Secluded. Local. 10 best miles of surf in the world.
If you want to taste raw Hawaii, join us on a virtual journey of North Shore, Oahu.
Stretching from the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie to the famous surf shops of Haleiwa, North Shore is where you’ll find everything you desire in a true Hawaiian experience to learn the way of the kama’aina. Kama’aina, more commonly known as locals, breaks down into “kama” which means child, and “aina”, meaning land, all together translating to “child of the land.” Who doesn’t want to be a child of the land when the land is Hawaii?
Here are your kama’aina tips for North Shore, moving from North to West:
Laie Point
Laie Point offers a 30ft cliff view of the crystal blue waters, crashing waves against tsunami torn rocks, and the luscious and majestic North Shore mountains. Don’t forget to stop at the famous Hukilau Cafe for the BEST banana pancakes. And for lunch make sure to stop at the iconic shrimp trucks or poke bowls in Kahuku, the next town over.
Kawela Bay
Kawela Bay is a hidden gem of a bay, tucked away in the trees across the street from the fruit stands. All you have to do is drive 10 minutes west of Laie, spot a handful of fruit stands on the left side of the street, grab some pineapple, and park directly across the street. Step into the forest and step out into a calm, secluded bay.
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort is just a few minutes beyond Kawela Bay and is a must for anyone visiting the North Shore. The resort sits as close to water as possible and offers stunning seaside views, divine restaurants, and one of the best sunset surfing spots. And for the golfers out there, it doesn’t get much better than their club. No fee to park in their parking lot and walk the grounds! There’s a sitting area on the west side of the resort where you can sit, watch the surf, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Ted’s Bakery
Next on your drive, stop at Ted’s Bakery for a malasada or garlic shrimp, and bring it over to Sunset Beach to enjoy on the white sand and entrancing blue water. You’ll get some of your best beach photos here. The beach is named appropriately, as this offers one of the best angles on the island for a breathtaking sunset.
Banzai Bowls
If you’re full from all the ono (delicious) food already, make room! Stopping at the next gas station, you’ll find Banzai Bowls for the best açaí bowl on the island. Pack it up and head over to Sunset Elementary school and park in the lot across the street; this is where history is made. Welcome to Pipeline—one of the most famous surf breaks in the world and home to the famous Volcom Pipe Pro competition in December each year. Surf icons like Kelly Slater and John John Florence were born in these waves. Enjoy your açaí bowl and feel the power of the perfectly piped waves.
Waimea Bay
For now, you can take a break on the food, and head over to the historic Waimea Bay. Before parking at the beach, drive up past FoodLand into Pupukea. Take the next right at the top of the hill and drive into the park. Get out and explore, and the next thing you’ll find is an aerial view of Waimea that not many get to experience. Then head back down the hill to park at the bay. Not only does it offer a stunning bay view with a perfect 20-30ft cliff jumping spot, it also is home to the largest waves on the island during the winter months, reaching up to a shocking 40 feet. These waves can also host one of the most famous competitions in the world, The Eddie. The Eddie is first and foremost a tribute to Eddie Aikau who lost his life on a rescue mission in those waves. But The Eddie competition only takes place if the waves hit 20 ft on the front during a set six week period each year. If The Eddie is called on, the entire island shuts down to rush to the bay to watch surfers from all over the world dominate big wave surfing.
Turtle Beach
Just one more stop about 5 minutes from the Bay before our final destination, and that is Turtle Beach. Here is where you can find, no surprise, sea turtles roaming the shores! Park on the side of the street and dip down to the small beach and you’ll be sure to find either full grown turtles or a batch of new ones that will steal your heart!
Haleiwa
10 more minutes along the stunning coastline and you’ll reach our final destination, Haleiwa. This quintessential surf town is full of famous surf shops, incredible food trucks (Thai food ones are the best!), mochi, and the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice (don’t forget to add ice cream at the bottom of your shave ice). Continue on down the bay here, maybe stop for a quick 14,000 ft skydive over the island, and then end up at Kaena Point, which is quite literally the tip of the North Shore where all the roads stop, and where you, too, can stop and take in the beauty that is North Shore Hawaii.
A HUI HOU
Mahalo, friends, for joining us on this journey of the North Shore. We hope you’ve enjoyed the taste of local, raw, kama’aina Hawaii and leave with inspiration for your real life journey to this unsurpassed destination.
