The beaches on the north shore of Oahu island in Hawaii are popular for their beautiful sand and waves, opportunities for snorkeling and seeing sea turtles, affordable food trucks, and relaxed atmosphere.
The north shore of Oahu island is a popular tourist destination, but it maintains its quiet and undeveloped character. Wildlife sightings here are still abundant.
For those interested in spending time by the coast, it is recommended to explore the top north shore Oahu beaches. Below is a list of our favorite options, suitable for surfers, snorkelers, and families with children.
Best North Shore Beaches
North Shore Shark Diving
In Hawaii, you have the opportunity to engage in a unique and thrilling activity known as cage diving with sharks. Located on the north shore of Oahu, this popular experience involves being taken several miles offshore by boat to view sharks up close.
The popular shark diving tours feature a metal cage for protection, where you can observe sandbar sharks, Galapagos sharks, and hammerheads.
The snorkeling trip in Oahu does not require any certification, although prior swimming experience is beneficial. It is a highly rated activity.
Reserve your spot now for the Shark Diving Tour.
1. Sunset Beach
This location is popular for observing the sunset on the north shore, which is how it came to be named. Additionally, it is a beautiful beach on its own merits.
Sunset Beach boasts a lengthy expanse of soft, white sand, ideal for relaxation during the day. Additionally, there is a picturesque palm tree that serves as a captivating photo opportunity.
Do not climb on the palm tree as it is fragile and we want to preserve it.
Sunset Beach on the North Shore is famous for its unique palm tree.
At Sunset Beach, the waves are calm during the summer and large during the winter, particularly on the north shore. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy the beach even when the water is not suitable for swimming.
This beach provides public bathrooms and showers located across the street, along with a bus stop and ample car parking. For those in need of food, there are also nearby food trucks worth exploring.
This specific north shore Oahu beach is considered one of the best and would probably be my favorite if I had to choose.
The sunsets in this location are well-known and typically not overcrowded.
The naming of Sunset Beach is due to this reason.
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2. Ka’ena Point
The northwestern tip of Oahu island, called Ka’ena Point, can be accessed only by hiking, but it is highly rewarding.
This location offers a serene environment by the ocean and serves as a wildlife sanctuary, providing the opportunity to observe humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, and Albatross birds.
The hike on the north shore is known for its small sandy beaches, tide pools, and rock arch, making it one of the best in the area.
The roundtrip hike at Ka’ena Point is approximately 5-6 miles, with a flat trail that makes it relatively easy overall.
This is a family-friendly hike on Oahu that is recommended for kids. It is advisable to avoid hiking during the midday heat. Additionally, it is considered one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset.
If you visit Ka’ena Point for sunset, be aware that you will have to walk back to your car in the dark, so it is recommended to bring a headlight.
Learn more about the Ka’ena Point Hike.
A Hawaiian monk seal can be seen lounging on the beach near Ka’ena Point.
3. Haleiwa Beach
Haleiwa is a historic town in Oahu that serves as the main town center of the north shore. It has a relaxed atmosphere with various shops and a population of 5,000 people, although the presence of tourists may create a slightly busier ambiance.
Haleiwa has three distinct beaches, including the main beach that features a long sandy stretch with scenic views of the mountains and occasional turtle sightings.
There is also Haleiwa Ali’i beach nearby, which is smaller but includes amenities such as public restrooms, showers, and a large parking lot located directly by the beach.
Haleiwa Beach Park, located on the east side of the harbor, offers convenient amenities such as a bus stop, showers, and ample parking. Additionally, sea turtles can often be spotted swimming in the area.
The beaches in Haleiwa are nice and worth visiting.
Haleiwa Ali’i Beach
After visiting the beaches in Haleiwa, it is recommended to go to Matsumoto’s Shave Ice to cool down.
They offer a variety of shave ice flavors, including bubblegum, guava, lemon, and passion fruit, along with additional options like ice cream, Azuki beans, and Mochi.
The shop has been in operation since 1951 and is known for serving excellent shave ice in Oahu, Hawaii.
When visiting the north shore beaches, be sure to check out Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in Haleiwa town.
4. Laniakea Beach
This beach is highly recommended for turtle sightings, making it the top choice on the north shore of Oahu and possibly the entire island.
There are typically one or two large turtles present at this beach, often seen relaxing on the sand. We have visited this beach on multiple occasions and have consistently observed turtles.
Please remember to maintain a safe distance from the turtles, as they are protected under Hawaiian law and it is against the law to touch them. The fines for violating this law can range from $1,000 to $10,500 USD.
Sea turtles!
Laniakea is a small beach with clean sand and palm trees, but it is not ideal for swimming due to its rocky shores.
This is a place to briefly visit rather than stay for an extended period. It is important to arrive early due to limited parking availability. The optimal time to observe turtles is typically between 11 AM and 3 PM, as they tend to sunbathe on the beach during this period.
Laniakea Beach
5. Waimea Bay
During the summer, Waimea Beach is well-known for its jumping rock. In the winter, this bay becomes a renowned surfing location with waves reaching up to 40 feet high (12 meters).
The beach has bathrooms, showers, and a parking lot nearby. However, the parking lot tends to fill up quickly, so street parking up the hill may be necessary.
For those interested in further exploration, one can also visit the nearby Waimea Valley, which offers an accessible hiking trail featuring a waterfall and botanical gardens.
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6. Aweoweo Beach Park
This beach, located just west of Haleiwa, is a beautiful and family-friendly hidden gem.
The beach park is small and quiet, offering amenities such as bathrooms, showers, handwashing sinks, and a picnic area with a drinking fountain. Please note that this is a neighborhood beach, and parking is limited to street parking only.
Aweoweo Beach offers soft sand and occasional sea turtle sightings, making it one of the best beaches on the north shore. It is an ideal location for a family BBQ or similar activities.
7. Shark’s Cove
This cove is known for its tide pools and snorkeling opportunities. It is recommended to wear water shoes here.
There is no need to be afraid of the name, as you are unlikely to encounter any dangerous sharks in this area. However, the cove does offer plenty of opportunities to observe fish, turtles, and other marine life. On occasion, you may spot a black tip reef shark swimming through the underwater lava tubes, but they typically pose no harm to humans and are generally shy.
There are public showers and restrooms available in the parking area for Shark’s Cove. Additionally, there are ample parking spots and food trucks located across the street.
During the summer months, the cove is an ideal time to visit due to the calm waves and gentle waters. There are various animals to observe, such as parrot fish, eels, trigger fish, and more.
Please remember to maintain ample distance from the fish and coral, and refrain from taking any souvenirs, in order to preserve this place for future enjoyment.
The beach known as Ehukai Beach is also referred to as Banzai Pipeline.
This surf spot attracts a significant number of visitors who come to witness professional surfers riding the large winter waves.
To experience the most powerful waves, it is advisable to visit between November and February. It is important to heed warning signs and avoid swimming during this time as the water can be hazardous.
Ehukai Beach is located across the street from the Sunset Beach Elementary School, providing convenient access to public bathrooms and showers.
If you are interested in short trekking, the nearby Ehukai pillbox hike offers nice ridge line views of the north shore from above, as well as a couple of old military bunkers (‘pillboxes’) that are open for exploration.
The Banzai Pipeline is known for its large and powerful surfing waves.
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9. Turtle Bay
This is a man-made bay that includes the Turtle Bay Resort, the only resort on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
Visiting the beach does not require being a hotel guest, and parking is free for non-guests. However, hotel guests will have additional opportunities to witness turtle sightings and enjoy the sunrise and sunset.
It is not uncommon to see turtles on this beach. It is advised to give them ample space to carry out their activities. Overall, the beach is pleasant and typically not crowded.
The beach behind Turtle Bay Resort is a popular hangout spot for sea turtles.
10. Malaekahana
The Malaekahana State Recreation Area features a lengthy beach with white sand and minimal crowds, offering a contrasting experience to the bustling atmosphere of Waikiki.
This beach is situated on the northeast corner of Oahu, thus making it distinct from the other north shore beaches on this list. Nonetheless, it remains accessible if you are driving to the north shore from the windward side of the island.
This location is suitable for a family camp or day picnic. The beaches are pleasant, the facilities are satisfactory, there is ample parking, and the atmosphere is peaceful.
Visiting the beach is free, but you need camping permits to stay overnight. Acquiring permits is simple and reasonably priced. In the nearby town of La’ie, you can find a Foodland shopping center and Ace Hardware for your supplies. Have a great time!
Malaekahana Beach
11. Hukilau Beach
This is another beach located on the northeast side of Oahu, approximately a 15-minute drive from the other north shore beaches mentioned in this travel guide.
Hukilau Beach Park is located close to Malaekahana and is a peaceful and family-friendly beach with sandy white shores. The waves are of medium size, and the beach offers ample space with minimal crowds.
Despite being located outside of the main north shore area, this beach is a recommended stop while driving north from the windward side of Oahu.
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