The North Shore at a glance
The North Shore is the northern coast of Oahu. It runs from Haleiwa and Waimea Bay to Sunset Beach, and the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie marks its eastern end. Winter brings the big waves that the coast is famous for, and the water is warmest in summer.
Most visitors do the North Shore as a day trip from Waikiki. A rental car is the usual way to do it, because the stops are spread out along the highway. If you would rather not drive, a circle-island tour covers the main stops in one day.
Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the lifeguarded beaches
Five North Shore beaches have lifeguards every day from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, according to the state ocean safety list of June 2026.
Waimea Bay
The best known beach on the coast, with a lifeguard tower. The parking lot fills quickly, so arrive early. Ask the lifeguard about conditions before you get in the water.
Sunset Beach
A long beach on the stretch known for winter surf, with a lifeguard on duty during the day. Ask the guard how the water looks before you swim.
Ehukai Beach
Lifeguarded daily like its neighbors. Watch the waves from the sand if you are not an experienced swimmer.
Laniakea Beach
Known for the green sea turtles that come ashore. Volunteers usually stand watch during the day. See the rules below.
Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park
The lifeguarded beach right at Haleiwa, convenient if you are combining a swim with lunch in town.
If no lifeguard is in the tower, call 911 in an emergency.
Our picks: North Shore
A shark cage dive from Haleiwa or a full island tour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Complete island tour with a waterfall swim
Ten hours around the island with hotel pick-up, entry to the waterfall garden and the Pali Lookout, and a malasada stop.
Check availability →
Shark cage dive off the North Shore
A boat trip from Haleiwa with a guide. The cage dive and the snorkel gear are only included with the dive option.
Check availability →North Shore tours and activities
Circle-island tours and North Shore day trips from Waikiki, with live prices and availability.
Haleiwa: the town on the North Shore
Haleiwa is the base for most North Shore days. It is where the highway slows down, and it sits next to Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park. Shops and restaurants set their own hours, so check before you plan a meal around them.
Waimea Bay is a short drive further along the coast, and Sunset Beach lies beyond it. Start early and plan your stops in order along the highway, so you do not backtrack.
Winter surf on the North Shore
Winter is the wave season. The National Weather Service issues a High Surf Advisory for north shores at wave faces of about 15 feet and a Warning at about 25 feet, measured from trough to crest. On those days stay out of the water unless a lifeguard tells you otherwise.
- Swimming: in winter, stay out of the water at the big-wave beaches unless a lifeguard says it is safe.
- Watching: stand well back from the water line. Large sets can run far up the sand.
- Summer: the water is warmest then, but the ocean always needs respect. Ask the lifeguard first.
For the month-by-month picture, see Oahu weather and the best time to visit. The airport station figures there describe the dry south, not the North Shore.
Laniakea and the sea turtles
Laniakea is the beach where green sea turtles rest on the sand. They are protected by state and federal law, so the distances are not optional:
- Sea turtles: at least 10 feet (3 m), on land and in the water.
- Hawaiian monk seals: at least 50 feet (15 m). A mother with a pup needs 150 feet (about 45 m).
- Dolphins and whales: spinner dolphins 50 yards (46 m), humpback whales 100 yards (91 m).
Do not touch the animals or block their path to the water. Volunteers usually watch over the turtles during the day and will ask you to step back.
There is no gate and no reservation system at Laniakea. Parking is along the edge of the highway, and a road and pedestrian safety project is under way near the beach, so expect changes and follow the signs.
Waimea Valley: prices and hours
Operator prices for 2026. The valley lies just inland from Waimea Bay and has a waterfall.
| Ticket | Price 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult | $26 |
| Seniors 62+ | $20 |
| Students with ID | $20 |
| Children 4 to 12 | $18 |
| Kamaʻāina and military, adult | $10 |
| Shuttle (extra) | $10 one way, $20 round trip |
Regular hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the valley is closed on Mondays. From 25 May to 7 September 2026 it is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and from 1 to 30 December 2026 daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Swimming at the waterfall depends on the day, so check before you go.
Plan your North Shore day
Pair the coast with these pages.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Tickets, the evening show and the closing days in Lāʻie, at the eastern end of the coast.
Luaus on Oahu
Prices and days of the current luaus, and which ones include transport.
Where to stay
Waikiki, Ko Olina, Kailua or the North Shore: which area suits you.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays, with a few exceptions in 2026, so do not plan a Wednesday visit without checking its calendar.
North Shore Oahu: frequently asked questions
Which North Shore beaches have lifeguards?
Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach, Laniakea Beach and Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park have lifeguards daily from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, as of June 2026. If a tower is empty, call 911 in an emergency.
Do I need a car on the North Shore?
A rental car is the usual choice for a day trip, because the beaches and towns are spread along the highway. A circle-island tour is the alternative if you do not want to drive.
How close can I get to the turtles at Laniakea?
At least 10 feet (3 m) from sea turtles and 50 feet (15 m) from monk seals, on land and in the water. Do not touch them.
Is Waimea Valley open on Mondays?
Usually not. Regular hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. In summer 2026, from 25 May to 7 September, it was open daily until 5:00 pm.
When are the big waves on the North Shore?
In winter. The National Weather Service issues a High Surf Advisory at about 15 feet and a Warning at about 25 feet.
Is the Polynesian Cultural Center open on Wednesdays?
Normally not, since it is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. Wednesday openings in 2026 are limited to specific dates, so check its calendar.