Top 10 Oahu’s North Shore Beaches
Oahu’s North Shore Beaches are famous for their breathtaking beauty, massive winter waves, and laid-back island vibes. Whether you’re a pro surfer, a casual swimmer, or just someone who loves stunning ocean views, there’s a perfect beach for you. From legendary surf spots to peaceful swimming coves, here’s your ultimate guide to the best beaches on the North Shore of Oahu.
Table of Contents
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1. Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea Bay Beach Park
📍 Location: Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: Massive winter waves, cliff jumping, snorkeling in summer
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming, winter for big wave watching
💲 Cost: Free (Parking can be limited)
🛍️ Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards
Waimea Bay is one of the most iconic North Shore Beaches, best known for its gigantic waves in winter, reaching up to 30 feet! During summer, the ocean calms down, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. Adventurers love the famous Waimea Rock, where you can take an exhilarating leap into the ocean.
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2. Sunset Beach
📍 Location: Kamehameha Hwy, Pupukea, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: Long stretches of sand, world-class surfing competitions
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Winter for surfing, summer for sunbathing
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: Limited parking, restrooms, showers, lifeguards
Stretching for two miles, Sunset Beach is a surfer’s paradise in winter and a relaxing escape in summer. It’s home to major surf competitions like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The sunsets here are out of this world, making it a must-visit for photographers and romantics.
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3. Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach Park)
Banzai Pipeline
📍 Location: 59-337 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: World’s deadliest and most perfect surf wave
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Winter for watching surfers, summer for calmer waters
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, food trucks nearby
Pipeline, also known as Banzai Pipeline, is one of the most famous North Shore Beaches for surfing. It’s home to The Billabong Pipe Masters, a major surfing event. While it’s mesmerizing to watch professionals ride the barrels, the waves here are extremely dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.
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4. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
Laniakea Beach
📍 Location: Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu)
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for turtle sightings
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: No restrooms, no lifeguards, street parking
Laniakea Beach is famous for its frequent sea turtle visits. You’ll often find Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) basking on the shore. While it’s tempting to get close, remember that touching or disturbing them is illegal—so admire them from a safe distance!
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5. Sharks Cove
Sharks Cove
📍 Location: Pupukea, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: Snorkeling and diving
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Summer when the water is calm
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: Restrooms, showers, food trucks, parking
Despite the name, Sharks Cove is shark-free and actually one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii! This rocky cove is part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, so it’s packed with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even small caves for divers to explore.
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6. Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach Park
📍 Location: 62-449 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: Beginner surfing, family-friendly atmosphere
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, lifeguards, food nearby
If you’re looking for a chill, family-friendly beach, Haleiwa Beach Park is a great choice. The waves here are gentle, making it a nice spot for beginner surfers and kids. The nearby town of Haleiwa has great food options—don’t leave without trying a famous Hawaiian shave ice!
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7. Kawela Bay
Kawela Bay
📍 Location: Near Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku, HI 96731
🌊 Famous For: Secluded beach, movie filming location
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Morning for the best views and fewer crowds
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: No restrooms, no lifeguards, limited parking
If you want to escape the crowds, Kawela Bay is a hidden gem. It’s tucked away near Turtle Bay Resort and has been featured in movies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The calm waters make it perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
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8. Velzyland Beach
Velzyland Beach
📍 Location: 59-385 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: Less crowded surf spot
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Winter for surfing, summer for relaxing
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: No restrooms, no lifeguards, limited parking
Velzyland, also called V-Land, is a locals-only style beach with great surf breaks. It’s much less crowded than nearby beaches like Pipeline, making it a peaceful getaway for those in the know.
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9. Three Tables Beach
Three Tables Beach
📍 Location: 59-712 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
🌊 Famous For: Snorkeling and diving
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Summer when the waves are calm
💲 Cost: Free
🛍️ Facilities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, picnic tables
Named after the three flat reef formations visible at low tide, Three Tables Beach is a fantastic snorkeling spot with clear waters and vibrant marine life. Be careful during winter, as waves can get rough.
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10. Kuilima Cove
Kuilima Cove
📍 Location: Near Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku, HI 96731
🌊 Famous For: Calm waters, beginner-friendly snorkeling
🏖️ Best Time to Visit: Year-round
💲 Cost: Free (Resort guests get priority parking)
🛍️ Facilities: Restrooms, showers, food nearby
One of the safest North Shore Beaches, Kuilima Cove is ideal for first-time snorkelers and families. The cove is protected from big waves, making it a perfect place to relax in the water.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing massive waves, snorkeling with turtles, or just soaking up the Hawaiian sun, Oahu’s North Shore Beaches have something for everyone. Each beach has its own unique charm, so take your time and explore as many as you can!
Which one are you most excited to visit? 🌺🏖️
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FAQs
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Q: What are the best North Shore Beaches for surfing?
A: The top surfing beaches are Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, known for their massive winter waves and pro surf competitions.
Q: Can you swim at North Shore Beaches year-round?
A: Swimming is best in summer when waters are calm. In winter, big waves make many North Shore Beaches dangerous for casual swimmers.
Q: Which North Shore Beach is best for snorkeling?
A: Sharks Cove and Three Tables Beach offer incredible snorkeling with clear waters and vibrant marine life during the summer months.
Q: Are there lifeguards at North Shore Beaches?
A: Yes, most popular North Shore Beaches, like Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Pipeline, have lifeguards. Always check conditions before swimming.
Q: What is the best time to visit North Shore Beaches?
A: Winter is ideal for surfing, while summer is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Early mornings offer fewer crowds and better conditions.
