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Day 2 North Shore, Haleiwa
The small surf town attracts a huge number of tourists.
In the Wintertime: You will see world-class big waves. The North Shore of Oahu is the surfing capital of the world, but please note that the big waves only come in the winter (December to February).
-Pipeline
-Sunset
-Ehukai
-Waimea
If you visit some of these spots, you might see world-class waves, but it depends on the day, of course.
In Summer: You may stop by these beaches. If you know about these waves, you will be amazed at how different the ocean is between winter and summer. Summer usually brings calm, blue water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
In Winter: Swimming can be very dangerous. Unfortunately, a few tourists on the North Shore of Oahu have lost their lives during the winter season. The big waves are no joke. When walking along the shoreline, a wave could grab you and pull you into the water. Unless you are a very strong swimmer or familiar with the waves, it may be difficult to return to shore. We always say, "Do not turn your back on the ocean."
-Pipeline
-Sunset
-Ehukai
-Waimea
If you stop by on these beaches, you might see world-class waves, but it depends on the day, of course.
Snorkeling in Summer: Shark's Cove is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu. However, don't expect great visibility. There are a lot of small caves if you enjoy skin diving, and there's also a good chance to see Honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtle.
After enjoying the North Shore beaches, I would recommend taking Route 83, passing through the Hauula and Kualoa areas, to return to Waikiki. In these areas, you will see the beautiful Koʻolau mountain range on the right and beaches on the left. It's a stunning coastline to drive along.
Safety Tips:
-Do not go snorkeling by yourself.
-Do not turn your back on the ocean.
-Do not touch any marine life, including sea turtles. Do not try to take selfies with turtles—they do not like that. Keep a safe distance for their comfort (not yours). You may see seals in Hawaii. They are protected. Do not touch or slap them. A few years ago, a California couple slapped a monk seal and posted it on social media. After the video went viral, they said, "We are sorry; we didn't know we couldn't touch the seal." This made me angry! It’s common sense not to touch wildlife, isn’t it? Would you mind if I slapped you when you were lying on the beach? Last year, a baby humpback whale got lost and came ashore in Waikiki. A woman tried to ride the baby whale! Are you serious?! If I had been there, I would have ridden on her! Respect the animals. They are not your pets or toys.