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Explore Oahu North Shore Beaches
There are some amazing Oahu North Shore Beaches waiting to be discovered. Checkout the green sea turtles that rest on Laniakea Beach. Snorkel around Sharks Cove and Three Tables Beach. And visit the popular north shore favorites, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Ehukai Beach that is home to the Banzai Pipeline Wave.
The North Shore of Oahu has 7 miracle miles of incredibly beautiful beach waiting to be explored! Just outside Haleiwa Town, you have two choices as you head out to some sprawling beaches. Turning left and heading west, will take you an isolated and beautiful side of the North Shore called Mokuleia.
Turning right will take you across the famous twin-spanned Haleiwa bridge, which is the gateway to some of Hawaii’s most popular North Shore beaches.
Waimea Bay Beach Park, and Ehukai Beach Park (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach Oahu are the main event in the wintertime, when the waves are towering at 30 foot plus faces. Also check out the Ultimate North Shore Surf Spots and discover some great surfing and spectating along 7 Miracle Miles of shoreline.
North Shore Snorkeling Beaches
Turtle Beach - Laniakea Beach
Discover Turtle Beach, or what is truly named Laniakea Beach. The green sea turtle choose their home as we do, and this small Oahu beach happens to be it!
On almost any given day, you will find Hawaiian sea turtles basking here on the beach. You’re not allowed to touch, but you’ll have the best front row seat to view them.
“Turtle Beach” is not hard to find, but sometimes could be quite challenging to park at. Parking has gotten better now that there's a new parking lot at Laniakea Beach.
Snorkeling at Sharks Cove
You are more likely to see green sea turtles swimming about, than reef sharks here at Sharks Cove. This North Shore cove got its name from its shark-like shape around it. Shark’s Cove is part of Pupukea Beach Park, and is known for its amazing snorkeling and scuba diving.
Under these waters you will see a large variety of marine life making home in the surrounding reef, as well as numerous lava tubes and caves to explore.
It’s an underwater playground here at Sharks Cove, but it's only advisable to enter the waters under flat conditions (typically in the summer), and if you’re a good swimmer. Take note that there is no lifeguard on duty at this North Shore beach.
Three Tables is another great snorkeling area located just above Waimea Bay and before you arrive at Sharks Cove.
This is
another
unique reef area that’s part of the Pupukea Beach Park, and it is worth
exploring the caves and marine life below.
North Shore Big Wave Beaches
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Known for producing some of the biggest waves in the wintertime... Watch some of the best surfers in the world try and ride these giants. And make sure to experience Waimea Bay Beach Park as it transforms in the into a waterpark playground in the summer. When the surf go flat, the dare devils turn to jumping off a gigantic 30 ft Waimea rock into the ocean!
Waimea is one of the most charismatic beaches on the North Shore. I like to describe it as a long arching bay, surrounded by a steep rocky hillside and anchored with distinctive landmarks on each side.
Ehukai Beach - Pipeline
Hidden along the shoreline of the North Shore, as there are no posted signs, is the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park. It stands as a testament to the raw power and beauty of the ocean. This legendary surf break has earned its reputation as one of the world's most coveted and challenging barreling waves, drawing surfers and spectators alike to its shores year-round.
Ehukai Beach itself is a pristine stretch of golden sand flanked by lush palm trees and ironwood groves in the background. The beach embodies the quintessential Hawaiian paradise, offering a serene backdrop that belies the thrilling chaos of the waves just offshore in the wintertime. The crystal-clear waters shimmer in the summertime, inviting visitors to take a refreshing dip or simply bask in the warm Hawaiian sunshine.
Sunset Beach Park
I think this is one of my favorite Oahu North Shore Beaches. Sunset Beach Park is one of the longest stretches of sand for lots of visitors to enjoy, and happens to be one of the fewest beaches that you can see from the Kamehamea Hwy that is not hidden by homes, trees and brush.
Along with Waimea Bay and Pipeline, this is consider a big wave surf spot in the winter and home to the notable Triple Crown Surf Contest. It's a great beach to relax and play on, and like the name... hosts some of the best sunsets to watch.
Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach ParkIt will be the first of many Oahu North Shore Beaches that you'll pass, and Haleiwa Beach Park is a wonderful place worth stopping for especially if you're short on time or traffic is noticeably heavy when traveling past the Haleiwa Bridge.
It's a great beach to run around or simply relax on. If you're lucky, you might see some sea turtles relaxing on the warm sand as well. The waters close to shore are usually calm enough to swim in, and there are small waves in the area if you want to learn how to surf. Haleiwa Beach is also a favorite local surf break with much larger surf breaking out at sea.
Personally I love to paddleboard and kayak around the calm waters, and even make my way over to the iconic Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge and up the Anahulu Stream.
Mokuleia Beach
Mokuleia BeachImagine visiting some Oahu North Shore Beaches, and discovering a spot with no one else on it, and making your own foot prints in the sand. While Mokuliea Beach is not completely isolated, there is a good chance you just might have a good section of it to yourself.
It will take about 20 minutes to get there from Haleiwa but it's worth the drive. The road dead ends just past it, which is called Kaena Point, where hikers venture out to the tip of the island. ,
Mokuliea Beach is absolutely beautiful, untouched, and has crystal clear waters surrounding it. Note there are no public facilities out this way, and you might want to bring a beach umbrella if you want some shade.
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