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, I 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.

Jump to:

• 5 reasons to stay on the North Shore
• Oahu's North Shore hotels and resorts
• Hostels on Oahu's North Shore
• Short-term vacation rentals
• Camper van rentals
• North Shore campgrounds
• Other places to stay on the North Shore
• Helpful tips
• 💬 Comments

5 reasons to stay on the North Shore

The North Shore is a great place to stay on Oahu for families, couples, surfers, backpackers, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. Here are five reasons why:

1. Relaxing atmosphere: The North Shore has a much quieter, more relaxed feel than Honolulu and Waikiki. It's Oahu's countryside, with beautiful beaches, historic Haleiwa Town, and a scenic two-lane coastal road.
2. Outdoor activities: If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you'll have plenty to do on the North Shore. Go surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, or simply relax on one of the many beaches.
3. Shopping and dining: Haleiwa Town is filled with locally owned boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, and surf shops. It's also one of the best places on Oahu to enjoy local restaurants, food trucks, fresh seafood, and the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice.
4. World-famous surfing: Every winter, the North Shore becomes the center of the surfing world. Stay here and you'll be just minutes from famous surf spots like Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Pipeline, where some of the world's biggest surfing competitions take place each year.
5. Marine life: The North Shore is one of the best places on Oahu to see marine life. Depending on the season, you may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, monk seals, sharks, and even albatrosses.

Oahu's North Shore hotels and resorts

If you're looking to stay at a hotel or resort in the North Shore/Haleiwa area, there are only two options available. Let me tell you about each one:

1. The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay Resort and Hotel

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

Staying here is best for travelers who want a full-service luxury resort with activities on-site.

You'll find several restaurants, a pool, spa, hot tub, golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, horseback riding, surf lessons, walking trails, and direct beach access.

You can choose rooms with views of the ocean, pools, or the resort grounds. The rooms overlooking the pools are a great choice if you enjoy watching the sunset and seeing surfers in the water. Rooms on the opposite side tend to be a little quieter.

The resort also offers accommodations for guests looking for more space than a standard hotel room. Choose the Ocean Villas if you're traveling with family or a group, or the Ocean Bungalows if you want more privacy or are bringing a pet.

Many of the area's most popular attractions, such as Haleiwa Town and Waimea Valley, are within a short drive, but traffic is often much slower than it looks on a map. During the winter surf season and on weekends, it's not unusual for the drive between Turtle Bay and Haleiwa to take close to an hour.

2. Courtyard by Marriott

Although it's marketed as a North Shore hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott is actually located in Laie, about 18 miles (29 km) from Haleiwa Town and 7 miles (11 km) from Turtle Bay Resort.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and is just a short walk from the beach.

This is a good option if you plan to spend most of your time visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, Climb Works Keana Farms, or Kualoa Ranch. If your plans include Haleiwa Town, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Pipeline, expect to spend more time in the car.

Hostels on Oahu's North Shore

Backpackers Hawaii is the only hostel on Oahu's North Shore and a great option for surfers and budget travelers planning a short stay.

You can choose from dorm beds, private studios, or standalone cabins. The property is directly across the street from Three Tables Beach, Shark's Cove, and Foodland supermarket. It's easy to bike or drive to many of the North Shore's most popular beaches.

Finding an affordable place to stay on the North Shore isn't easy. Backpackers is one of the few budget-friendly options available for short stays, so rooms often book up well in advance.

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.

Fortunately, there are still a handful of legal vacation rentals available. Here are the four options I recommend:

1. Kuilima Estates

Kuilima Estates is a community of privately owned one- and two-bedroom condos located within the Turtle Bay Resort property and golf course.

Depending on the unit, they can accommodate up to six guests and include amenities like full kitchens, living areas, and private outdoor patios.

Guests have access to swimming pools and tennis courts. It's also an easy walk to the restaurants and beaches at the resort.

This works well for families or small groups who want more space than a hotel room without paying resort villa prices.

Tip: Since each condo is privately owned, you'll find them listed on sites like VRBO and Booking.com, and amenities, furnishings, and rates can vary from one unit to another.

2. Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows is a beachfront vacation rental offering cozy studios for couples and one- and two-bedroom bungalows for families and larger groups.

The location is one of the biggest highlights. It's right on Ke Iki Beach, which is wider and quieter than the neighboring beaches. Shark's Cove and Foodland supermarket are a short walk away, and the bike path runs right in front of the property.

This is a great choice if you want the privacy of a vacation home right on the beach without the feel of a large resort.

They also offer complimentary outdoor yoga classes for guests, which is a nice bonus. And if you're planning a wedding, the oceanfront lawn is a beautiful setting for a ceremony or reception.

3. Owen's Retreat

Owen's Retreat is a beachfront vacation rental in Mokuleia offering standalone bungalows. The property has been welcoming guests since the 1950s.

Consider staying here if you want a quieter stay away from the busier parts of the North Shore while still being right on the beach. Mokuleia feels much less crowded than the Haleiwa and Sunset Beach areas.

The bungalows are simple, comfortable, and have a classic old Hawaii feel that's becoming harder to find in the area.

You can choose from a studio or one- to four-bedroom bungalows, each with a full kitchen and private bathroom.

4. Vacation rental homes

Besides the properties listed above, there are a few other short-term vacation rentals available in Haleiwa and elsewhere on the North Shore.

These homes were granted permits before the current laws were passed and are still allowed to offer stays of less than 30 days.

A few homes I'd recommend are the Airbnb Oahu Cottage, the Laniakea North Shore Beachfront, and the Haleiwa Waterfront House.

If you're planning to stay for 30 days or longer, you'll have many more homes to choose from throughout Haleiwa and the North Shore, including places like the Sea Turtle Ranch Home.

Camper van rentals

If you're looking for something a little different, renting a camper van is a fun way to experience the North Shore.

Campervan Hawaii offers vans with comfortable beds, a small kitchen, and an outdoor shower, giving you the flexibility to stay close to the beaches while having everything you need in one place.

I'd recommend it if you enjoy camping and want to spend your days surfing, snorkeling, hiking, or exploring Haleiwa and the rest of the North Shore at your own pace.

There are several campgrounds where you can park overnight, with amenities such as restrooms and showers. Overnight parking isn't allowed on neighborhood streets or the beach.

North Shore campgrounds

Camping is another fun way to experience the North Shore, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors and don't mind giving up the comforts of a hotel.

There are two campgrounds in the area:

1. Kaiaka Bay Beach Park is just west of Haleiwa Town and is a good choice if you want to stay close to restaurants, shops, and other conveniences. Camping permits allow stays of up to five days, with a maximum of 10 people per permit.
2. Malaekahana Beach Campground is located near Kahuku on the eastern end of the North Shore. You can camp in a tent or stay in one of their plantation-style cabins if you'd rather not bring your own camping gear.

Note: At the time of writing, Malaekahana Beach Campground is temporarily closed for renovations. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates before making plans.

Other places to stay on the North Shore

If you haven't found what you're looking for yet, feel free to get in touch with me. I know several local property owners and may be able to help you find a vacation rental that isn't included in this guide.

My top picks

• Airbnb Oahu Cottage: Our one-bedroom guest house in Waialua, close to beaches, restaurants, and shops in Haleiwa Town. Sleeps two guests and has earned over 400 five-star reviews.
• Kai Mau Loa: Recently renovated four-bedroom beachfront plantation home in Mokuleia. Sleeps eight guests.
• Sunset Beach Paradise: A cozy one-bedroom guest house in a great location between Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Sleeps two guests.
• Hale House: Comfortable three-bedroom home that's perfect for families or friends wanting to stay close to the famous beaches. Sleeps six guests.

You can also use the map below to search for accommodations across Oahu and check what's available for your travel dates.

I hope this guide helped you decide where to stay on Oahu's North Shore. Let me know if you have any questions or need assistance. Let's chat in the comments below!

If you're planning your trip, here are a few other guides that might help: