The North Shore, located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, is best known for being a surfer's paradise. Just an hour's drive from Waikiki, the North Shore is home to Waimea Bay and the historic town of Haleiwa, and offers warm temperatures and bright sunshine year-round. An abundance of cultural and sports options plus shops, restaurants and galleries make the North Shore a popular destination for visitors of all ages.
It has been said that big-wave surfing was born in the North Shore's Waimea Bay, and surfers from all over the world head here to surf the legendary waves. During big wave season from November through February, the waves reach heights of 20 to 30 feet and it's recommended that only professional surfers attempt these waves. However, for those not inclined to brave the waves, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, also known as the Super Bowl of Surfing, is held on the north shore every year in November or December. When the big waves disappear in the spring, beginners can learn to surf on the North Shore from any of the many surfing schools and instructors in the area.
Waimea Bay Beach, when it is not big wave season, is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Shark's Cove is another popular North Shore snorkeling spot. The cove is surrounded by lava rocks, and filled with colorful tropical fish, and there are deep sea caves nearby to explore. For more adventurous snorkelers, North Shore Shark Adventure will bring you four miles out to sea where you can swim with the sharks---from the safety of a steel cage. In Haleiwa, you can rent kayaks for exploring the waters of the North Shore.
Haleiwa is a former sugar plantation town. It is both a laid back surf town and the artistic and social center for the North Shore. The town is filled with surf shops as well as restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Visitors to Haleiwa can shop for everything from Hawaiian jewelry and crafts to surf gear. Haleiwa is also home to Matsumoto's Shaved Ice, one of the most popular shaved ice stores on the entire island.
Haleiwa is home to the North Shore Surf and Cultural Museum, the only surf museum on Oahu. Visitors can learn about the history of surfing, going all the way back to ancient Hawaii. Nearby, Waimea Valley is an 1,800 acre cultural center on the site hat was formerly the home of a high priest. Waimea Valley offers walking tours of the center, which includes archaeological sites, botanical gardens, and the 45-foot Waihi waterfall, and cultural activities including hula lessons, lei making and storytelling.
