The possibilities are endless in this stretch of Oahu, where the sunsets are epic, and waves beckon
Located roughly 30 miles from Honolulu is the raw coastline of Oahu's North Shore. It encompasses the 17-mile north-facing coastal area between Kahuku Point and Ka'ena Point. It is a surfer's paradise, with waves reaching up to 50 feet and world-class surfing competitions like The Vans Triple Crown often hosted here.
North Shore is also known for its 51 beaches that stretch more than 11 miles, snorkeling, diving, and laid-back lifestyle. It offers easy access to Waimea Valley and Waimea Bay, so there is no shortage of things to do when you need to unwind.
The North Shore offers a variety of real estate options, including plantation-style single-family homes, condos, gated townhomes, and luxury estates with oceanfront views. Kuilima Estates at Turtle Bay Resort offers more condos for sale if you want to live in a resort community. The smaller communities of Kalewa Bay, Waialua, Pupukea, and Mokuleia are in-demand among homebuyers looking for beachside property.
What to Love
- Picturesque and white, sandy beaches
- Quaint, small-town nostalgia
- Popular among tourists
Local Lifestyle
Living in the world's surfing mecca is a dream come true for many residents who enjoy a laid-back island lifestyle. Life moves at a different pace in North Shore, and it's not unusual to see barefoot adventurers along the sidewalks.
The majority of people living on the North Shore are surfers and retirees. The residents are welcoming, friendly, and warm, and the aloha spirit is strong here. That said, there's not much of the hustle and bustle of large cities like Waikiki or Honolulu.
The North Shore is the very definition of casual living, and many residents spend their days wearing bathing suits, board shorts, cover-ups, and flip-flops. Sundresses, khakis, or aloha shirts are preferred for more formal wear. Everyone is relaxed, things move slower, and it's a beautiful way to live.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Two hotels offer a fine dining experience on Oahu's North Shore — the Turtle Bay Resort and Courtyard by Marriott. Beyond that, expect traditional cuisines at the local restaurants, most of which are in Haleiwa.
However, some of the best food in North Shore doesn't come from restaurants. Haleiwa food trucks like Kahuku Shrimp Truck and Giovanni's Shrimp Truck offer opportunities to sample fresh seafood. Plenty of farmer's markets offer fresh ingredients, and the fruit grown in Oahu is the best you'll ever taste.
Things to Do
The North Shore is not known as the world's surfing Mecca for nothing. Beautiful beaches like Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Shark's Cove have some of the best waves you'll find anywhere. Even if you're not a surfer, there are plenty of water-related activities to try, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, and more.
You can experience the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures with a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Dole Plantation is another popular attraction among locals and tourists alike. It offers tours, products to purchase, a pineapple maze, and fresh pineapples to snack on. Be sure to visit Kuuloa Ranch, which has been used as a filming location for several Hollywood movies. 