Surfing North Shore is a dream for many surfers - are you one of them? No matter your skill level, this guide has all the info you need to plan your surf trip to Oahu!
Surfing Oahu's North Shore is something every surfer should experience at least once in their lifetime, but planning it can feel overwhelming at first.
If you're just starting out or have some experience, I know you’ve got a lot of questions, like what the waves are like, which conditions and months the surf is best, what surfboards to bring, if it’s beginner-friendly, and where to stay.
Maybe you want to know which are the best North Shore surf spots for your skill level, considering an all-inclusive surf camp with coaching, or hoping to be here during one of the North Shore surf competitions.
I totally get it! I had all the same questions when I first arrived in Oahu. After nearly 30 years of living and surfing on the North Shore, I’ve learned a lot, and I’m excited to share everything I know to help you have the best surf experience here. Let’s dive in!
Jump to:
- What makes surfing North Shore so iconic
- What time of year is best for surfing
- Where to go surfing
- What are the waves like
- Can beginners surf on the North Shore
- Surf Conditions: wind, tides & water temp
- What should surfers bring
- Where can you learn to surf
- Good to know: Crowds, tips & more
- Where to stay, dine & shop
- FAQs
- 💬 Comments
What makes surfing North Shore so iconic
The North Shore of Oahu has some of the most perfect, powerful, and famous waves in the world. The waves here push the best surfers to their limits but still have mellow spots where beginners can get their feet wet.
That’s what makes this place so special and why surfers (and tourists) keep coming back year after year!
Surfing is such a big part of life here that even the neighborhoods are named after nearby breaks, and the town’s entrance has a huge sign (the Haleiwa North Shore sign) with a surfer in a tube.
This is the place to be! You can feel the energy in the air when the waves pick up - so much so that traffic comes to a standstill, and many locals take the day off work to surf.
We call this area the 'Seven Mile Miracle' because it’s an incredible seven-mile stretch of coastline with world-class waves from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach.
Surfing the North Shore, or even just watching the waves, is a dream for so many people. It definitely was for me!
What time of year is best for surfing
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.
Where to go surfing
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:
What are the waves like
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 V-Land (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!
Can beginners surf on the North Shore
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: wind, tides & water temp
Winds: Oahu 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.
What should surfers bring
Surfers should bring a full quiver of boards. You'll need high-performance shortboards for rippable waves like Rocky Point or V-Land, bigger boards for Waimea or Sunset Beach, and proper barrel boards for Pipeline and Backdoor.
Buying boards at surf shops: If you'd rather buy a board 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 gear you might 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!
Where can you learn to surf
The North Shore is an awesome place to take surf lessons, with tons of surf schools to pick from! While lessons are available year-round, winter is definitely the best time since the swells are more consistent.
You'll find most lessons happening at spots like Pua'ena Point, Chun's Reef, or the beach by Turtle Bay Resort.
Good to know: Crowds, tips & more
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
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!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, always check the surf report before heading out.
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 on the North Shore brings some of the most iconic surf competitions in the world!
Make sure to check the contest schedule and waiting periods - you won’t want to miss 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're looking to check out the area, there’s no shortage of fun things to do! Go snorkeling, hit up some hikes, take a boat tour from Haleiwa Harbor, kayak the Anahulu River, or even take a jump off the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge.
Take a look at our list of the best things to do on the North Shore and some more 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 food trucks and restaurants on the North Shore.
- Shopping: Here's an overview of the shops in Haleiwa Town and the grocery store on the North Shore.
FAQs
While sharks are present in Hawaii’s waters, encounters while surfing the North Shore are rare. There have been a few recorded attacks in recent years, but they are not common. The species you might come across are mainly Tiger sharks, Galapagos sharks, and reef sharks. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid surfing at dawn, dusk, or in murky water. For added peace of mind, you might want to consider wearing a shark band.
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, check out our North Shore Surf Camps guide.
Got any questions or comments about surfing the North Shore? Drop them below! Here's some more info to help plan your visit:
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