The North Shore is best known for its world-class surfing and huge winter swells. During the winter months, waves reach heights of 25 - 30 feet. The summer months are in contrast with calm, flat conditions perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Ehukai Beach Park provides access to three popular surfing areas: Ehukai Beach Park, Pipeline and Banzai. Ehukai Beach Park is known for its high winter surf, drawing dedicated body boarders and surfers. Pipeline is 100 yards to the left of Ehukai Beach Park. The steepness of winter waves causes the crest of the wave to fall forward, forming a near-perfect tube. Shooting the tube, or surfing inside a tube, is a prized challenge for experienced surfers. World championship surf competitions are held here because of the strong surf. Banzai Beach is located west of Pipeline. During the winter, surfers and surf fans blanket the beaches in hopes of watching a surfer catch the perfect wave. Strong winter waves make surfing competitions legendary at Pipeline and Banzai Beach.
- Ideal for diving, snorkeling and surfing, Pupukea Beach has two major areas which are easily accessible: Shark’s Cove and Three Tables. Shark’s Cove is located at the north end, with its cave popular for day and night diving. Three Tables, named for the three flat sections of reef visible at low tide, is located at the south end of the beach. The best snorkeling is found near the tables, where fish and sea life are abundant. To experience the sea’s bounty and treasures, diving is best outside of the tables.
- Sunset Beach is known around the world for its huge surf. With waves reaching 15-20 feet from September to April, swimming is only safe during the summer months. Regardless of the time of year, Sunset Beach attracts local surfers, sunbathers and visitors.
- Waimea Bay is the world-famous home of the biggest waves for surfing. During the winter months, the waves provide body boarders with endless challenges. Besides the break beyond the point, the inner shore break reaches heights of 10-12 feet. The difference in Waimea’s winter and summer surf is as drastic as night and day. During the summer months, leisurely swimmers enjoy the placid, crystal blue waters of the bay, while winter months attract world-class body boarders and surfers.
East Shore
The East Shore (windward side) has lush tropical beach settings, which are favorite locations for wind, kite and sailing enthusiasts. Northeast tradewinds keep the coast cool 90 percent of the year.
- Voted the number one beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach in 1998, Kailua Beach is the perfect place for family fun. With a 30-acre public park, there are countless ways to spend your day at the beach. Locals and visitors regularly picnic, sail, play volleyball, dive, swim, snorkel and surf at this versatile park and beach. With constant winds, Kailua Beach is the best windsurfing area on Oahu.
- Lanikai Beach is a mile-long beach that is perfect for swimming, sailing and windsurfing. Offshore, Mokulua, two tiny islands designated as seabird sanctuaries, are popular destinations for kayakers.
- With a three-and-a-half-mile strip of white sand, Waimanalo Beach is the longest beach on Oahu. Popular with residents and tourists alike, the spacious plot is perfect all sorts of beach activities.
- Makapuu Beach is the most famous bodysurfing and bodyboarding area in Hawaii. Makapuu is also one of the only beaches on Oahu where both bodyboarders and bodysurfers can surf together. This 1,000-foot-long, white sand beach is also known as the location for In Harms Way, a John Wayne movie. Summer months bring swimmers and divers to Makapuu
Beach, while September through April are perfect for bodysurfing. Waves often reach heights of 12 feet and break several hundred yards offshore.
Every beach surrounding Oahu boasts jewel-toned waters, varying from crystal blue to deep azure, and offers a variety of water activities and sports to challenge all skill levels and satisfy beach goers.
