Haleiwa Beach is a must if you are visiting the North Shore. After that, you can walk to Lanikai Beach and you wont have to worry about losing your parking spot. Kuilima Cove is a white sand beach located by the eastern edge of the Turtle Bay Resort. Visiting this beach park during the winter is not the best, so come in the spring or summer. If you drive up to the north shore through the center of the island, you will pass Surfers Coffee Bar in Wahiawa. You can drink the coconut water straight from the coconut. Alii Beach Park: A nice, safe place to picnic, play, wade and watch the bigger waves across the channel at Alii Beach Park. Best North Shore Beaches 1. Ala Moana Beach Park: Best Beach in Honolulu, Located: Just outside of Waikiki, in front of the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Parking: Metered public parking available, Food: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue located in the park, lots of food options in Honolulu, Recommended Activities: swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, beach bumming, walking the park, Waikiki Beach: The Most Famous Beach in Hawaii, If youre going to do surf lessons during your Hawaii vacation, this is the place to do them. Nka Blue Grade Rd, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. Lanikai Beach offers some of the best views as well. Dont miss out! With so many amazing choices though, this was not an easy decision. It used to be less crowded than other spots, but these days theres almost always a line of cars looking for roadside parking and dozens of people dashing across the adjacent highway, often to glimpse the turtles that lounge there.Lifeguard: Mobile lifeguard standParking: Only along the highway.Restrooms: No.How it got its name: One of the first residents in the area called his home Laniakea (wide sky) for a nearby spring and the name eventually got associated with the break. In addition to having plenty of space to sunbathe in solace, the upper edge of the beach is home to all sorts of interesting beachcombing finds. When the beach does get noticed, its thanks to the main attraction Kukaimanini Island. This is because of the plethora of things that fun lovers can do while they hang out on one of the most popular beach parks in all of Oahu. ocean conditions at Lanikai (Kailua Beach is similar), Parking: street parking, do not block driveways, and be respectful to residents, Food: Take-out plate lunches readily available in Kailua Town, Recommended Activities: beach bumming, swimming, kayak to The Mokes, beach walks, How Many Days Do You Need on Oahu? 25 Best Beaches in Hawaii For A Spectacular Trip, 71 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu With Your Family. From tiny towns with less than 500 residents to booming communities of more than 40,000 residents, we absolutely adore the charming beachside towns that have formed near some of the worlds greatest beaches here in Hawaii. Puaena Point is always about half the size of anywhere else. From the AM into the afternoon the beach gets its fair share of both shade and sun, thanks to its northeastern position beside Kawela Bay Beach Parks forest reserve. Second, this is the best kid-friendly beach on the windward coast. It never disappoints. Turtle Bay 10. They change colors from pinks to greens to oranges. Plan on going to Oahu? These tall tropical trees have vibrantly colored trunks. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. This shop is worth visiting for t-shirts and other trinkets. Kailua is about 2.5 miles long. Stay well clear of the water and enjoy the spectacle. The smaller, secluded beaches are good places to start. Some people make it in less time and others more. This is a great beach for learning to surf on the north shore. There is also a campground with tent sites and small cabins. Chuns Reef: Famous North Shore break that is well known for its gentle, tapering walls, and high percentage of beginner surfers in the water. The water at 3 Tables Beach is especially clear. This is because Oahu North Shore waves become dangerous and unpredictable. When youre done looking at all the sea turtles at the beach, popular things to look forward to at Laniakea Beach include swimming in the warm waters in the summer and surfing the winter waves. This is another lovely addition to your North Shore beaches collection. Unlike the other beaches I discussed earlier in this article, Haleiwa is not as crowded, and parking is very easy to find. Makapu'u Beach Park: Secluded Oahu Beach Near Waikiki, 6. $239,900. Check out the latest prices and more details. Ehukai Beach Park is a great place to watch professional surfing in Oahu. We consider Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Turtle Bay, Laniakea Beach, Haleiwa Beach, and Ehukai Beach to be the top 6 beaches on the North Shore. Waialee Beach Park is hidden in plain sight. Not particularly good for swimming because of a shallow reef that comes all the way to shore.Lifeguard: Mobile lifeguard standParking: Only along the highway.Restrooms: No.How it got its name: Formerly known as Kumakani (to stand against the wind), the surfing spot got its new name after a well known resident, John Chun, built a home here and his kids started surfing. They have access to some of the gorgeous North Shore beaches around. And there are several ways to get to North Shore from Waikiki/Honolulu. During the spring, the water at Banzai Pipeline is calmer. The views here are amazing, the sand is very soft, and the turquoise water is so clear and much calmer. This is one of the top things to do at Waimea Bay on Oahu. There are North Shore activities for everyone to enjoy! dont park facing the wrong way of traffic, make sure youre parked no more than one foot from the edge of the road, etc. Located within Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's north shore is this amazing little cove perfect for novice snorkelers to practice their skills in the summer months. They all want to just get a crack at the amazing waves that are present on this beautiful beach. Waimea Bay is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Hawaii and its also considered to be one of the most iconic beaches by many as well. Backed by fancy mansions and huge homes, this, Coral Sea Road, Coral Sea Rd, Kapolei, HI, USA, Now it's onto the island's leeward coast! We are definitely going to check them out. I recommend getting there early to beat the crowdsand secure your parking spot. There is simply an endless number of fun options that any traveler can take advantage of, which makes sense considering that this is one of the most beloved beaches on Oahu. 1. This is part of the reason why the North Shore is known to host surfing competitions in the winter months. There is a caf right on the beach. Leaving Haleiwa Town, you have two choices as you head out to the beaches. Be sure to do the Ehukai Pillbox Hike before or after visiting the beach. This beach tucks off the Kamehameha Highway, which is on the northern end of Waimea Bay. And next to the beach, theres a park that with picnic tables thats a popular hangout spot for families! The beautiful waters provide amazing opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with multicolored fish, sea turtles, and other incredible sea views. They also have access to gorgeous North Shore beaches, making the experience one of the best. You can save a lot of money by taking advantage of one of the many North Shore Oahu vacation rentals! Waialua's Hidden Beaches Location Hidden by the Waialua residential community is a run of small and discrete beaches ( with public access) including weoweo Beach Park and Dole Private Beach Park, followed by a stretch of open sand that reaches all the way over to Paukauila Stream. Parking is free but can be difficult and a long walk may be required to reach the bay area. The name means home of the frigate bird.Parking: 97 stalls inside the park.Lifeguard: Yes.Restrooms: Yes.How it got its name: Theres no evidence that this beach was particularly associated with Hawaiian alii or royalty. One day, a friend visiting suggested that we stop and take a look. It is long, wide and not crowded. Plus, you can talk stories with the locals and have an enjoyable Hawaiian experience. I recommend doing the Lanikai Pillbox Hike for sunrise. If the conditions in Kuilima Cove are safe, its a great choice for a North Shore beach visit. You can also surf, rock climb, and take amazing photos at this North Shore beach. The scenery is stunning and the bay is relatively calm. The wind and swell direction drives collectible fishing junk such as floats, ropes, and more to the shore. We put together this guide on what we believe to be the best beaches on the North Shore to help make your planning easier. The restaurants, shops, waves and roads are crowded. The North Shore of Oahu is filled with some of the best beaches in the world, and with so many options it can be difficult to decide on which ones to visit during your trip. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. After reading this, I hope you have found many beaches worth traveling to! Located next to Turtle Bay Resort, the farmers will cut the tops off of the coconuts they sell and put in a straw. See Also: The Best 16 Places to Get Breakfast in Honolulu. This is something that could have easily been prevented if we familiarized ourselves with the parking protocols. Thank you for your time- Tasia and family: Marcus, Maximilian, Xavier, Grayson and Baba Rene), Your email address will not be published. Anthony Quintano, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. High Surf at Waimea Bay, January 2018. Once you reach the beach, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean surround you. Note: Be sure not to touch the turtles. This place is recommended for snorkelers and isnt very crowded. Chuns Reef: Named for a well-known resident who once owned a two-story house here, its among the popular surf spots on the North Shore, as the long line of cars and spectators can attest. The azure waters are crystal clear, making it a dream for photographers who flock here at sunset to capture the picturesque beauty. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau estimates that more than half of the states 7 million visitors make the trek to the North Shore at some time during their stay. The water is much calmer in the summer months, and it offers some of the best swimming and snorkeling. The North Shore Hawaii waves are the perfect conditions for professional surfers! I am not a surfer myself, but I enjoyed watching the surfers each day I was there. View more (including directions) to Kahuku Golf Course Beach. While beaches like Three Tables and Sunset are known for having professional-level surf waves, Haleiwa Beach Park has calmer waves that are great for beginner surfers. (i.e. This beach isnt for groups larger than three. Although this spot can often be a surfers paradise, it is ill-advised to attempt these waves during the winter. Shark's Cove 8. It is a beach that has very little foot traffic, especially if you go early morning or late afternoon. Snorkel down into the deep, surrounded by fish and turtles, and explore the tunnels that can be found beneath the rock. This beach is directly across the road from Dillingham Air Field. Walk along our trail past the stables. There are many ways to see the island of Oahutake a guided tour, hitch a ride on Its that time of the year when the fields at DuPont Pioneers Waialua farm are bu With its breathtaking beaches and a culture that values ohana, Oahu is the perfec A stunning mixture of power and beauty, action and tranquility. Oahu is a beautiful Hawaiian island that is well-known for its stunning beaches and iconic attractions. What are the prettiest beaches in Hawaii?. Ma'akua Ridge Trail (Papali Trail) "Steps" by Coty Gonzales, Exploration Hawaii. If you have the same taste in movies as I do, you probably saw this gorgeous resort in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall and you just had to come to see it for yourself! Hidden Gems of Oahu - Circle Island Tour with Waimea Waterfall 2023 $ Top activities in Oahu Explore Oahu and beyond Trip Inspiration Overview What's Included Meeting And Pickup What To Expect Additional Info Cancellation Policy Reviews Book online or call: (888) 651-9785 Chat now Home Things to do in USA Things to do in Hawaii Things to do in Oahu Keep reading this post for some highlights of each location. Our travel agents can help you uncover the hidden gems that will be of the most interest to you and can help you plan a day on Oahus north shore. This shack is a cute outdoor caf that offers some of the best aai bowls on the island, along with other superfood snacks, smoothies, wellness shots, and coffee! Even when the waves are big offshore, the currents and waves inshore are much gentler. The beauty of Laniakea Beach is visible as soon as you set foot on the sands and look at the wide, open sky. than the other secret spots listed above. Address: Kahuku, HI 96731. To find the best viewing site at Pipeline, look for the public access lane about 100 yards north of the park.Lifeguards: YesParking: Yes, but limitedRestrooms: Yes.How it got its name: Pipeline refers to the clean barreling waves. There are showers off the beach to clean up before or after a swim. Head out in the morning and you are almost guaranteed to have the place to yourself. When theyre not staring at turtles, visitors to Laniakea Beach, Oahu are usually taking a swim in the water in the summer. Typically, its a 45-minute drive if you go during non-peak hours and dont make any stops. While we are happy to visit any of our islands incredible beaches, there are some beaches with warm crystalline, turquoise waters that are a cut above the rest. There are more than enough choices to choose from. In the summer months, the beaches here are much warmer and calm and depending on where you go, you might be able to see some turtles too. 6. The west side of the island is often overlooked by tourists, but the hot, dry climate makes it the perfect beach to visit when its overcast on the Windward coast and the ideal spot to watch the sunset at the end of a long day. Viewers back home or at your hotel will be curious about how you discovered the clandestine outcrop in the sea. With a Foodland and Starbucks right across the street, its a good place to stock up on picnic supplies and safely dine in a place where you can feel the oceans spray on your face. Not so long ago, the North Shore was still the quintessentially country place in Hawaii: laid back and largely unfamiliar beyond a certain circle of residents, surfers and wannabes. Hi, I'm Trysta B, a travel expert passionate about exploring Hawaii. Despite the presence of Kukaimanini Island, most visitors wont find the beach as appealing as adventurous souls such as yourself. This will depend on how much time you have on your vacation. Volunteers brew the coffee here, and all of the profits go to local and global non-profit organizations. Ehukai Beach / Banzai Pipeline 9. With some of the best beaches in Oahu, North Shore is a must-see location for those hoping just to chill back and enjoy Hawaii. Having visited Hawaii multiple times, I've developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the local culture, food, and hidden gems that make this place unique. We visited in the summer and the water was warmer and very calm. If you are a surfer or love to watch people surf, then this is your paradise. Also, be sure to catch the sunset while you are here. The Hidden Gems of Oahu excursion is a full day Oahu circle island tour with daily pick up in Waikiki and includes admission to all locations on the itinerary. Its quite popular as a spot for snorkeling and diving during the months of May September. Find some in the following locations: Kaneohe 3 in Honolulu Wahiawa Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. A shallow coral reef just beneath the glistening waters that is the perfect place for fishers and snorkelers with their own gear, and surfers have found several places along the beach to catch a good wave. The Ideal Plan, 5. The reason, is that they require some work to get to and/or may make prudent people uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. The Banzai Pipeline is yet another hot surf spot in Oahu. Although the trail is long at 2.7 miles each way, you dont have to hike to the end to experience the beauty because the entire coastline provides epic views. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems. 51-52 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730, USA, Kalaniana?ole Highway, Kalaniana?ole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI, USA. This gleaming beach is tucked just off the Kamehameha Highway on the northern end of Waimea Bay. 68-945 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791, USA. PAHLISCH REAL ESTATE. As one of the hosts of the 2019 event, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Sunset Beach is one of the most famous North Shore surf spots. The resort is scheduled to reopen in July 2021. With Laniakea getting all of the attention, Papailoa remains peaceful and quiet. On the look for the best North Shore beaches that one can find in Oahu? Start with this list to explore the island to find the right beach for you. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Turning left and heading west, will take you an isolated and beautiful side of Oahu North Shore called Mokuleia. Personally, our family loves staying in Waikiki and doing day trips to other areas of the island. You'll find a sandy shore with a little island off the coast. If youre staying at the recently remodeled Turtle Bay Resort (its worth it) and want to escape the crowds of the property-managed Kuilima Covewithout having to hop on the highway, then head for Turtle Bay Pillbox. This shows that this place is more for just surfers; its for anyone who wants to enjoy the water and have a relaxing time. I highly recommend hitting up the food trucks and taking your meal to the beach to enjoy the amazing scenery. Waves can reach 25 to 30 feet offshore and even the shorebreak can be a powerful, awe-inspiring site. Check out the latest prices and more details. Keep scrolling to find out my top picks of where to stay and other fun things to do in North Shore Hawaii. North Shore is a great place to visit when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau estimates that more than half of the state's 7 million visitors make the trek to the North Shore at some time during their stay. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu. Although some of the other beaches on this list are known for their gnarly waves and are a hotspot for the worlds best surfers, Haleiwa Beach Park is a great starting place for those who are just beginning their surfing journey. Pro tip: after a storm or hurricane is the best time to look. Take them seriously. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii veteran, I'm here to help you make the most of your trip! Its a must if you are visiting the North Shore. Kawela Bay. Of course, regardless of the season, the view of the sunset at Sunset Beach is one of the most amazing things you will ever see. The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline, and countless incredible beaches in a variety of colors backed by towering, verdant mountains and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Its the most western point on Oahu and is said to be the place where souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. Waimea Valley is home to a 40-foot waterfall that you can swim in and a botanical garden, managed by a Hawaiian non-profit. As many of you know, Hawaii can get expensive. There, you will spy a delightful stretch of sand that is rarely occupied aside from a basking sea turtle or monk seal from time to time. You can head to one of the many cafes on the North Shore to grab coffee or pastries. The Best Beaches on Oahu 1. Makapuu Beach Park: Secluded Oahu Beach Near Waikiki, Located: Windward Oahu, 41 HI-71, Waimanalo, HI, Recommended Activities: beach bumming, bodysurfing, fishing, 3. Check out the latest prices and more details. You can do all kinds of adventurous activities or North Shore surf shops. What beaches have the clearest water in Hawaii? Ko Olina Lagoons: Best Kid-Friendly Oahu Beaches, Parking: free public parking but limited at each lagoon, Food: Restaurants in the resort and shopping center, Recommended Activities: swimming, beach bumming, walking the boardwalk between the lagoons, 9. With few rideable waves, the site is known for its sublime sounds and sights. Waimea Bay Puaena Point: Gently rolling swells that peter out in a beautiful bay. I would live to mark the occasion as memorial/celebration for my mom and my kids (my parents live with us my kids have never lived without him). Tip when visiting Waimanalo Beware of jellyfish signs. Which of these stunning little-known sandy beaches in Hawaii is your favorite? A lot of people advise skipping Lanikai as it gets super packed and finding parking can be difficult. Thats because its easy to get groceries, walk to restaurants, and join Oahu tours. Also, something you cannot miss is the North Shore food trucks! from the famed rock that sits half-submerged at the shoreline. Plus, a lot of people dont know about it, so it isnt usually too crowded. There are North Shore activities for everyone to enjoy! Its quiet atmosphere helps to embody the islands loveliness, and its amazing beaches only add to the relaxation. When we visited in early May of 2021, Turtle Bay Beach Resort was closed and we were able to use their palapas for free. A good place for beginners, where several surf schools sometimes take their classes. For travelers on the more adventurous side, you can take a magnificent dive from the famous rock waiting for you at the shoreline. There are plenty to choose from and youll get a more authentic Hawaii experience and have the chance to talk story with locals. With gorgeous views of the sunset over Alii Beach, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing handcrafted cocktail while watching the waves roll in. Laniakea Beach is more commonly known as Turtle Beach, as there are a plethora of sea turtles chilling at the beach! A lot of people come here to see the beautiful sea turtles and I dont blame them at all. Before visiting the Banzai Pipeline, make sure to not visit from June to September if you enjoy playing in the waters. You can easily visit a few in one day or spread them out throughout your trip. Ppkea Beach Park: Narrow and long, Ppkea is a popular place to stop on an around the island watch the big waves crash on the rocks. Check out the latest prices and more details, 21 Incredible Things to Do in Wailea Maui, Incredible Big Island Beaches Worth a Stop, 13 of the Best Boutique Hawaii Hotels Worth Booking, What You Need to Know About Hawaii Cruises: Top Questions Answered. There is public beach access and you will still be able to access the beach without being a guest at the resort. Thank you! The Ultimate Oahu Road Trip Is Right Here And Youll Definitely Want To Do It. The water is really tumultuous during the winter months (November through April), which is why there are so many North Shore surf competitions in the winter. This beach is also further from amenities (restrooms, showers, shops, etc.) They also offer lunch items such as fresh sandwiches, chicken katsu, garlic shrimp plates, and many more options. There are beautiful beaches and tasty shave ice. Another one of the best beaches on Oahus North Shore is Kuilima Cove. Generally, a good range to stay in Oahu will be at least a week.