There is so much to see on all the Hawaiian Islands. Where can you begin to plan a trip and yet see all the best they have to offer? Are you thinking about what to do on Oahu? We all know there’s the famous Diamond Head in Waikiki, Pearl Harbor and the beautiful Dole Plantation. But, many have asked, is the North Shore worth more than just a day of sightseeing? After spending quite a bit of time here these are our favorites in recommendations. Hopefully this will help you plan your time on Oahu.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a less crowded area than Waikiki or Honolulu, the North Shore has at least two good resort options to consider. The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is highly rated with a pool and a short walk to the beach. They have a nice fire pit area and it’s a great way to relax in the evenings after a day of fun in the sun. The accommodations are modern and very clean. It is also located directly next to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This is a dry town however so alcohol will have to be purchased outside of this vicinity. Another option for lodging is The Turtle Bay resort. This resort is oceanfront with its own beaches and pool area. In the winter, when the ocean is the roughest, the sheltered lagoon on the property is calm and provides great swimming and snorkeling. The rooms are modern and clean complete with your own Keurig. I have been told the cottages they rent on the property are especially nice if you want an even better option than a hotel room. These resorts are a short drive to the area of the North Shore to watch the surfers and absorb the rural local culture. If you choose to stay away from the resort scene this is still a great public beach to come to with your family and little ones. They have shower and toilet facilities and take away food stands as well.
Best Beach Spots
If you’re looking for an even LESS crowded beach with more local vibes then the North Shore itself has many options. You can try a beach for as many days as you are there! These were our 5 favorite North Shore swimming areas.
- Sharks Cove. This area is great for snorkeling and easy to find being 0.3 miles from Pupukea’s Foodland grocery store (Try a Poke bowl from the Deli!! It’s amazing!) and the famous Food Trucks across from the cove. Talk about lunch with a view!! This entire area is barefoot and beach attire friendly complete with toilets and public showers. It’s a must for a great day of amazing local cuisine and plenty of snorkeling. Food trucks nowadays aren’t your Grandma’s food trucks and this group of trucks is worth the trip alone. This area is a great day at the beach you’ll never forget. It’s rocky though and the rocks are sharp! For families with little children you’ll need to watch them closely or choose another spot where you can all enjoy a stress free day.
Ke Iki Beach - Ke lki Beach. It’s only a 0.4 mile walk from Sharks Cove for some more beautiful sand and surf. If you are walking along 83 in Pupukea, then the walkway to this beach is down a little side street in front of Ke lki Beach Bungalows. These rustic bungalows are an interesting option for accommodations as well and are highly rated offering simple accommodations and location, location, location over luxury resort vibes. This beach is shaded by beautiful large Palm trees and the waves on this part of the island are spectacular. There are no bathroom facilities here if you are not a guest at the Bungalows but you’re in close proximity to all that is offered over by Sharks Cove.
- Banzai Pipeline. This is as iconic as it gets. When a surfing competition is going on, this area of Oahu it is a madhouse of traffic and parking is at a premium. If there isn’t a competition it’s still a great spot to sit and watch the professional surfers do their thing. You can’t miss it traveling along 83 from Sharks Cove only 1.2 miles away.
The early morning traffic for the Eddie Competition in Pupukea. - Waimea Bay Beach Park. This is an absolutely beautiful soft sandy beach also along 83 and the location of the famous “Eddie” competition. This contest is named after a local Hawaiian life guard Eddie Aikau whose family are still caretakers of Waimea Valley. It’s only been held 9 times in history as the waves must reach between 30 and 40 feet to be held. It is spectacular to see! In the summer you can swim in calm waters at this beach but in the winter it is a beautiful soft beach to sit on with a picnic and take in these amazing waves.
Waimea Valley - Waimea Falls Park. For something really fun we highly recommend driving not far away from the Waimea beach park to the entrance sign marked Waimea Valley. It’s well worth it to park and pay the entrance fee to explore these beautifully preserved acres of Hawaiian rain forest and waterfall. It is a popular film location and you will easily see why. We loved getting to hike (more like an easy 20 to 30 minute 1 mile stroll) through this lush tropical rain forest to a fresh water pool and swim under a 50 foot waterfall. Lifeguards are on duty and life jackets are available. With little kids in tow, this is the best way for the entire family to safely share and enjoy such an experience. For less mobile family members there is even a shuttle to take them on the hike so they may enjoy all there is to see as well.There are so many amazing experiences you can have during your stay on the North Shore. Take a surfing lesson, try the local Poke bowl (pronounced Poe-kee) or have a snorkeling encounter with a sea turtle. All of these things might make you think twice that Waikiki and Honolulu are all Oahu has to offer.
