The reason, is that they require some work to get to and/or may make prudent people uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. We got a $75 parking ticket on our first-ever trip to Lanikai Beach. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 11 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS ON OAHU, HAWAII - Journey Era The North Shore of Oahu has 7 miracle miles of incredibly beautiful beach waiting to be explored! Hi. While we are happy to visit any of our islands incredible beaches, there are some beaches with warm crystalline, turquoise waters that are a cut above the rest. Before visiting the Banzai Pipeline, make sure to not visit from June to September if you enjoy playing in the waters. The North Shore Hawaii waves are the perfect conditions for professional surfers! Although the trail is long at 2.7 miles each way, you dont have to hike to the end to experience the beauty because the entire coastline provides epic views. Laniakea Beachs name speaks for itself, as Laniakea translates to wide sky.. As the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu boasts nearly 230 miles of stunning coastline. Waimea Bay 6. PAHLISCH REAL ESTATE. Located about an hour north of Oahu is Mokulia Beach Park. Waimea Bay Beach Park. The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline, and countless incredible beaches in a variety of colors backed by towering, verdant mountains and palm trees swaying in the breeze. The restaurants, shops, waves and roads are crowded. Whether you're looking forward to romantic dinners out, unique shopping experiences, surf lessons or snorkeling the reefs, call us today to start booking your vacation package! Kualoa Regional Park: Best Oahu Beach You Have Never Visited, I love this gem of a beach park for two reasons. This is one of the top things to do at Waimea Bay on Oahu. The North Shore of Oahu is an experience like no other. Sandy Beach: Best Oahu Beach for Bodysurfing, Be cautious, the experienced bodysurfers will make surfing these waves look easy. Secluded Beaches North Shore Oahu - YAHglobal Stunning beaches and gorgeous coastlines help to make the North Shore one of the most beautiful areas in Hawai'i. 10. There are showers off the beach to clean up before or after a swim. Stay well clear of the water and enjoy the spectacle. Oahu North Shore - 10+ Not to be Missed Things to Do - Best of Oahu How do you find Hidden Beach? Makapu'u Beach Park: Secluded Oahu Beach Near Waikiki, 6. Kailua Beach is also one of the best beaches in Oahu overall. Although its gotten more popular over the years, its still a special place thats worth visiting when you are up on the north shore. If youre looking for one of my recommendations for one of the beaches that is a must-see on the North Shore of Oahu, I can easily say that Waimea Bay takes the cake. More up and down the makai side of Kamehameha Highway on either side of the bay.Restrooms: Yes.How it got its name: The red soil that washes into the water from the valley above gives the way its name, literally reddish water.. Head out in the morning and you are almost guaranteed to have the place to yourself. The best way to find the hidden gems along the north shore is to drive along Kamehameha Highway and to pull over at any fruit stand, beach, or place that looks interesting to you. See here for more Hawaii parking laws.). As one of the hosts of the 2019 event, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Sunset Beach is one of the most famous North Shore surf spots. While. 7 Best Places for Snorkeling in North Shore | EnjoyTravel.com TOP 4 OAHU HIDDEN BEACHES YOU NEED TO SEE - Don't Forget the Aloe From secret caves to hidden lookout points, you'll uncover a whole new side of Oahu that you won't find in the guidebooks. Get Off the Beaten Path: 13 Hidden Gems in Oahu (2023) As many of you know, Hawaii can get expensive. The Banzai Pipeline can be accessed through Ehukai Beach Park. If you would like to go to Byodo-In Temple instead of the Waimea Botanical Garden contact us after the reservation is made and we change you to that tour option if you would like. The reef is close in by the shore so you paddle out over the reef and the break is about 50 yards out from the shore. Pupukea Beach (Sharks Cove): Best Oahu Beach for Snorkeling, ocean conditions at Pupukai and Ehukai Beach, Food: Food trucks available across the street, Recommended Activities: snorkeling, swimming, picnic, 7. Laniakea Beach 5. Best Hidden Beaches in Oahu | Go Tours Hawaii Waimea Bay Beach Park There are lots of amazing beaches on the North Shore of Oahu, but Waimea Bay makes it to the top of the list. Luckily, if you know where to look, you can still find hidden beaches in Hawaii that are perfect for when you want to get away and truly soak in the beauty of our island paradise without all of the crowds. Leaving Haleiwa Town, you have two choices as you head out to the beaches. The North Shore of Oahu is an experience like no other. This is a nice quiet place for snoozing, reading, or sipping spirits from a Corkcicle. Because it is unassuming from the outside, you might miss this place if you arent looking for it. Accessibility: Parking lots lead down to the water, on a steep dirt path. In the summer months (May to October), swimming on the North Shore is one of the best activities to do while in Oahu. It was named after the three table-like sections of reef that become visible during low tide. Well, this name stems from the sections of the reef that can be seen during the low tide, which look similar to a table! This is a great spot to listen to music, party, and truly live the Hawaii dream! This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. 11 Best North Shore Oahu Beaches In Hawaii If you are looking for a secluded beach, this is a great place to visit after exploring the Jurassic Valley of Kualao Ranch. ; Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Tour: One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was . The bright blue water is almost always choppy, and green sea turtles tend to hang out on the shore during the summer. Its quieter, more laid back, and has some of the best beaches in Hawaii. $239,900. From tiny towns with less than 500 residents to booming communities of more than 40,000 residents, we absolutely adore the charming beachside towns that have formed near some of the worlds greatest beaches here in Hawaii. Once you reach the beach, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean surround you. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Its a perfect pit stop on your way to the north shore. 6. Kahuku Farms is a farm-to-table restaurant with delicious lunch, smoothies, and desserts. BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES TRI-CITIES REAL ESTATE. This gleaming beach is tucked just off the Kamehameha Highway on the northern end of Waimea Bay. Its found off of Kamehameha Highway as the road runs from Sunset Beach to Turtle Bay Resort. dont park facing the wrong way of traffic, make sure youre parked no more than one foot from the edge of the road, etc. Unlike the other beaches I discussed earlier in this article, Haleiwa is not as crowded, and parking is very easy to find. Content on this site is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice. This breathtaking beach is also known as Turtle Beach because of the astounding number of sea turtles that come to hang out there! Chun's Reef Beach (Haleiwa) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Waimea Bay See Also: The Best 16 Places to Get Breakfast in Honolulu. from the famed rock that sits half-submerged at the shoreline. When the big waves are here, though, so are the crowds. Ehukai Pillbox Hike - Best of Oahu Check out the latest prices and more details, 21 Incredible Things to Do in Wailea Maui, Incredible Big Island Beaches Worth a Stop, 13 of the Best Boutique Hawaii Hotels Worth Booking, What You Need to Know About Hawaii Cruises: Top Questions Answered. Lava rocks surround the beach, and cascading waterfalls form a dramatic backdrop. Hidden Gems of Oahu - Circle Island Tour with Waimea Waterfall - Viator And if you want a slice of their cheesecake, get there early, because they always run out. Part of the fun of discovering hidden gems in Hawaii is finding them yourself. When I first moved to Hawaii, Kahuku Farms was a hidden gem that not many people know about. A lot of people advise skipping Lanikai as it gets super packed and finding parking can be difficult. With a stunning mixture of power and beauty, action and tranquility, its the place to be, especially in the wintermonths when the big waves and a big wave of sightseers roll in with an almost equal intensity. Parking is free but can be difficult and a long walk may be required to reach the bay area. Kawela Bay is a small protected cove on the north shore near Turtle Bay Resort. From the AM into the afternoon the beach gets its fair share of both shade and sun, thanks to its northeastern position beside Kawela Bay Beach Parks forest reserve. Your email address will not be published. This stellar itinerary is 130 miles, and at four and a half hours of drive time, is perfect for spreading over your next two-day weekend. In the wintertime, Waimea is known for its monster waves where the surfs can rise as high as 30 feet. Velzyland (or V-Land): Kaunala Beach isnt visible from the road, so look for the public access right of way at the end of Oopuola Street and head makai. You can drink the coconut water straight from the coconut. Of course, you can always visit all 10 beaches in one day if youre an overachiever.). Plus, you can talk stories with the locals and have an enjoyable Hawaiian experience. This will depend on how much time you have on your vacation. Simply leave a comment below, and well get back to you within the day. The shoreline is equally populated with natural wonders (not people) with enticing chunks of coral, shells, and frosted sea glass for the picking. The water is much calmer in the summer months, and it offers some of the best swimming and snorkeling. After that, you can walk to Lanikai Beach and you wont have to worry about losing your parking spot. State health officials are calling the hidden hazards a threat to public safety. Usually smaller than elsewhere on the North Shore, the waves gently roll into the large southern end of Waialua Bay.Lifeguard: No.Parking: At Haleiwa Beach Park.Restrooms: At Haleiwa Beach Park.How it got its name: Literally, hot issue, perhaps because Pele was once said to live in the area before moving to Hawaii island. Oahu is a beautiful Hawaiian island that is well-known for its stunning beaches and iconic attractions. Best North Shore Beaches 1. She was a professional hula dancer for 20 years and even wrote her college thesis on Hawaiian history. Visiting at least one of these places is a no-brainer for one who seeks a scenic drive around Oahu or a day-long trip to Waikiki that you will never forget! That's Hidden Beach. I mean, who doesnt love turtles, right?! If you wonder what the most famous North Shore Oahu hotel is, Turtle Bay would be one of the best. Holding periods for mens and womens surfing contests, including the famous Triple Crown of Surfing Championships, start in mid-November each year and continue through March. Chuns Reef: Named for a well-known resident who once owned a two-story house here, its among the popular surf spots on the North Shore, as the long line of cars and spectators can attest. As one of the most exciting activities you can partake in at Waimea Bay on Oahu, this is a great starting point to get your exhilarating thrill on the beach! Still, the beaches are wide and relatively uncrowded, and many inland attractions (yes, theres more to the North Shore than sand and surf) remain under the radar. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages you can design yourself. This beach isnt for groups larger than three. Ultimately, if youre willing to venture over to the beaches below, youve earned it and deserve to know. THE 10 BEST Oahu's North Shore Beaches - Tripadvisor The North Shore of Oahu hosts some of the most world-renowned beaches in all of Hawaii. The water is calm, the sand is powder soft, its relatively clean and the views are amazing. They have access to some of the gorgeous North Shore beaches around. Be sure to check out my top 101 things to do on Oahu! Tip when visiting Waimanalo Beware of jellyfish signs. I just wanted to say thank you for your suggestions of slightly off the beaten path beaches. As one of the older volcanic islands, Oahu has a lot of beach shorelines. 51-52 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730, USA, Kalaniana?ole Highway, Kalaniana?ole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI, USA. In addition to having plenty of space to sunbathe in solace, the upper edge of the beach is home to all sorts of interesting beachcombing finds. If you already decided on staying on a different part of the island, then staying a night on the North Shore does not make sense when you can easily make day trips. Also, something you cannot miss is the North Shore food trucks! And there are several ways to get to North Shore from Waikiki/Honolulu. If you get there early enough, you should not have any issues with finding parking. While beaches like Three Tables and Sunset are known for having professional-level surf waves, Haleiwa Beach Park has calmer waves that are great for beginner surfers. Like Waimea, Sunset Beach is a popular surfing spot in the wintertime. Ko Olina Lagoons: Best Kid-Friendly Oahu Beaches, Parking: free public parking but limited at each lagoon, Food: Restaurants in the resort and shopping center, Recommended Activities: swimming, beach bumming, walking the boardwalk between the lagoons, 9. - Lot / Land for sale. In this post, Ill share my favorite 8 North Shore Oahu Beaches worth checking out. This is where youll find that the surfing in Hawaii you see on TV and in the movies is much more incredible in real life! Anthony Quintano, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. Pack a picnic lunch and pick a spot on the beach to enjoy the tranquility. Generally, a good range to stay in Oahu will be at least a week. 9. The scenery is stunning and the bay is relatively calm. Start out by taking a daredevil dive (but its actually safe!) It never disappoints. Plan on going to Oahu? If you visit Sharks Cove, know its access is tricky. As the speed limit lowers and the road curves around mountains, you are forced to slow down and discover the island at a new pace. Kawela Bay:Usually, the big sweeping curve of Kawelas white beaches are safe for swimming and even better for taking long walks. Be sure to do the Ehukai Pillbox Hike before or after visiting the beach. Oahu is an amazing spot for those who love sea life. The wind and swell direction drives collectible fishing junk such as floats, ropes, and more to the shore. I recommend doing the Lanikai Pillbox Hike for sunrise. Note: Be sure not to touch the turtles. The seven mile miracle draws hundreds of thousands of tourists into its fold each year with annual surf contests, world class food trucks, and sea turtle spotting. 6 Awesome Beaches on the North Shore of Oahu You Need to Visit But when its big, the currents get strong and the area lives up to its name, which means rippling or stirring waters. There are so many food options here and the famous Giovannis food truck is located here as well. Mokule'ia Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore has a long sandy beach and a long flat, shallow reef. Do dont be afraid to pull over at a random food truck or shop. I visited Lanikai Beach many times on my trips to Oahu and did not have any issues with finding parking. Makapu'u Beach Park: Secluded Oahu Beach Near Waikiki Details on Makapu'u Beach Park 3. Kawela Bay. Turtle Bay 10. This is a great trail for families and beginner hikers. View exact location of Waialee Beach Park. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, delicious shave ice, and adventurous activities. When theres high surf, that means there is a strong rip current and its not safe for swimming. Not in the cases of the shorelines that weve listed below. Waimea Bay has clear blue-green water and white sand.Because you will find public bathrooms and outdoor showers, it's also an ideal place to visit with your family. I do not recommend swimming here if you are not a strong swimmer as its considered to be one of the most dangerous places to surf in the entire world. Be prepared to walk a mile or more from your parking space to a prime viewing site.Lifeguard: YesParking: 44 stalls inside the park. They all want to just get a crack at the amazing waves that are present on this beautiful beach. Absolutely, but we dont intend on giving them away. The surf is calm during the summer and is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and shell collecting. This beach is directly across the road from Dillingham Air Field. Honolulu's best secluded beaches - IHG Travel Blog Makua Beach Makua Beach is like a hidden gem, a pristine tropical paradise that remains under the radar for many people. With so many amazing beaches to take a look at, the Noth Shore has so many activities for all kinds of visitors who want to take advantage of the beach. The site sits at the southernmost point of Bellows Air Force Station, north of Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area. Waimea Beach Park is a wonderful beach on the North Shore Oahu region. The luxurious Turtle Bay Resort is located right next to this bay. Waialaee Beach Park-Pahipahialua Beach: A long, wide and sandy beach stretch of undeveloped beach, this is one of the lesser visited sites along the North Shore, with some nice calm areas for swimmers when the waves arent too big. (If you live in Honolulu, we suggest hitting the west side beaches in one day and the east side beaches in another. Turning left and heading west, will take you an isolated and beautiful side of Oahu North Shore called Mokuleia. It is a nice quiet beach that is great for boogie boarding and beginner surfing. Love Hawaii? This is one of the coolest waterfall hikes on Oahu, with a Jurassic Park vibe throughout the hike. The North Shore is sublime. On its own the island is a beacon for photos. Laniakea Beach is more commonly known as Turtle Beach, as there are a plethora of sea turtles chilling at the beach! But if you want a different spot to see the sunset, head up to the north shore. Nka Blue Grade Rd, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. ; North Shore Shark Cage Tour: The biggest adrenaline rush you can have in Hawaii is beneath the surface with sharks! and then come relax at Kualoa Regional Park Beach. There are lots of amazing beaches on the North Shore of Oahu, but Waimea Bay makes it to the top of the list. Check out the latest prices and more details, How to Get Around Kauai: Your Best Options. Towns like Laie, Waimea, and Haleiwa are good places to explore. 8. Even if you dont want to stop at the Dole Plantation, drive by just to see the rainbow eucalyptus trees that line the large driveway. Driving along the north shore of Oahu is one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday. 10. Shark's Cove - Hawaii Guide Viewers back home or at your hotel will be curious about how you discovered the clandestine outcrop in the sea. My friends who have visited me in Hawaii still talk about Uncle Bobos. You might even get a slice of beach all to yourself. If turtles are down your alley, Laniakea Beach is the perfect pit stop for you animal lovers out there! The best time to go to the Banzai Pipeline is in the spring for casual water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and water skiing. Other gems include most beaches along the southeastern coast of Oahu (Waimanalo and Bellows, to name a few) and Mauis southwestern coast. This Oahu beach is almost always empty. And theres talk about building new hotels in the area, which some say will change the pace of the place forever. Trust me, this is one of my favorite things to do here! Banzai Beach-Pipeline-Ehukai Beach Park: When the conditions are right, this two-mile stretch of beach (the longest continuous stretch of wide beach on Oahu) features some of best surf-watching opportunities in the world: long, clean barrels so close to shore that you can feel the ground shake when the waves break on the shallow reef. If you decide to go towards the end of winter, you can check out this website that provides a daily surf report on the Hawaiian islands to make sure you are prepared and safe if you decide to swim. We were both pleasantly surprised at their decent prices and kitschy souvenirs. They will take photos of the island from the parking lot and be on their way, turned off by the unkempt parking lot. The waves here are calm year-round and the water is so clear. Waimanalo Beach Park: Best White Sand Beach on Oahu Details on Waimanalo Beach Park 4. Lifeguards are stationed here as many a visitor tries, Food: No restaurants nearby so pick up food in Hawaii Kai, Recommended Activities: surfing, bodysurfing, fishing, 2. Ehukai Beach / Banzai Pipeline 9. The terrain is hilly, but there are marked switchbacks throughout the hike to provide the easiest route . Please remember that some of these beaches are not recommended for swimming in the winter months due to the high and aggressive surf. Shark's Cove 8. This beach is filled with so many turtles and they are so close to shore which makes seeing them very easy. Hopefully, this will help you to figure out how you want to plan your upcoming trip! Located on the remote northwestern shore of Oahu, just past Haleiwa, is this secluded Hawaii beach the nearest store and restrooms are more than ten miles away. Waimea Valley is home to a 40-foot waterfall that you can swim in and a botanical garden, managed by a Hawaiian non-profit. Seven Beaches You Can Walk To At Turtle Bay Resort They dont call it Sunset Beach for no reason! Beyond the surface aesthetic, the reef between the sand and islet is great for snorkeling as it is teeming with fish and young sea turtles. How to Find the Hidden Gems on the North Shore of Oahu than the other secret spots listed above. Find some in the following locations: Kaneohe 3 in Honolulu Wahiawa Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Although some of the other beaches on this list are known for their gnarly waves and are a hotspot for the worlds best surfers, Haleiwa Beach Park is a great starting place for those who are just beginning their surfing journey. We visited again in February of 2022, and it was just as amazing. The Ehukai Pillbox trail is better known as the Sunset Pillbox Hike, because it has some beautiful views of Ehukai Beach (better known as Banzai Pipeline) and the North Shore coastline. Scenic Drives and Secret Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii - TripSavvy For travelers on the more adventurous side, you can take a magnificent dive from the famous rock waiting for you at the shoreline. Most people cant be bothered with that sort of effort, which works in the favor of anyone seeking seclusion. There are more than enough choices to choose from. Our travel agents can help you uncover the hidden gems that will be of the most interest to you and can help you plan a day on Oahus north shore. KE IKI BEACH - 64 Photos & 12 Reviews - Yelp Waimea Bay Beach Park. (i.e. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Tucked away on the North Shore of Oahu is a hidden gem among locals and visitors alike - Haleiwa Beach House. They also have delicious iced coffee. This is certainly one of the best. This depends on the time of the year you visit Hawaii; swimming in the winter months (November to April) is nearly impossible due to rough waters. 12006 Nottingham Dr, Pasco, WA 99301. 25 Best Beaches in Hawaii For A Spectacular Trip, 71 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu With Your Family. The beach parks calmer waves are perfect for those who dont want to start out on waves too tough. Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! This time of year is truly surfer heaven for the big wave thrill-seekers of the world. As an Amazon Associate, thistraveldream.com earns from qualifying purchases. Let them judge a book by its cover while you enjoy the spoils of this isolated slice of paradise. Oahu is also the most populated of the islands with nearly one million residents, which means that, unfortunately, many of the best beaches on the island are often crowded. Here, you will find tropical fish, a little coral, the occasional sea turtle and some stunning views! Take The Hawaii Donut Trail For A Delightfully Delicious Day Trip, The 8 Beaches On This One Coastline Have The Absolute Bluest Water In Hawaii, 15 Swimming Spots With The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Hawaii, Avoid The Masses At These 12 Best Hidden Hawaii Beaches. We recommend, Parking: challenging to find street parking, numerous public and private parking garages in Waikiki, Food: Lots of options in Waikiki for dine-in or take to the beach, Recommended Activities: swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, beach bumming, walking, snorkeling, 21 Best Things to Do on Lanai: free, without a rental car, and reservation required, Your First-Time in Hawaii Itinerary (10-Days), Where to Find the Best Live Music on Maui, The 59 Best Things to do in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Bucket List (2023), 2. Best Oahu Hidden Gems: Secret Places in Oahu You'll Want to Check Out In the summertime, however, Sunset Beach is popular for swimming and shoreline snorkeling. The small islet is what makes an afternoon at this compact stretch of sand worthwhile. Although this spot can often be a surfers paradise, it is ill-advised to attempt these waves during the winter. We passed the actual entrance and parked about a quarter mile up the road on the right hand side. Malaekahana 11. and we came on a Saturday afternoon! The beach is long, safe and sandy. On average, it took us 45 minutes from Waikiki, but we made quick stops along the way as well. If youre looking for Hawaiian green sea turtles in Oahu, youll definitely want to make a stop at Laniakea Beach. Today, we have put together a list of 10 incredible, secluded, and hidden beaches across this fine island from the north shores Mokuleia to the west sides Makua Beach to showcase some of the best beaches in Hawaii. Regardless of what time of the year you go, youll be glad you came to the North Shore with all there is to do here! There are North Shore activities for everyone to enjoy! Haleiwa Beach is a must if you are visiting the North Shore. ocean conditions at Lanikai (Kailua Beach is similar), Parking: street parking, do not block driveways, and be respectful to residents, Food: Take-out plate lunches readily available in Kailua Town, Recommended Activities: beach bumming, swimming, kayak to The Mokes, beach walks, How Many Days Do You Need on Oahu? The beach is located in a north shore residential neighborhood off of Kamehameha Hwy. Its taken us 2.5 hours when we went during rush hour. Interesting name for a beach, huh? If you have room, stop at Angels right next door for shave ice. With Hawaii Aloha Travel, planning your vacation to Hawaii is stress-free, fun, and rewarding. They also have access to gorgeous North Shore beaches, making the experience one of the best. Best bet: Some workers at the old Haleiwa Hotel, where the Haleiwa Joes restaurant now sits, dubbed it Alii Beach.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Having traveled to Hawaii MORE THAN 40 TIMES, Marcie is a self-proclaimed Hawaii travel expert! Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland, Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids. Your time will always be well spent.Lifeguards: YesParking: YesRestrooms: Yes.How it got its name: For the many beautiful and multifaceted sunsets that can be seen here, of course.