The North Shore of Oahu is more than the Surfing Capital of the World — it’s the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Hawaii, packed with beaches, hikes, wildlife, and old Hawaii charm. Here are the top 5 things to do on the North Shore, straight from the locals who live and surf here every day — plus a list of our favorite free and local experiences.
Who We Are
North Shore Surf Girls is a female-founded, family-owned surf school in Hale’iwa on Oahu’s North Shore. We teach everyone—men, women, couples, families, and kids ages 5 and up.
1. Take a Surf Lesson
Learning to surf is a given — it should be at the very top of your North Shore list. You’re in the Surfing Capital of the World, after all! We’d love to teach you: check out our lesson reviews on TripAdvisor for firsthand stories, and see how to prepare for your lesson.
2. Explore Waimea Valley
Just minutes from Hale’iwa, Waimea Valley is one of the top botanical collections in the world — an ancient Hawaiian valley filled with significant historical and cultural sites, ending in a scenic walk to a beautiful waterfall. Check their website for current admission and hours. Local tip: their luau is one of the best in Hawaii — a perfect way to end a Valley day.
3. Snorkel Sharks Cove (Summer)
When it’s summertime and the waves are small, Sharks Cove is the snorkeling spot. It’s a marine conservation area (a no-take zone), so it’s teeming with fish. And don’t worry about the name — it refers to the shape of the reef looking like a shark’s mouth, not the residents!
4. Drive (and Hike) to Kaena Point
About 15 minutes west of Hale’iwa, the road dead-ends at Kaena Point State Park — a conservation area with miles of empty beaches, no traffic, and raw natural beauty. From the end of the road it’s roughly a 2-hour hike to the point itself; go in the morning before it gets hot, and bring water. Safety note: there are no lifeguards out here and the ocean can be treacherous — enjoy the beaches, but be very cautious about entering the water.
5. Watch the Sunset from Sunset Beach
The most beautiful free show on the North Shore. Check the sunset time online, arrive at least half an hour early, and bring a blanket or beach chairs and your favorite drink. Then just watch the sky go off.
Local Favorites & Free Things to Do
- Take a turtle tour up the Anahulu River — paddle board up Hale’iwa’s calm, wave-free river and spot green sea turtles along the way. We offer both rentals and lessons daily!
- Spot honu (green sea turtles) — watch them swim while you surf, snorkel, or stroll the beaches (admire from a respectful distance — they’re protected)
- Watch world-class surf contests (winter) — catching the final day of the Pipe Masters, or The Eddie at Waimea Bay when it runs, is unforgettable
- Watch the rock jumpers at Waimea Bay — in summer, leaping from the famous rock is a local rite of passage; it’s quite a show from the sand
- Hunt for shells — comb the beaches and you may be blessed with a rare Sunrise shell
- Browse Hale’iwa town — unique boutiques, galleries, and the famous food trucks
- Run (or walk) the sand — miles of beach, and great surf training too
- Breathe the ocean air — free, unlimited, and the best on the island
Planning Tips
Visit on weekdays when you can. Weekends are when local families enjoy their beaches — weekday visits mean lighter crowds for you and more aloha to go around. And if you’re staying in town, the North Shore is an easy, scenic day trip — see our take on North Shore vs. Waikiki.
FAQs
Q: How many days do you need on the North Shore?
A: You can hit the highlights in a full day trip, but two or three days lets you surf, hike Kaena, snorkel, and still catch every sunset.
Q: What’s the best free thing to do?
A: Sunset at Sunset Beach. Bring a blanket and thank us later.
Q: Is Sharks Cove safe?
A: In summer, when the water is calm, it’s a beloved snorkel spot. In winter the North Shore surf makes it dangerous — save it for the small-wave months.
Q: Can beginners do the turtle tour on the Anahulu River?
A: Yes! The river is calm with no waves or currents — perfect for first-time paddle boarders. Rentals and lessons are available daily.
Q: When can I see the big-wave surf contests?
A: Winter (roughly November–February) is contest season, depending on conditions. Even outside contest windows, watching winter surf at Waimea Bay or Pipeline is spectacular.
Start with the Surf Lesson
Every great North Shore day starts in the water. Surf in the morning, explore all afternoon, sunset in the evening — the perfect day, in order.
Questions? Call 808-637-2977 or contact us.