- What makes the northern shore of Oahu special?
- With long, uninterrupted stretches of coastline in both directions, backed by beautiful tropical jungles and stunning scenery, the northern shore of Oahu is home to a lot of must-visit beaches.
- What activities can visitors enjoy on the north shore of Oahu?
- Whether you're looking to surf, swim, snorkel, or simply kick back and relax, the north shore will have a bunch of beaches to please you.
- Is it difficult to choose between the many beaches on Oahu?
- In fact, there are so many great beaches on Oahu, it can be hard to choose between them.
- How can visitors find the best northern Oahu beaches?
- With that in mind, we’re helping you narrow down your search by highlighting some key information on the best northern Oahu beaches below.
Best Time to Visit North Shore O?ahu Beaches
- May to September – Best overall time with calm waters, sunny skies, and ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
- June to August – Peak summer season with warm temps, beach festivals, and family-friendly ocean fun.
- October & November – Transition months with fewer crowds and the start of big surf season.
- December to February – Winter surf season with massive waves, pro competitions, and top-notch surf watching (not ideal for casual swimming).
- March & April – Milder crowds, good weather, and mix of surf and swim-friendly days.
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1. Sunset Beach
Walk along golden sands and admire epic waves on a relaxing summer trip.
Perhaps the best-known beach on the northern shore of Oahu, Sunset Beach is named for the fact that it's definitely one of the best places in all of Hawaii, if not the entire world, to watch the sun go down. The sky lights up with a full spectrum of reds, oranges, and golds as the sun sets each night, casting a unique pattern of colors that changes every single day. Lots of people gather here in the evenings, but it's a lovely beach in the daytime too. Restrooms can be found on site, along with ample parking opportunities, and lifeguards are always on duty here to the popularity of surfing at Sunset Beach.
2. Laniakea Beach
See sea turtles and enjoy a peaceful ocean view during a quick stop.
Laniakea Beach is arguably the number one spot for nature and animal lovers on the northern shore of Oahu. Why? Well, this beach is home to a whole lot of sea turtles, so you're almost sure of spotting some at any time of year. Turtles can be seen both on the shore and out in the shallow waters off the coast, but all visitors are encouraged to let the turtles go about their business without interfering. Getting too close to them could interfere with their natural ecological cycles and may result in a heavy fine.
3. Haleiwa Ali'i Beach
Watch surfers ride waves or explore tidepools with the kids.
This beautiful beach is very popular with the local Hawaiian communities. The local harbor is a popular gathering spot to watch the sunset, and the beach itself stretches out over 19 acres of land. Both grassy and sandy areas can be found here, providing the perfect backdrop for happy picnics with friends and family, and the beach itself is perfect for all kinds of activities including surfing, diving, and fishing. Visitors also have easy access to the local town of Hale'iwa for eateries, stores, and other amenities.
4. Waimea Bay Beach
Go swimming in calm waters or see massive surf in winter.
The largest of all Oahu north shore beaches, Waimea has more than enough space to handle the huge crowds that can congregate here throughout the year. It's a very popular surfing spot, with some truly impressive waves reaching heights of 30 feet or more on rough days. Due to the popularity of this beach, you might need to walk around a little to find a good spot to set up your beach towels and umbrellas, but once you find that spot, you'll be rewarded with some truly unparalleled views.
5. Papa'iloa Beach
Walk along quiet shores and discover filming spots from a popular show.
Also known as Lost Beach, because it appeared in the TV show of the same name, Papa'iloa Beach is another of the top surfing spots along the northern shore of Oahu. The waves in this area even earned the nickname 'Himalayas' due to the heights they can reach. This is also a good spot for wildlife lovers, with sea turtles sometimes being spotted along the shore. The rocky spots around this beach make it unsuitable for swimming, but if you're an experienced diver or spear fisherman, you'll find plenty to love at Lost Beach.
6. Three Tables Beach
Snorkel near lava rock formations and look at colorful marine life.
The thing that really separates Three Tables Beach from other Oahu beaches is the scenery. The beach earned its name due to the three rock tables that formed here, resulting in some very special rock formations that you won't find anywhere else. This is a very sandy, cozy little beach that can be a lot of fun to explore and walk around. Swimming is great here as the coast slopes gently out into the water, and snorkeling is quite popular at this Hawaii beach as well.
7. Oahu Map - North Shore Beaches and More
Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands but is generally regarded as the primary island of the state, being home to over 60% of the state's population and also housing the state capital of Honolulu.
Map:
How to Get There:
From Waikiki, take Highway 63 to Highway 83 which will take you along the coast to the north shore.
Plan Your Trip
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