Top 11 Stunning Beaches on North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

The north shore beaches of Oahu island in Hawaii are renowned for their stunning sand and waves, snorkeling opportunities, and sea turtle sightings. Additionally, the area features bargain food trucks and a laid-back atmosphere.

Although the north shore is well-known and attracts significant tourist traffic, it retains a tranquil and less developed character, with exceptional wildlife encounters.

Whether you are a surfer, a snorkeler, or traveling with family, it’s essential to discover some of the best north shore Oahu beaches. Here’s a list of our favorites!

North Shore Shark Diving

If you’re seeking a unique thrill in Hawaii, consider cage diving with sharks on the north shore of Oahu. This popular activity takes you a few miles offshore by boat, allowing you to see sharks up close.

These shark diving tours provide a metal cage for safety, giving you the chance to encounter sandbar sharks, Galapagos sharks, and hammerheads. As a snorkeling trip, no certification is required (although swimming experience is beneficial). This activity consistently receives high ratings in Oahu!

Best North Shore Beaches

1. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach, known for its breathtaking sunsets, is a fantastic destination. It features a long stretch of soft white sand perfect for relaxation, along with a unique bent palm tree ideal for photos.

While summer waves at Sunset Beach are mild, winter waves can be significantly larger. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the beach even when the water isn’t suitable for swimming.

• Facilities: Public bathrooms and showers nearby, with parking options available.
• Nearby food trucks for those looking to grab a bite.

Overall, it’s certainly one of the best beach spots on the north shore of Oahu, renowned for its legendary sunsets and manageable crowds!

2. Ka’ena Point

Ka’ena Point, located at the northwestern tip of Oahu island, is accessible only by hiking but is well worth the trek. This area offers stunning coastal views and is a wildlife sanctuary where you may spot humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, and Albatross birds.

You can enjoy small sandy beaches, tide pools, and a rock arch along this scenic 5-6 mile roundtrip hike, which is family-friendly and suitable for kids, though it’s wise to avoid the midday heat. Additionally, the point serves as one of the best places to catch a sunset on the island. If you plan to hike during sunset, consider bringing a headlamp for your return trip!

3. Haleiwa Beach

Haleiwa, a historic town on Oahu, serves as the main hub of the north shore, offering a relaxed atmosphere with numerous shops. It’s home to three distinct beaches:

• Main Beach: Features a lengthy stretch of sand with mountain views and occasional turtle sightings.
• Haleiwa Ali’i Beach: Smaller, equipped with public restrooms, showers, and ample parking.
• Haleiwa Beach Park: Located east of the harbor, offering showers, parking, and more turtle-spotting opportunities.

All three beaches in Haleiwa are well worth a visit!

4. Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is the ultimate destination for turtle spotting, often frequented by one or two large turtles basking on the sand. Be sure to maintain a respectful distance, as touching turtles is illegal under Hawaiian law, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,500 USD.

This beach is charming, featuring clean sand and palm trees, but swimming is difficult due to rocky shores. Overall, it’s a stop worth making, particularly between 11 AM to 3 PM when turtles are most visible.

5. Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is famous for its jumping rock in the summer, while in the winter, it becomes a globally recognized surfing destination, with waves reaching up to 40 feet high (12 meters).

Facilities include bathrooms, showers, and parking, although the lot fills up quickly. For those wanting further adventure, the nearby Waimea Valley features an easy hiking trail leading to a waterfall and botanical gardens.

6. Aweoweo Beach Park

Aweoweo Beach Park is a hidden gem located just west of Haleiwa, ideal for families. This small beach park provides clean amenities, including bathrooms, showers, handwashing sinks, and a picnic area with a drinking fountain.

With its soft sand and occasional turtle sightings, Aweoweo Beach is a prime spot for family barbecues or relaxed outings!

7. Shark’s Cove

Shark’s Cove is well-known for its tide pools and snorkeling potential. Quality water shoes are recommended for safe exploration.

While the name may sound intimidating, dangerous sharks are rarely encountered here; instead, expect to see abundant fish, turtles, and other marine life. The best time to visit Shark’s Cove is during the summer months when waves are calmer.

8. Ehukai Beach / Banzai Pipeline

Ehukai Beach is among the most renowned surf spots globally, attracting many spectators eager to watch professional surfers navigate massive winter waves. Visit between November and February for the most impressive surf conditions.

There’s plenty of parking and public amenities, and nearby hiking opportunities provide scenic vistas of the north shore.

9. Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay is a charming man-made bay featuring the only resort on the north shore, the Turtle Bay Resort. Visitors are welcome, as parking is free for non-guests, making it easy to explore the beach known for frequent turtle sightings.

10. Malaekahana

The Malaekahana State Recreation Area features a long, quiet beach distinguished by its pristine white sand, offering a stark contrast to the busy Waikiki area. Ideal for family camping or picnics, the area boasts good facilities, ample parking, and a tranquil environment.

While access to the beach is free, camping permits are required for overnight stays, which are easy to obtain at reasonable prices.

11. Hukilau Beach

Located about 15 minutes from the other mentioned beaches, Hukilau Beach Park is another peaceful and family-friendly spot, featuring soft, white sand and medium-sized waves.

This beach offers plenty of space and is less crowded, making it a worthy stop while exploring north Oahu.

Map Of The Best North Shore Oahu Beaches

For an overview, here’s a map highlighting some of the best beaches on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. All of these beaches are free to visit! Click on the map icons for more information and directions for each location.

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Thank you for exploring this list of the best north shore Oahu beaches in Hawaii. There are countless beautiful beaches on this side of the island waiting to be discovered!