Oahu North Shore
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- The proving ground
- Seven Mile Miracle
- Mythical surf culture
- Great spectator arena
Negatives
- Dangerous surfing conditions
- Amazing crowd pressures
- Not suitable for beginners
- Expensive
Oahu North Shore surf travel guide
There is no denying that the North Shore of Oahu is surfing's Mecca. Its undisputed attractions challenge every surfer on the planet, including all the pros, to find out if they have got what it takes. Conquering the fear of dropping into a bomb at Pipe, or paddling over the edge of a Waimea cliff represent the zenith of the surfing experience. There's no continental shelf or barrier reef to dampen the force of the powerful swells that come thundering out of the North Pacific and slam into the world's most famous surf zone. Reverentially dubbed 'The Seven Mile Miracle' this short, savage coastline between Haleiwa and Velzyland has it all from kiddies reforms to tow-in monsters. Most spots break on lava reef close to golden sand beaches with deep channels, which make paddling out easier but also create some strong rips in larger surf.
Surf spots in Oahu North Shore
Research the 18 surf breaks in Oahu North Shore and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 18 breaks in Oahu North Shore.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Oahu North Shore
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Oahu North Shore.
Kelly Slater's Surfer Guide to Hawaii, From Pipeline to Shark Diving | Condé Nast Traveler
- TravelSurf
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 10,400,000
- Population
- 1,416,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = $1 USD USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 808
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English, Hawaiian, Pidgin
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Visitors visas have been waived for Australian, British, Canadian and most EU passport holders. However, you must be carrying a biometric passport (kids too), with at least 90 days before expiry, otherwise a visitor visa must be obtained before travel.
Getting There
Once you land in Honolulu (HNL), there are limited options to get to the North Shore. Shuttles from the airport to Turtle Bay at the far end of the North Shore will cost around $90 for the first person and $9 for each additional person. Otherwise it’s rental car to drive the 30mins to Haleiwa or hour to Turtle Bay in light traffic periods.
Getting Around
Most people rent a car and the airport rental choice is large. Hawaii Car Rentals offer economy vehicles from $135/wk, but added charges, insurance and taxes will inflate that figure. Fuel is 25% more than the US mainland. Parking on big swell days is a nightmare at Waimea and Sunset which makes a scooter or moped rental a bit more attractive (fr. 35/d). The Oahu bus system, officially called TheBus, runs between most towns, 24/7. TheBus circuits the north and east coasts (Route 55, 88A). Fare for any trip on TheBus is US$2.50 for adults, exact change is compulsory. Bodyboards, skateboards and bikes are OK - no surfboards! Cycling the 7 mile miracle is easy with some bike paths and many rentals offering a board rack (from $10/d for longer rentals).
Accommodation
The only North Shore hotel is the Turtle Bay Resort (from $199/n - 5th night free). Most people stay at Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village near Waimea (dorm bed from $27/n; private dbl rooms $62-$85/n; studio $120-$145/n; Cabins sleep 4-8p $160-$290; 10% off weekly rates.), B&B's in Haleiwa (fr $37/d) or rent a flat (from $600/w for 4 people). Winter is high season. Food is not cheap: $20 for a basic meal or buy it at Foodland.
Activities
Hike to Kaena Point or hit the Kahuku Sugarmill disco. Historic train tours through the Dole plantation outside of Haleiwa. The Hele Huli Adventure Center at Turtle Bay does surfing, stand up paddleboarding, golf, tennis, helicopter tours, horse riding, hiking, biking, fishing, glass bottom kayaking, whale watching and more. Check out the Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu's biggest cultural attraction over on the windward side.
Hazards & hassles
Drowning, collisions with the reef, heavy rips, flying boards and angry locals will all keep you on your toes! Surf the low-key spots and be patient and cautious in the line-up. Car rip-offs are common so leave nothing in it and leave it unlocked.
Handy Hints
Plenty of surf shops, both in Town (see South Shore) and Country (North Shore). Haleiwa has the biggest concentration; pick up a board designed for the local waves. Don't drop-in!
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.