OAHU

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the modern arts, entertainment, and amenities of the 21st century.
See pro surfers charge the big winter waves of the famous North Shore.
Learn about American history at the memorials and museums in Pearl Harbor.
Soak up the sun and learn to surf yourself on legendary Waikiki Beach.

NORTH SHORE, OAHU

If there is such a thing as a perfect wave, you'll likely find it on Oahu's North Shore. The big, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca attract the best surfers in the world. Stretching for more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore host the world's premier surfing competitions including the Super Bowl of wave-riding, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

The winter months between November and February are the best times to watch the pros go to work. These massive waves can swell up to thirty feet or more and can even be dangerous for experienced surfers so please heed warning signs. In the summer, from May to September, the waves subside creating the perfect spots for swimming and sunbathing.

About a one-hour drive from Waikiki, your first North Shore stop will be charming Haleiwa, a laid-back surf town that's the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. These historic plantation-era buildings house cool surf shops, cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. This is also the perfect place to grab a bite of ono (delicious) food after a day at the beach.
Three of the North Shore's most famous surf spots include:
Waimea Bay:

Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big wave surfing and is the venue for the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Memorial. This surf competition pays homage to legendary surfer Eddie Aikau and only takes place when the epic Waimea waves are at least 20 feet high.
Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach):

The merciless waves of Pipeline break just 50 to 100 yards off the beach over a shallow reef making this one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world. To see the action during contests like the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters, enter through Ehukai Beach Park.
Sunset Beach:

The northernmost surf spot on the North Shore is Sunset Beach. The long wave-breaks here are the setting for the O'neill World Cup of Surfing, the second contest in the Vans Triple Crown of surfing.
QUICK FACTS
Name:

The North Shore
What is it:

Legendary surf spot in the winter. Beautiful beaches in the summer.
What to do:

Sunbathe, unwind, watch pro surfers in the winter, swim in the summer
Directions:

Drive along northwestern Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83) from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach. From Waikiki it's roughly a one-hour drive.