Tours and Tickets to Experience Oahu North Shore
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Oahu North Shore
Only expert surfers should attempt to ride the North Shore’s massive winter waves.
Parking can be difficult to find, especially during the winter surf season.
Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.
If you’re not short on time, locals highly recommend driving one of the coastal routes if you’re traveling from Honolulu to the North Shore; the inland road is faster but not as scenic.
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The best surf spots on Oahu North Shore include Banzai Pipeline, located at Ehukai Beach Park; Waimea Bay, calm in summer with big waves during the winter season; and Sunset Beach, which has various breaks and hosts major surf competitions during the winter months.
If it’s big waves you’re after, winter is the best time to visit Oahu North Shore for surfing. From November to February, large swells are a feature of the world-renowned surf breaks at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. For beginner surfers, summer offers more manageable conditions.
Oahu North Shore’s must-try local foods include garlic shrimp from a roadside shrimp truck and, for dessert, a refreshing shave ice with your choice of syrups and toppings, such as mochi balls and taro. Or, opt for a plate lunch of chicken or beef, rice, and macaroni salad.
Top attractions near Oahu North Shore include Waimea Valley, where you can explore a lush botanical garden and swim in Waimea Falls. Or, grab a bite to eat in the small town of Haleiwa and browse its stores and art galleries. You can also tour the nearby Dole pineapple plantation.
The best way to get from Honolulu to Oahu North Shore is by taking a bus tour or private tour that stops at multiple attractions—this way you won’t miss any hot spots. If you prefer to travel independently, it’s around a 45-minute drive or 1.5-hour bus ride (route number 52) to Haleiwa.
On Oahu North Shore, you can see green turtles and endangered Hawaiian monk seals in their natural habitat. Head to Kaena Point for a chance to observe the seals, found only on the islands of Hawaii. Laniakea Beach is a good bet for spotting green turtles basking on the sand.