 28 beaches! Its not recommended for all swimmers, as the undertow can get quite strong. Great for first-time visitors! Ke Iki Beach is the first of a long series of beaches that follow one another and look alike. At low tide, you can just about walk out to the island of Mokolii (also known as Chinamans hat). Added Bonus: Bring your bodyboard. 3. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Turtle Bay is home to the famous Turtle Bay Beach Resort. Laniakea is one of the most popular spots for surfers because it has some of the longest waves on the North Shore, and the south end is perfect for beginners. Oahus beaches need no introduction. From glamorous Waikiki to the laid back North Shore, it's a fast and easy 40 minute drive straight north through the middle of Oahu. Take the time to walk a little along the ocean until you reach the small rocky point. A small 4-acre park at the base of the Ko'olau Mountains near the southern tip of Oahu, Kaiona is often overlooked for the neighboring Waimanalo and Bellows beaches to the north and Makapu'u to the south. 2. While everyone wants to see the surfers riding the Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay has to be the most popular beach on the North Shore. When the surf is small its perfect for swimming and enjoying the water. It features beautiful rock formations with a few underwater tunnels one can swim into and see the friendly green sea turtles and fish that call it home. We consider Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Turtle Bay, Laniakea Beach, Haleiwa Beach, and Ehukai Beach to be the top 6 beaches on the North Shore. Surf N Sea offers excellent surf lessons for all levels of surfers. Check out its power on days with big surf. The beach was not overcrowded at all either. The best Oahu beaches to go surfing are Waikk Beach (all levels), White Plains (for beginners), and Sunset Beach (advanced). Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii veteran, I'm here to help you make the most of your trip! Separated from the road by a barrier of thick vegetation, this beach is moderately frequented. Featuring a number of surf breaks and one of the largest shore breaks on the island, Sandys is a hub of activity and youth. If youre traveling to Oahu last minute, you want to ensure you have your Oahu tours and lodging booked ahead of time! There are 10 fabulous beaches that you can explore here in the North Shore of Oahu. Maybe just a little more packed. Shark's Cove (Pupukea) is good some days but deadly others. Added Bonus: This place can get crowded in the mid-morning and beyond. North Shore Windward Coast North Shore Highlights Haleiwa Town This laid-back surfer town offers beautiful beaches, tasty local restaurants and food trucks, cool shops and plenty of shave ice. As mentioned previously, the water here is so clear and calm. Even though Haleiwa is not as crowded, its just as beautiful. Added Bonus: There are camp sites available here (permit required). It almost doesn't even have a beach, so much sand was lost. Our favorite Oahu beaches where you also have great snorkeling are Waikk Beach (the Sans Souci section), Hanauma Bay, and Sharks Cove. In case of rough sea, the experience will be less pleasant, as the waves pass over the rocky barrier. Why Go: A steep-sloped beach with turquoise waters, Yokohama, or Yokes as it is called by locals, is a great place to snorkel when its calm, thanks to big rocks along the ocean entrance. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The North Shore of Oahu is filled with some of the best beaches in the world, and with so many options it can be difficult to decide on which ones to visit during your trip. This side of the island has some of the best swimming and snorkeling and the water is calmer and clearer. After a first trip around the Pacific Ocean by plane and a long 3 months stay in Hawaii, we left to discover Iceland for 3 months on board our 4WD pickup truck and truck camper. NextisHawaii.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. 4. This world-famous coastline is home to some of the most beautiful and spectacular beaches on earth. Book A Tour: Horseback Riding Tours On Oahu's North Shore. Scuba Diving is a bit more adventurous but well worth it. There are no crowds here, unlike the two other beaches nearby, and yet the beach is much more beautiful, especially at the end of the day. In the continuity of the first one, we still find this wide strip of sand, without particular charm but with all the conveniences on the spot thanks to the small Beach Park. Waikk Beach. These are our top picks: Traveling to Oahu independently? Added Bonus: Across the street from Laniakea is Kawailoa Ranch, which showcases the North Shores horse and ranch life. Overview of Sunset Beach Are you shopping for the perfect beach getaway? Unlike the other beaches I discussed earlier in this article, Haleiwa is not as crowded, and parking is very easy to find. The place is quite nice, especially at low tide. July 9, 2023 AMERICA, HAWAII The North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the best surf in the world in the winter months and endless golden sand beaches during the summer. The North Shore of Oahu is truly one of Hawaiis biggest treasures. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . The water is calm, the sand is powder soft, its relatively clean and the views are amazing. dont park facing the wrong way of traffic, make sure youre parked no more than one foot from the edge of the road, etc. If lifeguard and safety equipment available, it would be 5 star. Sharks Cove Marine Life Preserve is one of the best places on the north shore for snorkeling. Added Bonus: In addition to tent camping, the Park also has plantation-style cabins to rent. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a variety of shows and tours to visitors. When it comes to ocean views, its hard to top seeing some of the biggest surfs in the entire world. We ordered the spicy shrimp from Giovannis and it was everything that dreams are made of (spicy dreams, at least). However, in the summertime, the waves are much gentler, giving a pleasant view of the clear ocean sweeping endlessly into the horizon. Ocean conditions change rapidly during these times, and its important to read local reports and speak with the lifeguards at the beach about current conditions. Waimea Bay is one of those North Shore beaches that you can see massive waves during surfing season. The other two surf spots that host this important surf contest are Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach. HALEIWA, Hawaii Two free divers were found dead offshore of Velzyland Beach in the Sunset area of Oahu's North Shore on Sunday, according to the Honolulu Fire Department. Why Go: The iconic beach of Hawaii, with Diamond Head looming overhead. Here are 8 amazing North Shore Oahu beaches that will completely blow you away! Waimea Bay Is Best For A Day At The Beach. Visitors flock here to see them because they are known to hang out rather close . 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! The place is beautiful, especially at the end of the day, when the sea spray forms a kind of fog on the foothills of the ridge. Waimea Bay One of the best beaches on the North Shore with beach facilities is Waimea Bay. Lanikai Beach. The North Shore. There is an offshore reef that keeps the water calm, which means that Lanikai Beach is ideal for safe swimming. Laniakea. Oahu North Shore Visiting Tips: Start early as traffic builds through out the day, and plan on staying out there a full day, including sticking around to view the sunset at one of the beaches - Sunset Beach Hawaii didn't get its name by chance. There are several places to park along the road, facing the beach. Shark's Cove The best North Shore beach for snorkeling is Sharks Cove! Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Molokai parks all remain OPEN at this time. On Sunday, the Honolulu Fire Department responded to a 911 call at 3:40 a.m. about two free divers who had been missing for several hours. Oahu Highlights, Turtles & North Shore - Small Group Circle Island Tour (From $120.00) Private Circle Island Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer (From $314.53) Private Circle Island Tour With Beaches and Local Food (From $223.95) 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour (From $219.00) Small Group North Shore Circle Island Tour (From . It is the last major event of the year that brings together some of the worlds best surfers to compete in the world surf league. The walk is pleasant at the last light of the day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Next is Hawaii is powered by Targeting. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Once rescuers were on the scene, they blocked off the area within a gated . I know it can be tempting, but remember to respect the land and health of these majestic creatures. The road joins the edge of the beach at the northeast end which is a little less nice. Island of Oahu. But, its a great place to post up and watch the surf from shore. Here, a 'beach access' allows you to reach it. Below are some of my top recommendations. Dont miss the world-renowned surf break at Mahaka, or the end-of-the-road seclusion of Yokohama. But we never had the opportunity to come here on a calm sea day, so we can't tell you more about the quality of the snorkeling here. Considered the most famous surf beach in the world, Banzai Pipeline hosts the highlight of every surfers year: Billabong Pipe Masters. (i.e. [HAWAI'I-Big Island] UPDATED 7.18.23 - All Hawaii Island (Big Island) State Parks will be CLOSED at 4pm 7.18.23 until further notice due to the approach of Tropical Storm Calvin. North shore in March is 20foot waves 1 day and 3foot ones 2 days later, very random. Surf N Sea offers. From Waikiki you can see/do: DiamondHead, Bishop Museum, Foster Botanical Garden, Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor, Byodo-In Temple, Mission Houses, Plantation Village, Pali Lookout, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, ShangriLa Estate, Honolulu Museum of Art. We created it one day in 2016, with the desire to share our good travel tips, without thinking that it would lead us there! There are chemical toilets and showers at the Beach Park. but lack beach facilities. Only a few meters at the ends of the beach are free of sunbeds. Its clear blue-green water makes it extremely popular as a family-friendly swimming and snorkeling spot in the summer months. This is something that could have easily been prevented if we familiarized ourselves with the parking protocols. Regardless of the parking situation, I can assure you that you will be glad you came here. I recommend getting there early to beat the crowdsand secure your parking spot. Keep reading this post for some highlights of each location. Sunset Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Shore. Waimea Bay Beach Park Many visitors consider Waimea Bay the most beautiful North Shore Oahu Beach. In this blog post, well take a look at some of the best beaches on the north shore, and tell you everything you need to know about enjoying them to the fullest! Some areas are more difficult than others for surfing, and others you shouldnt even try to tackle, as it can be very dangerous for someone who is unfamiliar with the trends in the waves. The waves here are gigantic and I would not recommend swimming in the wintertime (especially to those that are not strong swimmers). Turtle Bay Beach is also known as Kukae'ohiki (which means excrement of the ghost crabs), and is famous for the turtles of course. Surfing Sunset Beach challenges big-wave surfers who try to conquer these gigantic waves. Why Go: Completely out of the way on the upper windwardside, Kahana remains a nice local hangout, boxed in by tall, jagged cliffs and a large, horseshoe bay. Added Bonus: Nearby Turtle Bay Resort was the setting for several movies, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It is still a good opportunity to go and see some small and not very shy fish. Most are very popular and easy to visit while a few are more local and off the beaten path. Its very important to remember while visiting you are a guest and we ask that you respect the beaches and people. The rocks are numerous and can be sharp. Why Go: These side by side bays are more protected from waves than other North Shore beaches, making them good for snorkeling and swimming year round, even when the surf is big at other places along the North Shore. Swimming is possible on very calm days, but its mostly rocky, so not recommended. We move away a little from the city to find calm in Kawela Beach, an atypical beach which will change a little of the previous ones with some rocks in the water. Alternatively, you can easily park in the large parking lot at Hale'iwa Beach Park and walk along the ocean to reach the bay. With long stretches of white sand, you can spend all day in the sun and watch the sunset over the water. 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. We guarantee you will have the trip of a lifetime. A little further, the vast grassy expanse of the Beach Park opens again on the beach. It is considered by many to be the surf capital of the world while local tour companies like And You Creations are always available to take visitors around the beautiful town (and the rest of Oahu). Waikk Beach. Source: tomas del amo / shutterstock. Furnished with the best of modern comforts but tailored to ooze island ambiance, they make the stay on Ke Iki Beach so much more enjoyable. A small place on the shoulder of the road allows several cars to park not far from Dillingham Ranch. . Lanikai Beach. In a 30-minute call we assist you setting up the trip of your dreams. Its not a great beach for swimming due to the runoff from the mountains, but its a good place to hang out, stand up paddleboard, or walk the trails opposite the beach. We hope this article has given you a little guidance on your trip to Oahu. The beaches of the North Shore of Oahu: surfing and snorkeling, If you want to try the experience, remember to wear, 2022 SMARTRIPPERS S.A.S - All rights reserved, The wild coast from Wailua to Ka'ena Point, The long sandy beaches of Ppkea at Kuilima Cove, East Shore of Oahu: beaches, landscapes and points of interest. Waimea bay is well known for being one of the best beaches in Oahu's North Shore. Almost all of the options on this list are perfect for those with young children, especially Turtle Bay, where kids can check out the friendly turtles in Kuilima Cove. Overlooking Kuilima Cove, Turtle Bay Resort provides the best in Polynesian hospitality. Why Go: Backed by the tall cliffs of the Koolau Volcano, the surf is often large at Makapuu, attracting a youthful crowd of bodyboarders and beachgoers. Why Go: This locally-oriented beach park is huge, covering many city blocks and encompassing all different kinds of activities: Hawaiian paddling, yoga groups, runners, walkers, surfers, swimmers, and volleyball. Roadside parking is available all along Shark's Cove Bay and the natural pool area. Added Bonus: Ko Olina is a private community that offers hotels, shops, restaurants, and golf. We were not really excited by this last bay of the North Shore of Oahu, where the beach is unfortunately very crowded and largely covered by the sunbeds and beachumbrellas of the big resort just behind the beach. The cove was made famous by the movie From Here to Eternity, filmed there in 1953. Added Bonus: Waikk beachs is 2 miles long and breaks down into several parts. Why Go: Four man-made lagoons created for the Ko Olina Resort community are perfect for families with small children. THE 10 BEST Oahu's North Shore Beaches Beaches in Oahu's North Shore Enter dates Filters 1 Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Outdoor Activities Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
beaches on north shore oahu
