North Shore in the context of geography of the Island of O‘ahu, refers to the north-facing coastal area of O‘ahu between Ka‘ena Point and Kahuku Point. The largest settlement is Hale‘iwa. This area is best known for its massive waves, attracting surfers from all around the globe.
The northern hemisphere winter months on the North Shore see a concentration of surfing activity, taking advantage of swells originating in the stormy North Pacific. Notable surfing spots include Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach.
The spot of Ehukai Beach, commonly known as the Banzai Pipeline, is the most notable surfing spot on the North Shore, and is considered a prime spot for competitions due to its close proximity to the beach, giving spectators, judges, and photographers a great view.
The North Shore is considered to be the surfing mecca of the world, and every December hosts three competitions, which make up the Triple Crown of Surfing. The three men's competitions are the Reef Hawaiian Pro, the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipeline Masters. The three women's competitions are the Reef Hawaiian Pro, the Roxy Pro Sunset, and the Billabong Pro on the neighboring island of Maui.
Waimea Bay plays host to the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau. This is an exclusive competition and participants must be invited. The competitions has a scheduled window of dates each winter, however the competition has a minimum requirement of 20 foot waves. Therefore, the competition is not held every year.
Places to visit in and around the North Shore
Haleiwa — In 1898 a businessman named Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel in the North Shore area and named it Haleiwa. In Hawaiian, hale means "house", and the ‘iwa is a frigatebird. As of the 2000 Census, the town had a total population of 2,225, and it is the largest commercial center on the North Shore of the Island. Its old plantation town character is preserved in many of the buildings, making this a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, visiting surfing and diving sites along the north shore. Designated a Historic, Cultural and Scenic District in 1984, Haleiwa has maintained its simple charm and laid-back environment. Aging storefronts line its main street.
Hale‘iwa is located on Waialua Bay, at the mouth of Anahulu Stream (also known as Anahulu River). A small boat harbor is located here, deep sea fishing charters are available. The shore of the bay is surrounded by Hale‘iwa Beach Park (north side) and Hale‘iwa Ali‘i Beach Park (south side). Further west from the center of town is Kaiaka State Recreation Area on Kiaka Point beside Kaiaka Bay.
Places to Visit — There is much to see here. Haleiwa offers a nice selection of art galleries, surf shops and eateries. Whether it's the famously simple Hawaiian plate lunch you crave, a grilled plate of fresh-caught local North Shore shrimp, the casual atmosphere of a lunch wagon or sandwich shop, or the sophistication of fine-dining restaurants, it's all right here. More than 30 dining opportunities await you on the North Shore and include Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Hawaiian and Italian fare, as well as a broad selection of coffee shops, shave ice/snack stores, and bars.
A great place to enjoy fresh seafood for dinner is Haleiwa Joe's expect to pay a little more for your meal, but the food is well worth it.
You can visit the North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum, established in 1999, located at the North Shore Marketplace. The museum features a wide range of surfing memorabilia, including antique surfboards, photographs and videos that chronicle the history of the surfing.
Locals will tell you that a visit to Haleiwa wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Matsumoto Shave Ice, where lines of sun-soaked people wait patiently to treat themselves to a rainbow-colored snow cone with a scoop of ice cream and azuki beans. It’s good stuff!
Each summer, the town puts on the Haleiwa Arts Festival, a lively event featuring art demonstrations, trolley tours, storytelling and live entertainment.
The northern hemisphere winter months on the North Shore see a concentration of surfing activity, taking advantage of swells originating in the stormy North Pacific. Notable surfing spots include Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach.
Haleiwa — In 1898 a businessman named Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel in the North Shore area and named it Haleiwa. In Hawaiian, hale means "house", and the ‘iwa is a frigatebird. As of the 2000 Census, the town had a total population of 2,225, and it is the largest commercial center on the North Shore of the Island. Its old plantation town character is preserved in many of the buildings, making this a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, visiting surfing and diving sites along the north shore. Designated a Historic, Cultural and Scenic District in 1984, Haleiwa has maintained its simple charm and laid-back environment. Aging storefronts line its main street.
Places to Visit — There is much to see here. Haleiwa offers a nice selection of art galleries, surf shops and eateries. Whether it's the famously simple Hawaiian plate lunch you crave, a grilled plate of fresh-caught local North Shore shrimp, the casual atmosphere of a lunch wagon or sandwich shop, or the sophistication of fine-dining restaurants, it's all right here. More than 30 dining opportunities await you on the North Shore and include Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Hawaiian and Italian fare, as well as a broad selection of coffee shops, shave ice/snack stores, and bars.