Where to Stay on Oahu's North Shore

Find out where to stay on the North Shore of Oahu and Haleiwa with this complete guide. You'll get a list of all the available places to stay, from hotels and resorts to short-term vacation rentals and other accommodations.

If you're searching for places to stay along the beautiful North Shore of Oahu, this is the best guide to help you find your ideal accommodation!

Numerous options exist in the area. But recent local restrictions on short-term rentals for stays less than 30 days on Oahu have made it somewhat challenging to find rentals nowadays.

So, we put together a complete list of all your options for places to stay on the North Shore/Haleiwa area so planning your trip gets easier, and you're sure to find something that suits both your budget and preferences.

6 Reasons to stay on the North Shore

Staying on the North Shore during your vacation on Oahu is a fantastic choice compared to other parts of the island. The area is perfect for families, couples, backpackers, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are six more reasons:

1. Relaxing atmosphere: The North Shore is a very relaxing vacation spot nestled in the island's countryside, surrounded by beautiful beaches, a quaint historic town, and a scenic two-lane coastal road, offering a tranquil atmosphere distinct from the busyness of Honolulu and Waikiki.
2. Exciting outdoor activities: This is the place to be if you enjoy outdoor activities, ranging from sunbathing and relaxing on the beach to surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, skydiving, fishing, kayaking, and much more.
3. Shopping in Haleiwa Town: In the historic town of Haleiwa, you'll find unique gift shops, boutiques, surf shops, and art galleries.
4. Delicious local cuisine: Savor the world-famous Matsumoto Shaved Ice, dine at the popular Haleiwa Joe's, indulge in local Hawaiian dishes and fresh seafood, and explore the numerous food trucks and restaurants, both in Haleiwa and throughout the North Shore.
5. World-class surfing: The area is renowned for its legendary surf breaks that come alive in the wintertime, like Waimea, Sunset Beach, and Pipeline. It attracts surfers from around the globe, and it's incredible to watch!
6. Captivating marine life: Witness mesmerizing marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, endangered monk seals, albatrosses, and humpback whales during winter months.

Oahu's North Shore hotels and resorts

If you're looking into staying at hotels or resorts in the North Shore/Haleiwa area, there are two excellent options available for you to choose from. Let's get to know these two hotels:

1. Turtle Bay Hotel and Resort

On the northeastern point of the North Shore, you'll find Turtle Bay Resort, situated about 13 miles (or 21 km) from Haleiwa Town.

Turtle Bay Resort is a luxurious hotel and resort where you can enjoy the finest accommodations with beautifully appointed rooms overlooking the ocean and pools.

And, for those seeking a more spacious retreat, the resort offers options that resemble upscale apartments, providing a comfortable and stylish home away from home. Check out Ocean Villas and Ocean Bungalows.

We recommend this hotel to guests who want to enjoy the utmost comfort and luxury throughout their visit to the country. It provides you with an excellent island escape and a relaxing holiday.

With several activities and amenities available, Turtle Bay Resort ensures that you never have to leave the premises. Tee off at the championship golf course, take a surf lesson, or embark on a scenic horseback ride. There's so much to see and do there!

You also have eight different choices when it comes to dining at the resort! They have a diverse selection of restaurants that cater to every craving and budget.

Their property is truly stunning, adorned with tall green trees and trails all around. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. You can also enjoy their beautiful pools and hot tub.

2. Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott is a beautiful hotel offering several amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a restaurant.

We recommend this hotel to anyone who wants to stay at a place far away from busy Honolulu and steps away from the beach for ultimate relaxation.

Courtyard Marriott is actually located on the East side of Oahu, in a town called Laie. It sits about 20 miles (22 km) from Haleiwa Town and 8 miles (13 km) from Turtle Bay Resort. The drive from the airport can take over an hour.

The area is stunning, and the hotel is conveniently close to some of the island's popular attractions, like the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Climb Works Keana Farms zipline.

Hostel North Shore Oahu

The hostel Backpackers Hawaii is ideal for budget travelers planning a short stay on Oahu's North Shore.

Their accommodations are affordable and cater to various needs. Choose from dorm beds, private studios, and entire cabins, all conveniently located near the beach and many famous surf spots. The beautiful Three Tables beach is right in front!

You'll also enjoy the convenience of having Foodland supermarket within walking distance and a short 10-minute drive to Haleiwa Town.

So be sure to check their rates and availability before showing up because they tend to fill up quickly!

Short-term vacation rentals

Finding short-term vacation rentals in Haleiwa and the North Shore can be a bit challenging due to recent laws that now prohibit rentals for less than 30 days.

Nevertheless, there are a handful of legal vacation rentals available, providing opportunities for short-term stays in homes rather than hotels.

Here are the four legal vacation rental choices available to you that we recommend:

1. Kuilima Estates

Nestled on the grounds of Turtle Bay Resort, alongside an 18-hole golf course, Kuilima Estates is a condominium featuring privately owned 1 to 2 bedroom apartments, sleeping up to 6 people.

The amenities included in the condominium are a tennis court and a pool. Plus you get to dine within walking distance at the various Turtle Bay Resort restaurants.

We believe you'll find the property to be very tranquil, offering beautiful views of the golf course and mountains.

Tip: Since these apartments are privately owned, you are likely to spot them listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and other booking websites.

2. Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows is a fantastic beachfront vacation rental on the North Shore, providing cozy studios perfect for couples to spacious one and two-bedroom units accommodating larger groups of 4 to 10 people.

Their location is so convenient! They're situated just north of Foodland supermarket and Sharks Cove beach. And if you enjoy biking, jogging, or simply taking a stroll, you'll appreciate the bike path right in front.

We also love that they provide complimentary yoga classes with your stay on an outdoor covered deck, surrounded by tropical vegetation and the tranquil sounds of the ocean. It's so relaxing!

In addition, their beautiful lawns and spacious patios offer an ideal venue for hosting weddings, complete with entertaining options and tent setups.

So, check their rates and availability. We highly recommend this beautiful spot!

3. Owen's Retreat

Owen's Retreat is comparable to Ke Iki Beach Bungalows, providing individual bungalows on a beautiful beachfront property. They have been in business since the 1950s!

Situated on the western side of the North Shore at Mokuleia, they offer a prime location in one of the most breathtaking and tranquil parts of the island. We love it there!

They provide a variety of accommodation options across four individual bungalows. These include a studio and 1 to 4-bedroom units, each equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom.

4. Vacation rental homes

If you're seeking a short-term vacation rental home for less than 30 days in Haleiwa or throughout the North Shore, you can still find a few options.

Some homes granted permits in the 1980s are allowed to continue offering short-term stays despite recent laws prohibiting rentals for less than 30 days.

You can find these unique rentals listed on popular vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Just be sure to carefully read through the property description to confirm they are permitted for shorter stays.

We recommend the Airbnb Oahu Cottage, the Laniakea North Shore Beachfront, and the Blue Mahina Sunset Beach Home.

If you're planning a 30-day or longer stay you're in luck! There's an abundance of homes listed on vacation rental sites like Airbnb. Browsing through the listings, you'll find several places to stay.

Camper van rentals for road-tripping

One of the coolest ways to experience Haleiwa and the North Shore is by renting a vintage 70's camper van from Hawaii Surf Campers.

These classic VW vans provide everything you need for a comfortable and adventurous stay! They include cozy beds, a kitchen, and even a shower powered by solar panels.

With these retro vans as your base, you can explore the island at your own pace, discovering breathtaking sights along the way.

Plus, there are several campgrounds available where you can park the van overnight, complete with convenient amenities like showers, bathrooms, and designated BBQ areas.

Create memories that will last a lifetime with Hawaii Surf Campers. Contact them to check their rates and availability! We highly recommend them!!

*Coupon code: Use our coupon code "HaleiwaTown" to get 10% off your booking!

North Shore campgrounds

Consider staying at a campground during your visit to the North Shore. You've got two fantastic options to choose from: Kaiaka Bay Beach Park and Malaekahana Beach.

These campgrounds offer unique camping experiences, from beachfront serenity to lush landscapes, and require a camping permit.

Kaiaka Bay Beach Park is just a short 5-minute drive west of Haleiwa Town. You can set up camp here for up to 5 days, and you're allowed a max of 10 people per camping permit.

Malaekahana Beach Campground is a popular camping site offering grounds for tent setups. Or you also have the option to stay in one of their charming plantation homes.

It's located in a town called Kahuku, just a 10-minute drive east from Turtle Bay Resort. Check out their accommodation options, pricing, and camping permits.

Other places to stay on the North Shore

As locals, we have a network of connections and may be able to help you find a short-term rental on the North Shore that suits your needs.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information about these hidden gems. We love sharing our insider knowledge and assisting you in finding a place to stay.

Our top picks

• Airbnb Oahu Cottage: Highly rated, close to beaches, restaurants, and shops in Haleiwa Town. Sleeps 2 people.
• Waialua Beach Cottage: Steps away from the beach at Mokuleia and recently renovated. Sleeps 8 people.
• Sunset Beach Paradise: Situated in a great location between Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Sleeps 2 people.
• Hawaii Surf Campers: We think renting VW vans is an awesome way to have a place to stay while exploring around.

Local tips

• Check out the local Oahu Facebook Market property rentals and other Facebook groups! You may be able to find a place to stay there as well.
• Anticipate a lively atmosphere on the North Shore, bustling with visitors. Be mindful of potential heavy traffic during large swells or surf contests.
• Having a car is highly recommended for convenience and ease of exploring Haleiwa and the entire area. There's limited availability of Uber and no taxi services in the area.
• Car break-ins are a concern throughout Hawaii. We strongly advise against leaving any valuables or items in plain sight inside your rental car.