Surfing the North Shore is every surfer's dream! Is it yours too? No matter your skill level, this guide covers everything you need to know to help plan your dream surf trip.
Planning your first surf trip to the North Shore? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, I know you have a lot of questions - where to surf, what the waves are like, what equipment to bring, where to take lessons, where to stay, and more.
When I first came to Oahu, I had many of the same questions. After nearly 30 years of living and surfing the North Shore, I can share my knowledge and answer all your questions about surfing this special place.
Let's dive in! You can use the table of contents to jump to specific topics and leave your comments and questions below.
Surfing on Oahu's North Shore
The North Shore, just an hour’s drive from Honolulu on Oahu’s northern coast, is famous for its powerful waves and iconic surf spots, attracting surfers and tourists from around the world each year.
The area is often called the 'Seven Mile Miracle,' a seven-mile stretch of coastline with some of the best waves in the world, extending from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach.
For many, surfing these waves, or even just watching them, is a dream come true. It certainly was for me!
Surfing is so significant here that the neighborhoods are named after nearby surf spots, and the town’s entrance sign even features a surfer riding a wave in a barrel.
This is the place to be! You can feel the energy, the stoke from the people, and the excitement when the waves pick up… So much so that traffic often comes to a standstill, and many surfers take the day off work to go surfing!
But it's not just surfing that makes this place so special. The area also has a laid-back, small-town vibe, with two lanes, a bike path, beautiful beaches, a historic town full of shops and restaurants, and a relaxed, country feel.
North Shore surf season
The surf season on the North Shore starts in late September and lasts until the end of April, when the North Pacific storms are most active.
In fact, over the years, I’ve noticed that the first swell usually arrives sometime around the last week of September, and occasionally, we see a small swell show up even earlier.
By the end of April, the swells taper off, but on some good years, we might still see a few small swells in May.
The prime surf season runs from November through February, when swells are more consistent and significantly larger. Then from March to early May, swells become less frequent and generally weaker.
During the summer, we might get one or two surprise swells in June or July, but August is typically pretty flat.
Surf Spots on the North Shore
There are over 20 surf spots on the North Shore, and you'll have plenty of options depending on the conditions, swell direction and skill level.
Checking each spot is easy since they're so close to each other - within walking distance, a short drive, or a quick bike ride away.
Some popular breaks you may have heard of are Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, but there’s also Rocky Point, Laniakea (Lanis), Off the Wall, and many more.
Here's a map featuring most of the spots so you can get a better idea of where to surf and their names:
Type of surf breaks & waves
Most surf spots on the North Shore are reef breaks, some shallower than others. We also have shorebreaks, like at Keiki and Waimea Bay, but there aren’t any pointbreaks here.
The waves are powerful and fast, often lasting just a few seconds. At some spots like Rocky Rights or VLand (Velzyland), the waves are hollow and break over shallow reef, while at spots like Sunset and Himalayas, they break in deeper water.
This is where you’ll find some of the best barrel rides in the world, especially at Pipeline and Backdoor, as well as some of the biggest waves. Waimea Bay and other outer reef spots can see waves reaching 40 feet or more!
There are plenty of right and left breaks for both regular and goofy footers, steep sections great for practicing turns and airs, and mellower rides for longboarding or beginners.
Another nice thing is that most spots break close to shore and have well-defined channels that make it easy to paddle out.
Watch the surf cam live!
Check out the live webcams at Pipeline and Waimea Bay - it's free!
Skill level
Surfing the North Shore requires a certain level of ocean and wave knowledge, and most breaks are better suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
That said, there are still a few beginner-friendly spots, and you can take surf lessons from experienced local instructors. Some beginner surf spots include:
- Inside Ali'i Beach
- Lanis on a smaller day.
- Chun's Reef
- Pua'ena Point
- Freddyland
- Turtle Bay Resort (pool-side bar)
If you're into longboarding, you also have a few options to go surfing when the waves are head-high or smaller at spots like Lanis, Chun's Reef, Ali'i Beach, and Pua'ena Point.
Surf conditions & tips
Winds: The North Shore tends to get windy, especially from 11 am to around 4 pm when the trade winds are strongest. But the wind direction is side to side offshore, which isn’t too bad for surfing. Head out early in the morning to score a glassy session!
Tides: Hawaii has a small tidal range, between 1 and 2 feet, so it doesn't affect the surf as much as other spots around the world. At most breaks here, the waves are usually best on an incoming tide.
Water temperature: Surfing in Hawaii is great because the water is warm but refreshing, usually 75 to 79°F. In winter, though, the winds can make it feel a bit chilly, so it's a good idea to bring a wetsuit top or springsuit.
Surfboards to bring & rentals
When planning a surf trip to the North Shore, surfers should bring a full quiver of boards.
You'll need high-performance shortboards for rippable waves like Rocky Point or VLand, larger boards for Waimea or Sunset Beach, and proper barrel boards for Pipeline and Backdoor.
Surf Shops: If you prefer to buy boards instead of bringing your own or if you happen to break one, there are plenty of surf shops in Haleiwa. These shops carry all the surf-related gear you may need.
Where to Rent Surfboards
There are three surf shops in Haleiwa Town where you can rent surfboards, longboards, and other beach gear:
* Go Nuts Hawaii also has a good selection of longboards and shortboards for rent!
Surf Schools & lessons
The North Shore is an excellent spot for surf lessons, with plenty of surf schools to choose from. They offer lessons year-round, but winter is the best time since swells are more consistent.
Most lessons happen at Pua'ena Point, Chun's Reef, or the beach by Turtle Bay Resort.
Good to know
Crowds & Vibe
The North Shore gets crowded, and most surf breaks are busy all day, so it can be tough to catch a lot of waves, and sometimes the vibe can be intense. My best advice is to know surf etiquette and always respect others in the lineup.
Surf Report
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, always check the surf report before heading out.
The waves here can change fast! It might look small, but it can get pretty big just an hour later. Also, the ocean can seem calm between sets, but when the set rolls in, the surf might be bigger than you thought!
Travel Insurance
If you're planning on surfing North Shore's powerful reef breaks, it's smart to get travel insurance - especially since it's super affordable!
I personally recommend World Nomads Insurance. They have great plans at the best prices and cover various activities, including surfing and ocean sports. I use them every time I go on a surf trip!
Surf Competitions
Winter is when the North Shore hosts some of the world’s most iconic surf competitions.
Be sure to check out the contest schedule and waiting periods. You won't want to miss watching the Pipe Masters or the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational!
What to Do When the Surf's Flat
When the surf is flat, and you want to explore the area, there are plenty of cool things to do! You can go snorkeling, hiking, take a tour from Haleiwa Harbor, kayak down the Anahulu River, or jump off the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge.
Take a look at our list of the best things to do around the area and some fun activities in Haleiwa!
Where to stay, dine & shop
- Where to stay: One of the most affordable places to stay on this side of the island is at Backpackers Hawaii. You should also consider the Kuilima Estate condos and this charming North Shore Airbnb near Haleiwa Town. Beyond that, check out our guide to places to stay for more options.
- Places to eat: Check out our guide to the local restaurants and food trucks on the North Shore.
- Shopping: Here's an overview of the shops in Haleiwa Town and the grocery store on the North Shore.
FAQs
There are a few all-inclusive surf camps and retreats on the North Shore of Oahu. These camps typically offer packages that include accommodations, meals, surf lessons, and equipment. For more details, take a look at our North Shore Surf Camps guide. Here are just a few to check out: GoNutsHawaii, SurfHawaii4u, and LaniSurf.
While sharks are in Hawaii’s waters, shark encounters while surfing the North Shore are rare. There have been a few recorded attacks in the last few years, but not many. The species you might come across are mainly Tiger sharks, Galapagos sharks, and reef sharks. It’s best to avoid surfing at dawn, dusk, or in murky water to stay safe, and consider wearing a shark band for added peace of mind.
Have any questions or comments? Share them below! And here's more info to help plan your visit:
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