There are so many reasons to move to the North Shore of Oahu, but nature is one of the most attractive. The state is so beautiful that you’re likely to feel small in such a vast world. But in a good way. Living in Hawaii means you’re grounded, humbled, and grateful for the life you’ve been given. Also, you’ll find yourself enjoying easy-paced living surrounded by lush nature.
Mokuleia is quiet
Mokuleia is a hidden gem on the North Shore of Oahu, secluded, beautiful, and with unobstructed ocean views. Located just 35 minutes from Honolulu and ten minutes from Haleiwa, this North Shore community is a hidden gem for many visitors. Long-time residents consider Mokuleia a hidden gem, and the community is well-known for its excellent surfing.
Unlike some of the more popular North Shore neighborhoods, Mokuleia is tucked away on a secluded street. It is close to world-famous surf breaks and historic Haleiwa town. It is also an excellent place for families who want a quiet neighborhood. There are two parks within a mile of the city, one of which features horseback riding. The beach is also nearby, and the modules Beach Colony is an ideal place to relax and unwind.
The quiet, peaceful atmosphere of Mokuleia makes this an excellent place for family vacations. There are pristine beaches, secluded coves, and undeveloped roads. Mokuleia is one of the most sought-after addresses on the North Shore of Oahu, offering a tranquil setting and pristine water. The town’s long sandy shoreline is a popular surfing destination but is not as secluded as Waikiki or Kailua.
Haleiwa is the hub
A large town with a quaint country atmosphere, Haleiwa is home to many attractions and a vibrant local economy. Many structures date back to the early 1900s and retain a unique, laid-back look. Its famous surf breaks are a short drive away. There are plenty of places to shop for souvenirs, art, surf stores, and restaurants.
The main attractions of the North Shore include a 17-mile stretch of coastline, which is renowned for its competition-worthy waves. There are major surfing competitions held in the area, as well as numerous opportunities for other outdoor activities. The coastline is dotted with 51 beautiful beaches and lush valleys replete with waterfalls. Many popular locations were filmed for films and TV shows, including The Lost series and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Located an hour south of Waikiki, Haleiwa is the hub of the northern part of the North Shore of Oahu. There are two great beaches in Haleiwa, with a picturesque backdrop of clouds and water. Several major surfing competitions are held here yearly, and the town is home to several exciting shops and boutiques. Haleiwa is a cultural hub and a must-visit for visitors from gift shops to surf stores.
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore is a popular surfing destination. The waves in Waimea Bay vary from mild to large depending on the season, with waves that reach more than 20 feet (6 m) during the winter months. The beach is often packed with tourists, so finding a parking spot can be challenging. Still, the waves make it worth a visit.
The area around Waimea Bay is dotted with food trucks serving local favorites. Getting there in the afternoon or evening is a must-do activity. Parking is tight at this famous beach, so arrive early or stay late if you plan on spending all day here. Alternatively, park on the main road and walk to the beach. Then take the short trail to Waimea Falls and enjoy the clear, refreshing water.
The Bay is located in Haleiwa, on the North Shore of Oahu. It sits at the mouth of the Waimea River, which flows eastward from the mountainside. It’s one of the few places on Oahu that Cook visited. The town was densely populated then, and the Pu’u o Mahuka is a prominent temple in the region.
Near the beach, there’s a small town called Old Town Haleiwa. The town’s historic district is filled with quaint shops, local art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Old Town Haleiwa also features the world-famous Matsumoto’s Hawaiian shave ice. For a more culturally significant experience, visit the Waimea Heiau Ruins, north of Waimea Bay. These are the best-preserved Hawaiian heiau.
Bonzai Pipeline
If you’re considering living on the island of Oahu, you might wonder about its laid-back vibe and accessibility to many of the city’s attractions. The North Shore of Oahu stretches from Ka’ena Point to Kualoa Ranch and includes the communities of Kahuku and Punaluu. Other areas include the Dole Plantation and Waimea Bay.
The North Shore of Oahu is known for its world-class surfing breaks, and the area is home to the Triple Crown of Surfing, which includes the Reef Hawaiian Pro, O’Neill World Cup of Surfing, and Billabong Pipeline Masters. World-class surfers are drawn to the area due to its proximity to some of the best waves on Earth. Ke Nui Road, the main thoroughfare that links the North and South Shores, is a popular destination for surf pros.
The climate on the North Shore is pleasant year-round, with temperatures averaging 80 degrees. Trade winds keep the temperature from rising too high, reducing the need for A/C. While there are occasional bouts of rain in the winter, they rarely last more than a few minutes. While the North Shore can get flooded, the climate is generally arid and temperate.
The area is famous for surfing. Head out early to Ehukai, one of the most famous surfing spots on the island. If you have never surfed there before, you’ll need to head to Haleiwa Town, where you can grab an acai bowl and watch surfers shred. It’s important to note that no signpost leads to Ehukai; you need to look for the Sunset Elementary School and the Pipeline Cafe.
Fishing in the ocean
When it comes to sport fishing, Oahu has several locations to offer you a great catch. Kaena Point and Honolulu Harbor are two excellent options. If you want to try your luck on a trophy fish, try fishing for a Billfish at Kaena Point. The waters off Honolulu are a good bet, as local anglers know the waters well. Many take advantage of the sharp drop-off near Waikiki and head north to Kaena Point. There are also shallow fishing grounds south of Waikiki called «Pinnacles.»
Oahu’s north shore is ideal for fishing enthusiasts to start their careers as spearfishers. The abundance of fish makes it difficult to choose a favorite spot. The North Shore of Oahu is a great place to fish for Yellowfin Tuna, as the bottom drops abruptly and deep waters are close to land. You’ll want to rent a boat and a kayak for the adventure.
While the North Shore of Oahu may be ideal for novices to learn how to fish, more experienced anglers are better equipped to catch monsters. Luckily, the island is also home to several FADs. The North Shore is also home to four of these structures. Getting to them requires long travel times. And with such great fishing opportunities, you never know what will be waiting for you when you’re out in the ocean.
Budgeting
The North Shore of Oahu’s tourist market mainly comprises the younger crowd who come for the water sports. This makes accommodation costs higher, especially during winter. If you plan to vacation in the winter months, you should consider booking a rental car as this time of year sees the highest occupancy. Additionally, lodging prices are higher from Christmas to New Year. So if you’re considering visiting the North Shore during this time of year, it may be best to book accommodation in advance.
Hawaii is a costly place. Even with 8% more sun, the cost of energy is high. Hawaii has set a goal of becoming completely renewable by 2045. Moreover, it’s also expensive to own a car. Gas is expected to hit $3.16 per gallon in January 2021, and bus tickets are around $2.75 each. This may not be an appealing option for a daily commute.
Renting a car is the most accessible and affordable way to get around the North Shore of Oahu. However, it’s important to remember that renting a car in Hawaii is very competitive and can increase rental rates. As such, it is booking your rental car early is recommended. A rental car is an essential piece of vacation planning. In Oahu, rentals sell out quickly, so booking well in advance is best.
