North Shore on Oahu has beautiful offerings all year round but is exceptionally busy during the winter season when some of the worlds most famous surfing contests take place like The Pipeline Masters, The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Volcom Pipe Pro and the coveted The Eddie Big Wave Invitational. The Eddie doesn’t occur every year because the waves on Waimea Bay have to be exactly right, 30-40 feet. The Eddie is in honor of the legendary Eddie Aikau who was the first life guard of Waimea Bay and saved over 500 lives and became famous for surfing The Big Hawaiian Surf.
There’s a definite different vibe on North Shore away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. You get the more tropical feel of the islands but then again that’s what makes living in Oahu so attractive. From condos to the newest homes, it is now easier than ever to find your dream home on the beautiful surroundings of North Shore, through real estate specialists similar to Urban Oahu, and it may not be long until you’re living the tropical life of the island yourself. You get the diversity of worlds all on one island. In the summertime, the water is more placid and is great for paddle boarding, canoeing in an outrigger or snorkeling. The world famous beaches are Sunset Beach, Three Tables, Waimea Bay Beach and Hale’iwa Ali’I Beach to name a few.
There’s no shortage of hiking on North Shore. Some of my favorites are the Ehukai Pillbox Hike, Waimea Valley Falls and the Likeke Falls via Likelike Trail off the Pali HWY on the way to North Shore. Oh and by the way, when you’re hungry after your hike, there are plenty of shrimp trucks to eat from. One of the most famous trucks is Giovanni’s where everyone gets to sign their name on it. Wild chickens roam the island freely and are grateful to see you choosing seafood for your dining experience.
The most popular town on North Shore is Hale’iwa Beach Town where you will find surf shops, art galleries, restaurants and lots of shrimp trucks. There are so many island good eats like the loco moco which is hamburger patties over rice smothered with brown gravy and fried eggs. The Acai bowls and shaved ice are wonderful treats as well.
If you are the adventurous type, North Shore has shark cage diving excursions, helicopter tours, four wheeling through the fields and jungles of Kualoa Ranch and bike rides and tours with bikehawaii.com. There’s always plenty to do and see on North Shore Oahu all year round.
By Kelly Vohnn