Useful information for visitors.
Welcome to The North Shore of O’ahu
You are visiting one of the most unique and dynamic places on Earth. We have fantastic natural beauty, a powerful ocean, and strong cultural beliefs. This site is intended to provide vital information and useful suggestions from the local community members themselves, to make you a safe, ‘akamai’ visitor.
Our amazing home has:
7
Miles of the best surfing in the world
2 million +
Visitors per year
2
Lane Highway
From Ka’ena Point to Kahuku
The North Shore of Oahu is a paradise for surfers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green landscapes, this iconic region of Hawaii offers a unique blend of laid-back island charm and thrilling activities. During winter, the North Shore becomes a global surfing mecca, drawing wave riders from around the world to tackle the legendary swells of Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the Banzai Pipeline. But there’s more to the North Shore than surf – from tranquil summertime snorkeling spots and scenic hiking trails to local food trucks and small-town shops, this area promises something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Hawaiian culture or simply relax on a pristine beach, the North Shore of Oahu invites you to experience the spirit of Aloha in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Please use this site to help you stay safe.
Put safety first and
Explore The North Shore
First Some Important Contacts:
01
Surf Report and Forecast
From flat to fun to ferocious, its essential to be informed on the size of the surf.
02
North Shore Lifeguards
The most skilled watermen and women anywhere. Visit their website or in an emergency DIAL 911
04
Marine Mammal Rescue
If you see a turtle, seal, or other wildlife in need of protection or rescue.
05
Tides
While our tides are generally less than two feet, it can matter in times of bad weather or high surf.
Respect our ocean. Don’t be these guys:
What the locals would like you to know:
The first thing to know is one day on the North Shore can be completely unlike the next. We have calm days and terrifying days. It’s important to know how much the ocean conditions can change, and that this side of the island can be very dangerous. Be aware of which kind of day it is when you’re here. If you’re not sure, ALWAYS speak to the lifeguards. Their guidance can literally save your life.
I would like them to know that we have rare species on our beaches that are protected and found no where else in the world. To expect resting monk seals and sea turtles and to stay at least 50 feet away from them. And that we have endangered Hawaiian yellow-faced bees nesting in coastal vegetation, “drift wood” and in coral rubble so not to move rocks or break or burn drift wood or vegetation.
Don’t turn your back on the ocean. Ask locals where the safest places are to swim, talk to lifeguards and obey what they tell you, please dispose of your trash and care for the land.
Please enjoy your visit, but remember not everyone is on vacation. Pull over rather than drive slow, as our one road is our only means of getting to work, school or the store. Enjoy the scenery but please be considerate of those of us trying to get on with our day. It is a short visit for you, but the traffic you see is an everyday occurrence for us. Mahalo.
Do not disturb wildlife, use reef safe sun screen, do not stay in the sun for long periods of time because it’s much more intense on our islands bring umbrellas to sit under.
Please obey traffic laws but please pull over and let people pass while you are enjoying the scenery. We are constantly being hosts, and share our aloha, but we also have to get to work and get our kids to school.
Look out for jellyfish and sea urchins, do not leave valuables in your cars and park in proper areas that are not illegal.
Get out early to start your day, pack coolers with foods and drinks so you don’t have to leave your spot at the beach and get into traffic. Plan ahead for the day. Use public transport if you can to help keep so many cars off the roads. Enjoy the culture and learn about the people and places of the Hawaiian Islands.
Treat the ocean as an unpredictable wild animal. Wait and WATCH it for sometime before entering to see its waves/phases. Assume everyone you see out in the water is a local with more experience, knowledge, strength and endurance than you. Approach it cautiously!
Respect the area as a visitor, ask questions and respect our wildlife from a distance. Leave things better then you found it.
The ocean has no feelings. It’ll caress you then pound the hell outta you a second later. It will take your life in the blink of an eye. Your survival in the ocean totally depends on you. Make one bad decision and it could be your last. Never turn your back on the sea and don’t ever underestimate how dangerous it is. When in doubt don’t go out and turn around before you drown.
If they don’t see locals at a particular location that more than likely means it’s dangerous to swim at that location.
It would be great for visitors to be aware of the amount of one-time use plastic they use. Every single piece either gets burned up or thrown into the ground or ocean. This really isn’t sustainable. Next time you get a plate lunch be aware it comes in a plastic bag, on a styrofoam plate, plastic knife and fork wrapped in plastic, all for one use.
Take STRINGS off all leis before tossing them in or anywhere near the sea. Protect marine life
Waves come in sets – if the sand has no footprints DON’T wander down to the water.
Beware of rip currents. “Blue out White in”
Buddy system! Never go alone, check for your buddy every so many minutes .
Don’t step on the reef with your water shoes. If you have children who can’t swim yet, they shouldn’t be beyond arms length in the water or at the waterline. (Seen lots of toddlers who’ve gotten rolled and dragged in surf with their parents 20 or 30 feet away chatting in the water or on the beach)
It’s very HOT here in the summer months . The heat index is in the 90 ‘s, which can burn and lead to sun poisoning or stroke
Kam highway is not a highway but a small two lane country road and requires a lot of quick stops for the locals that need to turn into their streets and driveways.
Do not use sunscreen that’s not mineral based.
Do not step on the reef
Culture: make eye contact, smile, say hi. Let people in in traffic. No honking unless you’re saying hi to a friend.
As a visitor that’s been to beautiful Hawaii many times, I can say that I observed two major, potentially deadly, situations…I’ve lived my entire life on east coast ocean in Charleston, SC…first, North Shore…if you see white water on third reef, gather your belongings and head for the nearest path away from the ocean. Second, the pull from the ocean is unlike anything you’ve experienced anywhere in the world. Decided to go out at Pipe just to say that I can mark that off my list…went off shore about 20 feet, about a 3 foot day Hawaii. First wave I went under and wound up 30’ further out than where I went under. Second wave, same thing…went under and 30’ more…at that point I said forget it and body surfed back in. I had been swimming in the Atlantic my entire life…Hatteras to Sebastian and never felt that kind of power. Last, be aware of rogue waves and never leave anything that means something to you, (camera equipment, passports, money, children, etc.), anywhere near the water. Just my two cent observations…
Check the Hawaiian Moon calendar before going out anywhere and make a request when going to the diving shops for someone that knows the area. If people would follow the knowledge of our ancestors they would be safer and healthier. For example the moon phase tonight is La’aukūlua which is fair fishing but rough waves. People also need to kilo the ke ao ‘Ōpua, observe the clouds, what kind of clouds do we see and what that would mean.
As far as the surf is concerned Hawaiian waters and not like the west, south, and east coast conditions. We have no continental shelf that slows down or buffers the power of ocean swells that come from, for the north shore, the same storms that take the lives of fishermen on Deadliest Catch every year.
Pro-tip: Join in on a local beach cleanup and share the Aloha spirit and help us Malama Aina, or care for the land.
You could even get lucky and run into Jack Johnson…
Know the spots
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore is renowned for its powerful and challenging waves, making it a premier destination for advanced surfers. During the winter months, from November through February, the waves here can reach massive heights of 15 to 30 feet or more, attracting top surfers from around the globe. Known for their size, speed, and shifting peaks, Sunset’s waves offer long, open-faced rides that are thrilling but demand skill and experience to navigate. The beach’s distinct underwater topography, with a mix of reef and sand, contributes to the wave’s unique shape and power, creating ideal conditions for dramatic drops, powerful turns, and memorable rides. For spectators, Sunset Beach offers an exciting opportunity to watch professional surfers tackle some of the most iconic waves in the world.
Banzai Pipeline
The Banzai Pipeline, located at Ehukai Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, is home to some of the most famous and challenging waves in the world. Known for its perfect, hollow barrels, Pipeline’s waves break over a shallow reef, creating steep and powerful walls that produce stunning tube rides. In winter, when swells are at their peak, the waves can reach up to 20 feet or more, making it one of the most dangerous spots for surfing, especially given the sharp reef just below the surface. Surfers who brave Pipeline’s waves must be highly skilled, as the wave requires precise timing, balance, and experience to navigate safely. Spectators are also drawn to Pipeline’s mesmerizing beauty, where they can watch surfers disappear into the barrel, only to emerge triumphantly from the other side. With its breathtaking intensity, Pipeline is often considered the ultimate proving ground in the world of professional surfing.
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore is legendary for its massive, powerful waves, making it a pinnacle destination for big-wave surfing. During winter swells, waves at Waimea can reach heights of 20 to 40 feet, with towering walls of water that break close to shore. Unlike other surf spots that produce hollow barrels, Waimea’s waves are known for their sheer size and open-faced power, creating long, steep rides that are as thrilling as they are intense. The bay’s underwater landscape, with a deep channel that gives way to a shallow reef, helps funnel and amplify the waves, contributing to their legendary height and force. Reserved for only the most experienced big-wave surfers, Waimea Bay is also home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, a celebrated contest held only when the waves reach a minimum of 20 feet. For those watching from the shore, Waimea Bay offers a dramatic spectacle, as surfers challenge some of the biggest waves in the world, honoring the spirit of Hawaiian big-wave surfing.
Sharks Cove
Shark’s Cove is a popular summertime snorkeling and diving spot located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Despite its name, it’s not known for sharks but rather its unique underwater landscape and vibrant marine life.
Shark’s Cove is a fantastic summertime spot for those looking to experience Oahu’s underwater beauty without needing to go too deep. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in snorkeling on the North Shore! But check with lifeguards to make sure conditions are safe. Shark’s Cove is very, very dangerous when the surf is up in the winter time from October to April.
At the end of your visit, we hope you and all of your loved ones travel safely home.
✓ Take home some great memories
✓ …and some ALOHA