Beaches on the North Shore of Oahu

Get to know the beaches on the North Shore of Oahu! Here we cover all the must-visit spots, share helpful tips and insights, and all the essential details for planning your trip.

The beaches on Oahu’s North Shore aren’t just stunning; they’re truly special and among the most sought-after in all of Hawaii.

They’re known for their beautiful, powerful waves that attract surfers every winter, earning the North Shore the title of the world’s surfing capital.

But it’s not just for surfers - the beaches here offer year-round opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing vacations on their shores.

Most spots are less crowded than those in Waikiki, and the area has a unique small-town charm with quaint restaurants and shops in the historic town of Haleiwa.

Let's dive in so we can show you the top beaches on the North Shore, share our insights, and give you all the info you need to plan a great beach day.

Best time to visit

The beaches on the North Shore change dramatically between summer and winter, so knowing these conditions can help you decide the best time to visit.

Summer (May to September)

Summertime is a beautiful season to visit the beaches here. The ocean is calm, the water is warm, and the weather is mostly sunny with less rain than in winter.

It’s the perfect time for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or any ocean activity you love. One of our favorite things to do is swimming with the dolphins at Waimea Bay!

Summer brings many visitors, but it’s usually less crowded than winter, and there’s generally less traffic - though weekends can still get busy.

Winter (October to April)

In winter, the North Shore comes alive with a unique energy and vibe - it’s the place to be! Visitors and surfers from around the world come here to ride the powerful waves and watch the surfing competitions.

This is a great time to watch surfers, take surfing lessons, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling at a few select spots. It’s also an excellent season for spotting humpback whales from the shore!

With so many people coming in winter for the waves, traffic can get quite heavy, especially when the waves are big or during surf competitions. Everyone wants to see it and it's pretty exciting!

The weather is typically warm, as you’d expect in Hawaii, but you might see a few quick showers and feel a bit chilly on the beach when the trade winds pick up.

Map of the North Shore beaches

From Ka'ena Point to Turtle Bay Resort, you’ll find plenty of beaches on Oahu's North Shore to explore. Check out the map to see where to go.

Try to stop at as many different beach access points along the coast as you can. You’ll find many spots to explore between the houses as you drive. Each beach has its own unique charm and is worth a visit.

6 Best Beaches on Oahu's North Shore

Here are the most popular beaches you can’t miss when visiting us on the North Shore.

1. Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach Park)

Whether you visit Oahu in summer or winter, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach Park) is a must-go for everyone. It is one of the most famous beaches on the North Shore.

In summer, the beach is wide, the ocean is calm, and it’s perfect for swimming or snorkeling. We also love taking walks along the sand here.

In winter, the scenery transforms, and when a good swell hits, Pipeline delivers one of the most perfect and heavy barrel waves in the world. It’s one of the key reasons why Pipeline and the North Shore became so famous.

It's absolutely amazing to watch! The waves break close to shore, and you can feel the energy in the sand beneath your feet. Here's a live webcam at the beach at Pipeline!

Parking: Year-round, there’s plenty of free parking along both sides of the road and at Ehukai Beach Park, where you’ll find the lifeguards, bathroom, and shower facilities. However, parking can be hard to find during surfing competitions at this spot!

2. Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is easily one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Oahu, and it is a must-see during your trip. Here's a live webcam at the beach at Waimea!

It's known for its massive waves that can reach over 40 feet in the winter, making it a top spot for big-wave surfing. But even if you’re not a surfer, watching these massive waves is an unforgettable experience.

In the summer, the bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the sand. It's the ideal time to jump off the famous large rock by the shore and, if you're lucky, swim with the dolphins.

We like Waimea because it’s sheltered from the wind, the beach is wide, the water is clear, and it’s a fantastic spot to hang out with friends and family.

Amenities: Parking at Waimea Bay is limited, but you can find spots along the road. The beach has lifeguards on duty, plus bathroom and outdoor shower facilities.

3. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is super popular with locals and visitors year-round, and it's one of the few beaches you can see as you drive along the coast.

Whether it’s summer or winter, the beach is wide and perfect for lounging on the sand.

In summer, it’s a great spot for swimming and a fun place for kids to play. In winter, the strong swells can create strong currents, making swimming less ideal.

Sunset Beach is famous for hosting major surfing competitions in the winter and is one of the top surf spots in Hawaii.

Amenities: There are dedicated parking stalls and bathroom facilities across the street from the beach, and lifeguards are always on duty.

4. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)

Laniakea Beach, also known as 'Turtle Beach,' is a popular surf spot where you’re likely to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.

The turtles love to hang out close to shore and lie on the sand at Laniakea. Over time, people started to notice, and now visitors from around the world come here to see them. Whether it's summer or winter, you can spot turtles here.

The beach is narrow and a bit rocky, but there's an easier entry to the water on the west side. Just be cautious of the currents when you go in.

You'll spot Laniakea Beach as you drive along the coast. Dedicated parking is available across the street and along both sides of the road. However, finding a spot can be challenging and traffic can get a bit heavy.

There are no public bathrooms or showers here, but lifeguards are on duty throughout the day.

5. Shark's Cove & Three Tables

Shark's Cove and Three Tables are some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots on Oahu.

This place is stunning and they're located next to each other. At Three Tables, you’ll find a narrow beach where you can relax, while Shark's Cove offers a rocky tide pool area for exploring.

Diving and snorkeling are best in the summer. Occasionally in winter, when the swells are calm, you can also enjoy these activities here.

You can swim through the caves, watch the fish and turtles, and in winter, it's incredible to see the giant waves crashing against the rocks.

Amenities: There’s plenty of free parking at Shark's Cove, along with bathroom and shower facilities. Plus, some of the famous food trucks are just across the street!

6. Haleiwa Beach Park

Haleiwa Beach Park offers calm waters and year-round family-friendly activities like swimming, kayaking, and standup paddle boarding. This is one of the best beaches to watch the sunset in the evenings!

It has plenty of amenities, including free parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grassy lawns. Plus, it's located right next to Haleiwa Town and other popular Haleiwa beaches like Ali'i Beach Park, Pua'ena Point, and Kaiaka Bay.

Top beaches for swimming & snorkeling

Spring & Summer

• Waimea Bay
• Three Tables and Shark's Cove
• Haleiwa Beach Park
• Ali'i Beach Park
• Kawela Bay
• Kuilima Cove (located on the eastern side of Turtle Bay Resort)

Fall & Winter

• Haleiwa Beach Park
• Three Tables (in between swells)
• Kawela Bay
• Kuilima Cove
• Waimea Bay (in between swells)

Kid-friendly beaches

Here are some kid-friendly beaches on the North Shore where you and your family can enjoy easy water access and calm waters in summer or winter:

• Waimea Bay (in summer)
• Three Tables (summer and occasionally in winter)
• Haleiwa Beach Park (summer and winter)
• Kuilima Cove (summer and winter)
• Kawela Bay (summer and winter)

Beginner’s surf spots

Here are the best beginner surf spots on Oahu's North Shore, which are also great for longboarding during the surf season from fall to late spring.

• Pua'ena Point: The inside reef has mellow waves that are great for beginners, while the outer reef is better suited for intermediate and advanced surfers. Many surf schools teach here.
• Chun's Reef: A favorite among longboarders, it's a great spot for beginners when the waves are small. Surf schools often teach on the inside reef here.
• Haleiwa Ali'i Beach: A popular spot for surfers of all levels, but the gentle, rolling waves on the inside reef make it ideal for beginners, and you'll often see kids learning to surf here.

Top beaches to watch the surfers

Surf season on Oahu's North Shore runs from fall to late spring. Here are some of the best surf spots to watch surfers:

• Haleiwa Ali'i Beach
• Waimea Bay
• Off the Wall
• Pipeline
• Rocky Point
• Sunset Beach