North Shore Beach
Oahu's legendary North Shore offers iconic surf breaks, stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife encounters, from Banzai Pipeline to Laniakea's turtl...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming
North Shore Beach
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oahu's legendary North Shore offers iconic surf breaks, stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife encounters, from Banzai Pipeline to Laniakea's turtles.
"The North Shore is a must-visit for its breathtaking beaches and world-famous surf."
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Visit Laniakea Beach early for best turtle viewing. Keep a respectful distance and never touch them!
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is tough! Arrive super early or consider parking further away and walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laniakea Beach
Oahu
Iconic for its frequent green sea turtle sightings. A must-visit for wildlife lovers!
Banzai Pipeline
Oahu
World-renowned surf break, legendary for its powerful, hollow waves. A spectacle for surf enthusiasts.
Kailua Beach Park
Oahu
Expansive sandy shores with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and family fun. Less crowded than some other spots.
Waimea Bay
Oahu
Famous for its massive winter waves and summer's calm, inviting waters for swimming and cliff jumping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating North Shore Beaches
Respecting the Environment & Local Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Visit Laniakea Beach early for best turtle viewing. Keep a respectful distance and never touch them!
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is tough! Arrive super early or consider parking further away and walking.
🌊 Know the Ocean
Winter waves are powerful. If you're not an experienced surfer, stick to calmer beaches or watch from shore.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep these beautiful beaches clean. Bring a bag and take your trash with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Visit Laniakea Beach early for best turtle viewing. Keep a respectful distance and never touch them!
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is tough! Arrive super early or consider parking further away and walking.
🌊 Know the Ocean
Winter waves are powerful. If you're not an experienced surfer, stick to calmer beaches or watch from shore.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep these beautiful beaches clean. Bring a bag and take your trash with you.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Ready
Summer is ideal for snorkeling at spots like Three Tables. Bring your own gear for the best experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of the North Shore beaches, with Laniakea Beach being a highlight for turtle sightings and Banzai Pipeline a spectacle for surfers. However, some beaches suffer from a lack of maintenance, particularly public restrooms, and access to certain areas can be restricted or challenging due to parking limitations.
"Nice beach with trees on the shore. Not too busy excellent water quality. Public restrooms are disgusting no running water cannot flush."
Philippe Addelia
"NORTH BEACH AND PYRAMID ROCK SURF BREAK INFO:
Great beach on MCBH. North Beach is the eastern most beach, and Pyramid Rock is the western side. It's about a mile between the two spots. These two spots house arguably the best surf breaks on the windward side of the island. Pyramid is a rocky outcropping reef break, with lefts and rights depending on swell. The reef here doesn't change much, it's a little windier than North Beach but on light wind days with swell it can get epic. Plenty of tiger sharks spotted here in the line up, as the entrance to Kaneohe Bay is right around the corner from the rock
North Beach has many moods and faces. In the wintertime large Northwest swells deposit a bunch of sand here that covers the reef. This can be a blessing or a curse depending on swell, direction, and winds. When the sandbars are in full effect, the waves can get very good and heavy but also will detonate on the inside and can easily snap a board or break bones. North Beach is typically a very good wave and will always be more crowded than Pyramid. During the Spring time the sand moves out and the reef becomes exposed again. This typically helps the wave hold up nicely even with onshore winds. The water is also deeper when the reef is exposed, and the wave will be a bit slopier.
Despite being on a military base, both of these breaks can produce some world class waves and along with those some extremely talented surfers. If you are a beginner or don't know the etiquette it's best to only go out on smaller days. Plenty of heated arguments occur here during swells, and there are several guys/gals who pay their dues here and surf every day, even when conditions are less than ideal. Pay attention to the flags and listen to the lifeguards. Depending on conditions, sometimes the beach will stay open even during a large heavy swell. It may look inviting, but if you don't know what you're doing you get seriously hurt or drown
The beaches themselves are a good spot to hang out, have family days and drink some beers. Dogs are allowed on the beach anytime after 1500. Drew"
Tim Lae
"Fantastic place to watch surfers brave the waves! Sadly, lots of trash washes up on this beach and you must be careful when walking...but don't be surprised to see beach goers of all ages cleaning up debris. Take a trash bag with you when you go and be a part of the solution! MCHB citizens rock!!!"
Anne Bukovich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach North Shore beaches like Laniakea and Banzai Pipeline is by car, offering flexibility. Public buses (TheBus) are also an option, though they can be slower and require transfers. Ride-sharing services are available but can be expensive for longer distances.
Yes, parking is notoriously difficult, especially at popular spots like Laniakea and Banzai Pipeline. Arrive very early in the morning, consider weekdays, or be prepared to park further away and walk. Some locations, like Waimea Bay, offer paid parking across the street.
Yes, TheBus operates routes to the North Shore, but it can be a long journey with multiple transfers. Check TheBus schedules for routes like the 60. It's a budget-friendly option if you have ample time.
Some beaches, particularly those on military bases like MCBH (which includes North Beach and Pyramid Rock), may have checkpoints and require specific identification for entry. It's advisable to check access policies beforehand if you are not a US national.
Renting a car provides the most freedom to hop between beaches like Laniakea, Waimea Bay, and Banzai Pipeline. Consider a guided tour if you prefer not to drive and want local insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most North Shore beaches are public and do not require an entrance fee. However, some attractions within beach areas, like Waimea Valley, may have admission fees.
Yes, beaches located on military installations, such as North Beach and Pyramid Rock on MCBH, have restricted access. Non-military personnel may need to go through checkpoints and may be denied entry.
Public beaches are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, specific rules may apply, especially for beaches on military bases or during certain events. Always check local signage.
Some beaches, like those on MCBH, allow dogs after a certain time (e.g., 3 PM). However, rules vary significantly by beach, so it's best to check local regulations before bringing your pet.
While many beach access points are free, some popular locations may have paid parking lots. For example, parking at Waimea Valley can be paid. Street parking is often free but highly competitive.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For swimming, Kailua Beach Park and Waimea Bay (during summer) are excellent choices due to their calmer waters. Lanikai Beach is also beautiful but parking is very difficult.
Laniakea Beach is famous for its frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles. Remember to keep a safe and respectful distance.
Banzai Pipeline is world-renowned for its challenging surf. Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach are also famous for big wave surfing in winter. Beginners should seek lessons at calmer spots.
Many popular North Shore beaches have lifeguards, especially during peak seasons. However, it's crucial to always check for lifeguard presence and heed their warnings, as conditions can change rapidly.
Amenities vary. Some beaches offer public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. However, some reviews mention that restrooms can be poorly maintained.
📸 📸 Photography
Laniakea Beach for turtles, Banzai Pipeline for dramatic surf, and Waimea Bay for its iconic rock and stunning sunsets are all incredibly photogenic. The coastline itself offers breathtaking views. 
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Golden hour during these times can create magical shots of the beaches and ocean.
Capturing the power of Banzai Pipeline during a big swell, the serene beauty of sea turtles at Laniakea, or the vibrant colors of a North Shore sunset are unforgettable photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beaches and ocean. If you plan to photograph surfers, a telephoto lens is essential. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
Drone regulations can be complex and vary by location, especially near protected areas or military bases. It's crucial to research and comply with all local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting beaches like Laniakea, emphasize the importance of respecting the sea turtles and maintaining a safe distance. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection, as amenities can be limited. Consider bringing beach toys for the kids to enjoy the sand.
🏄♀️ Experienced Surfers
Be aware of the local surf etiquette and the experienced surfers who frequent these breaks. Always check ocean conditions and heed lifeguard warnings. For those seeking less intense but still quality waves, exploring other North Shore spots during different seasons might be ideal.
🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts
While turtles are the main draw, keep an eye out for other marine life while snorkeling at calmer spots during the summer, like Three Tables. The North Shore's waters are rich with biodiversity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Surf of Banzai Pipeline
During the winter months (roughly November to February), massive North and Northwest swells hit the North Shore, creating the legendary Pipeline conditions. Surfers from around the globe flock here to test their skills against this formidable wave. It's a spectacle for spectators, offering thrilling views of surfers navigating the tube. However, it's crucial to remember that Pipeline is for expert surfers only. The reef is shallow and unforgiving, leading to serious injuries for those who are not prepared.
Beyond the surf, the beach itself is a beautiful stretch of sand. While the waves are the main draw for many, the surrounding area offers a glimpse into the vibrant surf culture of the North Shore. If you're visiting during a big swell, be prepared for crowds of onlookers, and always respect the surfers and the ocean's power.
Wildlife Encounters at Laniakea Beach
It's essential to remember that these are wild animals, and their well-being is paramount. Visitors are urged to maintain a respectful distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the turtles. Touching, feeding, or disturbing them is strictly prohibited and can result in fines. Volunteers are often present to educate visitors and ensure the turtles' safety.
While the turtles are the main attraction, Laniakea Beach itself is a beautiful stretch of coastline. However, the popularity of turtle sightings means parking can be extremely challenging. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to increase your chances of finding a spot and enjoying a less crowded experience.
Family-Friendly Fun at Kailua Beach Park
The beach is expansive and offers plenty of space to spread out. There are also amenities like picnic tables and restrooms, which are convenient for families. The gentle slope of the ocean floor makes it a safe environment for younger children to play in the water.
While Kailua Beach is popular, it generally experiences fewer crowds than some of the more famous North Shore surf spots, especially on weekdays. Parking is available, though it can fill up during peak times. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely day of sunbathing, building sandcastles, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian scenery without the intense surf.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit