Planning a trip to Oahu and want to see some epic beaches? Find out 8 of the best North Shore Oahu beaches you have to see to believe! Scroll to see them all!
This North Shore beaches post was originally published December 4, 2019 and was updated April 4, 2022 and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you looking for the best North Shore Oahu beaches?
North Shore is a great place to visit when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. It’s quieter, more laid back, and has some of the best beaches in Hawaii.
If you’re interested in watching some incredible surfing while you relax at the beach, then head up to North Shore Oahu.
It’s where you’ll find some of the top surfing beaches in Hawaii that might recognize from movies and TV shows! And North Shore has a laid-back vibe and some of the best beaches in Oahu.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite 8 North Shore Oahu Beaches worth checking out.
You can read about these best beaches in North Shore below or click on any link for more information. I hope it helps your next trip planning process go smoothly!
Be sure to check out my top 101 things to do on Oahu!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu.
Popular Oahu Tours/Activities
- Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (this is a fun adventure with the prettiest views)
- Full Pearl Harbor Tour (this is the BEST way to do everything at Pearl Harbor)
- Hawaii Bucket List Tour (you get to pick where you stop on this custom Oahu circle island tour)
- Toa Luau (this is my all-time favorite Oahu luau)
- CLIMB Works Ziplining (this is the longest zipline on Oahu)
- Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)
Favorite Oahu Resorts/Hotels
- Hilton Hawaiian Village (this is our favorite Waikiki resort because of the amazing pool area and nearby restaurants)
- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (this is a splurge that is totally worth it)
- Royal Hawaiian Hotel (this is a luxury resort in Waikiki that is pink and gorgeous)
North Shore Oahu Beaches FAQ
It depends on when you go. The water is really tumultuous during the winter months (November through April), which is why there are so many North Shore surf competitions in the winter. However, the water at North Shore beaches calms down a lot during the summer and fall. This is the ideal time to advantage of this swimming and snorkeling spot.
Typically, it’s a 45-minute drive if you go during non-peak hours and don’t make any stops. But it really depends on traffic. It’s taken us 2.5 hours when we went during rush hour. But the drive is worth it once you see some of the beaches on the North Shore. And there are several ways to get to North Shore from Waikiki/Honolulu.
This really depends on how many days you’re visiting Oahu and what you want to do. Personally, our family loves staying in Waikiki and doing day trips to other areas of the island. That’s because it’s easy to get groceries, walk to restaurants, and join Oahu tours. But, if you are planning on renting a car and want a laid-back Oahu vacation, the North Shore is pretty awesome!
7 Amazing North Shore Oahu Beaches
The North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the most famous Hawaii beaches. You can easily visit a few in one day or spread them out throughout your trip.
1. Waimea Bay Beach Park
There are lots of amazing beaches on the North Shore of Oahu, but Waimea Bay makes it to the top of the list.
This is because of the plethora of things that fun lovers can do while they hang out on one of the most popular beach parks in all of Oahu.
Start out by taking a daredevil dive (but it’s actually safe!) from the famed rock that sits half-submerged at the shoreline. This is one of the top things to do at Waimea Bay on Oahu.
Snorkel down into the deep, surrounded by fish and turtles, and explore the tunnels that can be found beneath the rock. You can also surf, rock climb, and take amazing photos at this North Shore beach.
Read more about snorkeling on Oahu
2. Three Tables Beach
Three Tables Beach is one of the most charming beaches on the North Shore of Oahu. It was named after the three table-like sections of reef that become visible during low tide.
It’s quite popular as a spot for snorkeling and diving during the months of May – September.
The water at 3 Tables Beach is especially clear. Divers can usually see a variety of fish in numerous colors, sea turtles, and even underwater lava tubes!
While the beach is also a popular spot for North Shore Hawaii surfing, only experienced surfers should try to ride in the winter. This is because Oahu North Shore waves become dangerous and unpredictable.
3. Sunset Beach
As one of the hosts of the 2019 event, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Sunset Beach is one of the most famous North Shore surf spots.
Lots of people, from professional surfers to lovers of the sport come from across the globe. They all want to just get a crack at the amazing waves that are present on this beautiful beach.
Sunset Beach Oahu isn’t just for surfers hitting the waves during the surfer season. Families can enjoy the beach during the summer months when the waves are calmer, and children can swim in the water.
Of course, regardless of the season, the view of the sunset at Sunset Beach is one of the most amazing things you will ever see.
4. Haleiwa Beach Park
While beaches like Three Tables and Sunset are known for having professional-level surf waves, Haleiwa Beach Park has calmer waves that are great for beginner surfers. Check out the best Oahu surfing lessons for kids.
This beach is also great for swimming. Plus, here are lifeguards on hand to protect novices from getting in harm’s way.
There are showers off the beach to clean up before or after a swim. And next to the beach, there’s a park that with picnic tables that’s a popular hangout spot for families!
5. Laniakea Beach
If you’re looking for Hawaiian green sea turtles in Oahu, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Laniakea Beach.
The beauty of Laniakea Beach is visible as soon as you set foot on the sands and look at the wide, open sky. In fact, the word “Laniakea” translates to “wide sky.”
This breathtaking beach is also known as Turtle Beach because of the astounding number of sea turtles that come to hang out there!
When they’re not staring at turtles, visitors to Laniakea Beach, Oahu are usually taking a swim in the water in the summer. And in the winter, they’re trying to find their 100-foot wave!
Read more about Turtle Beach Oahu
6. Banzai Pipeline
Home of the tubular wave, the Banzai Pipeline is another of the most famous beaches in North Shore Oahu. And It’s usually the host of the finale for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition.
This is, of course, during the wintertime when the water is only suitable for professionals. Those North Shore, Hawaii waves are serious!
During the spring, the water at Banzai Pipeline is calmer. This allows for family-friendly activities like swimming, water skiing, snorkeling, and more.
You can access Banzai Pipeline through Ehukai Beach Park, another one of the best beaches on Oahu to watch amazing surfing!
Just beware that June to September, visitors are asked to stay out of the water. This is to avoid being stung by limu, which washes up to the shore.
7. Pupukea Beach Park
This gleaming beach is tucked just off the Kamehameha Highway on the northern end of Waimea Bay. Pupukea translates to “white shell” in the native Hawaiian.
Hidden from the popular gaze, Pupukea Beach Park is a little beach cove. It’s usually quiet and calm during summer and is frequented by snorkeling lovers.
Visiting this beach park during the winter is not the best, so come in the spring or summer.
It has two access points for swimming: Shark’s Cove and Three Tables Beach If you come through Shark’s Cove, wearing water shoes is recommended.
8. Kuilima Cove
Another one of the best beaches on Oahu’s North Shore is Kuilima Cove. It’s a beautiful white sand beach on the eastern edge of Turtle Bay Resort.
Kuilima is a great Oahu snorkeling spot for people of all ages and abilities. Plus, a lot of people don’t know about it, so it isn’t usually too crowded.
Of course, you’ll want to check the surf report before you go. When there’s high surf, that means there is a strong rip current and it’s not safe for swimming.
Otherwise, Kuilima Cove is one of the best North Shore beaches that is worth the drive.
Oahu North Shore Beaches Wrap Up
I hope you found a few of the best North Shore beaches on Oahu worth checking out! Any of these destinations make great day trips from Waikiki or fun stops on a scenic drive around Oahu.
Keep scrolling to find out my top picks of where to stay and other fun things to do in North Shore Hawaii.
Where to Stay in North Shore Oahu
Marriott Hotel in Laie
The Marriott Hotel is right in front of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. It’s a great place to stay if you want to do a lot of North Shore Oahu activities. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Turtle Bay Resort
Probably the most famous out of all the North Shore Oahu hotels is Turtle Bay.
It’s a very luxurious place to stay if you can afford it. They have access to some of the gorgeous North Shore beaches around. Check out the latest prices and more details.
North Shore Oahu Rentals
You can save a lot of money by taking advantage of one of the many North Shore Oahu vacation rentals!
There are plenty to choose from and you’ll get a more authentic Hawaii experience and have the chance to talk story with locals.
What Else to do in North Shore Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu will not disappoint you. There are beautiful beaches and tasty shave ice. You can do all kinds of adventurous activities or North Shore surf shops. Make sure to try authentic poke or check out other North Shore activities for every family member to enjoy!
And a big must-do are the famous North Shore food trucks! I highly recommend hitting up the food trucks and taking your meal to the beach to enjoy the amazing scenery.
You can head to one of the many cafes on the North Shore to grab coffee or pastries. Trust me, this is one of my favorite things to do here!
Next time you go, be sure to plan your vacation around some of these best North Shore Oahu beaches.
