The Oahu north shore beaches are famous for their clear warm waters in the summer and world class surf in the winter. I’ve personally visited every beach on this list and captured the “need to know” information. I’ve also created an interactive map that shows where each beach is located on the island, along with fun things to do and places to eat nearby!Â
Overview
Ke Iki Beach is located just north of Shark’s Cove. It is a wide open beach with rolling dunes that quickly drop into the shore break. Ke Iki Beach is well known for sea glass collecting. Be sure to visit this beach at low tide, after all the shells and other ocean debris has been washed up and settled on the beach!
Beach Amenities
- Sand Type: Medium Coarse
- Bathrooms: No
- Getting in the Water: Easy, no coral
- Showers: No
- Parking: Street Parking
Overview
This beach is famous on north shore Oahu, but not nearly as popular as you would expect it to be. The LOST Survivors Beach Camp is the first beach shown in the hit television series LOST. The beach doesn’t have any amenities. It’s just you, the beach, and your sand castle!
Beach Amenities
- Sand Type: Medium Coarse
- Bathrooms: No
- Getting in the Water: Moderate, Some sandy spots, lots of coral
- Showers: No
- Parking: Free parking lot
Overview
In my opinion, the water at Hale’iwa is not ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The large Anahulu River distributes its fresh water and runoff into the beaches in the areas, causing the water to be brackish and brown. As a result, Hale’iwa Beach Park is a popular destination for other activities like fishing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding (SUP).
Beach Amenities
- Sand Type: Coarse
- Bathrooms: Public restrooms in park
- Getting in the Water: Moderate, lots of rocks and coral
- Showers: Yes
- Parking: Free parking in parking lot
Overview
Sunset Beach is probably the most famous of the Oahu north shore beaches. Its waves are sought after from around the world and is where the annual big wave surf tournaments are held. In winter, this beach is a no swim zone for swimmers, leave it for the experienced surfers. In the summer, the waves are swim-worthy, just watch out for strong currents.
Beach Amenities
- Sand Type: Moderate coarse
- Bathrooms: Yes
- Getting in the Water: Sandy with waves year round
- Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes, parking lot and road parking
Overview
This beach park offers a huge grassy area and a club house with a snack shack. There are some sandy beach spots to spend the day, but there’s lots of tide pools on the lava fields to explore!
Beach Amenities
- Sand Type: moderate coarse
- Bathrooms: Yes in the park
- Getting in the Water: Difficult with lots of coral
- Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes, large free lots
Things to Do Near Oahu North Shore Beaches
- Explore Haleiwa Beach Town
- Surf lessons
- Kahuku food trucks
- Dole Plantation
- Polynesian Cultural Center
Recommended Food & Drinks in North Shore Oahu
Below are a list of my recommended restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and other eateries near these north shore Oahu beaches:
- Poke for the People – Fresh “Hawaiian Style Poke,” sushi, salads and more.Â
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Iconic north shore food truck serving savory shrimp and rice dishes.Â
- Matsumoto’s Shave Ice – Cool down with a Hawaiian shaved ice. Not your typical snow cone.
- Kono’s North Shore – Great location for breakfast burritos, sandwiches, wraps, and Hawaiian plate lunches.
- Green World Coffee Farm – Stop here on your way to north shore for coffee grown, roasted, and brewed on site! A must see if you’ve never seen coffee trees!
Check Out Oahu's Other Amazing Beaches!
- Oahu South Shore Beaches (Honolulu/Waikiki)
- Oahu East Side Beaches (Waimanalo, Kailua, Kaneohe, Kualoa)
- Oahu West Side Beaches (Nanakuli, Waianae, Makaha)
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