Some of the world's best waves can be found in Hawaii, so it's no wonder that modern surfing has its roots there. The “Seven-Mile Miracle” from Haleʻiwa Beach Park to Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oʻahu is the stuff of surfing legend, with more than 30 world-famous surf spots, including Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline. The North Shore has a quieter, more relaxed vibe than bustling Waikiki, with stunning vistas in every direction, historic surf breaks, and some of the best poke and shave ice you'll ever have.
Why go?
The North Shore of Oʻahu is a breathtaking surfing location that's home to some of the world's biggest surfing competitions: the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (a.k.a. “the Eddie”), the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipe Masters—to name a few. But even if you aren't a surfer or a surfing enthusiast, there's the natural scenery, wildlife (including sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and birds in a rainbow of colors), and charming small towns like Haleʻiwa.
How do I get there?
Major airlines such as Delta, United, American, and Alaska fly into Oʻahu, and of course, there's also Hawaiian Airlines—the state's largest airline. Once you arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, you can take a rental car, a shuttle service (like North Shore Connection), a taxi, a city bus, or call an Uber. The drive to the North Shore takes around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Where should I eat?
From humble poke shacks to upscale waterfront resort restaurants, there's no shortage of places to eat on the North Shore. Get your poke fix at Ry's Poke Shack for a low-key, local vibe, or enjoy an elevated poke plate paired with a lilikoi (passionfruit) cocktail served in a gleaming copper turtle at the stunning Alaia restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. Other local favorites include Sunrise Shack (for coffee and beautiful acai bowls) and Ted's Bakery (for cream pies). And you can't leave Hawaii without grabbing some shave ice at the iconic Matsumoto, a North Shore standby since 1951.
If you want to experience a luʻau, Turtle Bay Resort hosts Paniolo, a Hawaiian Cowboy Lūʻau, every week. They offer a buffet-style spread (including roasted Kālua pig and a fresh salad featuring greens and vegetables grown on their on-site farm), hula and fire dancing performances, and lawn games.
Where should I stay?
As far as North Shore accommodations go, you can't beat Turtle Bay Resort. The luxury property is on a peninsula and surrounded by water on three sides, so every guestroom, suite, and bungalow has unobstructed ocean views. It's been around since 1972, but a recent renovation has opened the lobby area to reveal sweeping views on all sides.
Turtle Bay Resort sits on 1,300 acres of land—650 acres of which have been permanently allocated as conservation space. With all this space and the incredible views from your room's private balcony, you can enjoy some of the best vistas the North Shore offers without even leaving the resort.
Take a surfing or hula lesson, kayak alongside Honu (Pacific green sea turtles) in Kawela Bay, go on a bird-watching safari (the property is home to more than 70 bird species), enjoy a spa treatment (and hear the waves crashing around you in the zen outdoor spa lounge), take a tour of Kuilima Farm (the resort's 468-acre farm which grows 70% of the ingredients served at the property's restaurants), and sip on a Mai Tai while watching the sun go down on another perfect day in paradise.
How much does it cost?
A North Shore Connection shuttle from Honolulu Airport to the North Shore starts at per person for a shared shuttle and for a private shuttle. An Uber costs –. Guest rooms at Turtle Bay Resort start at , Ocean Bungalows start at ,900, and Ocean Club guests (included with certain room types or for an added fee) get access to a spacious, open-air lounge that serves food, drinks, and desserts throughout the day. Food and drink prices vary widely—you can spend a few bucks on shave ice at Matsumoto, for a poke bowl at Ry's, or a ticket for Turtle Bay's weekly lūʻau (which comes with a welcome drink, dinner, dessert, and a show).
Story by Abigail Abesamis Demarest. Photos: Turtle Bay Resort; additional photos by Shaka Kayak Team and @hawaiimediacollective. Beach Happy Magazine, Spring 2024.
