North Shore · 10 places in all
A North Shore day
Haleʻiwa town, the big-wave beaches, turtles and shrimp.
The North Shore is an hour from Waikīkī and feels like another island: a surf town, turtle beaches, the most famous waves in the world in winter and calm snorkelling in summer.
It works best as a full day with an early start.
The list
Questions people ask
How long does it take to drive to the North Shore?
About an hour from Waikīkī to Haleʻiwa, up to 90 minutes in traffic or on big-surf days.
When are the big waves on the North Shore?
Roughly November to February. Contest season runs from late November to mid-December.
Can you swim on the North Shore?
In summer, yes, at places like Waimea Bay and Shark’s Cove. In winter, only watch.