With the winter months approaching, Hawaii is about to change drastically. No, not the weather, though it will cool off just a little, the sun will still shine, and the endless summer will continue.
The change that we’re referring to is the increasing waves on Oahu’s famous North Shore. Surfers from around the world flock to the famous beaches that line northern Oahu, where the waves reach heights that are almost unbelievable. That is, unless you witness the massive swells for yourself on one of our Oahu Sightseeing Tours.
Beginning in mid-November, the swells at these famous beaches host a number of the top surf competitions in the sport, bringing the best athletes in the world for legendary performances and record breaking waves.
Here are the best beaches to see on North Shore Oahu:
Sunset Beach
It’s not a stretch to figure out how Sunset Beach earned its name. Whether enjoying the calm ocean in the summer months, or watching the big wave surfers at the top of their game during the winter, Sunset Beach is one of the most famous and best beaches on Oahu. After visiting the beach on a Circle Island Tour, make a day on the North Shore and stick around long enough to see for yourself where the name comes from.
Travel Tip: pack a picnic for your return visit and make an afternoon at Sunset Beach. Locals prefer a bowl of Poke, a Kona Longboard, and a camera to capture the stunning sunset.
Banzai Pipeline
The Hawaiian name for Banzai Pipeline is Ehukai – meaning “sea spray” – but the name Pipeline is what is most commonly used in referring to this world-famous surf beach. The break is one of the most revered in the world, and surfers take great pride in riding the swell here. Winter brings surf competitions and dangerous breaks, and the summer months provide a great setting for sunbathing and relaxing.
Waimea Bay
The name alone is enough to make even the best surfers in the world hesitate. Known for cliff jumping from “The Rock” and for hosting the most renowned big wave surf competition ever formed, Waimea Bay is where legends are made. Each year, big wave surfers are on notice from December through February, waiting for the swell to be large enough to hold The Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau. This is no ordinary competition, as wave heights must reach 30-feet before the event is given the green light.
Though the surf at Waimea Bay is what makes draws surfers, beach goers flock to the bay for its unmatched scenery, and powder white sand. The beauty of the bay is picture perfect, making Waimea Bay one of the must see sites of Oahu. Hawaii Discount offers a number of sightseeing tours that visit Waimea Bay, making a visit to this famous surf beach an easy stop during your vacation.
Haleiwa Ali’I Beach Park – Puaena Point
Located just north of Haleiwa Town, the beach park features a gentle cove for stand-up paddle and features a shallow, rocky ocean bottom. The surf break is located farther out than most North Shore surf breaks, and beginners can take surf lessons here year round. When the surf is high, only experts are advised to challenge the break. While on the North Shore, Haleiwa Beach Park is a short walk from town, and we highly recommend grabbing a shave ice and enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the beach.
To see Oahu’s North Shore, book a Circle Island Tour with Hawaii Discount and enjoy a tour of Oahu’s most famous surf beaches on board a deluxe tour bus. Enjoy the country and be sure to have your camera ready!
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Aloha Kai Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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