North Shore Oahu

 

If your idea of paradise is a remote country town sandwiched between the vast Pacific and lush, vertiginous mountains, then the North Shore of Oahu might resonate with you like no other place on the planet. The beautiful coastline of this region is its biggest draw. That, and the enormous waves that lure professional surfers from around the globe to its shores, particularly during the winter months. At once rugged and refined, North Shore Oahu is neither a city nor a bedroom community but an entirely rural district where its smattering of residents enjoy a deep connection with nature.

 

A handful of terrific eateries, an internationally renowned food truck scene, and a slew of chic surfer boutiques, galleries, and farms round out North Shore Oahu’s appeal and give its residents a genuinely unparalleled lifestyle.

 

• Abounding with peace and quiet
• Home to the world’s leading surf spots, like Waimea Bay
• An abundance of stunning natural splendors
• Epic vistas of the Pacific Ocean
• Filled with secluded properties cloaked in greenery

North Shore Oahu is, as you can imagine, the ideal place to live for anyone who is wild about the water, especially surfers with the skills to manage the tremendous swells that have made North Shore synonymous with the sport. And yet, it also appeals to professionals who work remotely (or commute to Honolulu), families who want to raise their children in a country environment, and retirees who prize spending time in the sun, sand, and surf.

 

North Shore Oahu has an impressive array of chill, kick-back eateries, upscale restaurants, and a food truck “center” that serves some of the most “ono” eats on the island. 

 

Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican restaurant is a community favorite. Lively and festive, this is the ideal place to meet up with your friends and family to sip on tangy margaritas and share plates of fish tacos prepared with fresh, locally-caught ahi. At Haleiwa Joe’s, you’ll find a bevy of island-inspired dishes like Furikake-crusted baked fish with wasabi butter sauce, spicy poke, and luau crab dip. The surfboards dangling on the walls in this local favorite amplify its beachy feel.

 

For an unforgettable night on the town (country town, that is), North Shore locals frequently flock to Banzai Sushi Bar, a stylish, sultry spot that’s famous for its inspired rolls and excellent sake. And when a special occasion arrives, there’s always the lovely Lei Lei’s Bar & Grill in the inimitable Turtle Bay Resort.

 

Oahu is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and its North Shore boasts some of the most spectacular places to play and watch others do the same. Massive crowds fill the shoreline during the surfing competitions that star the likes of Kelly Slater and Kai Lenny. Vans Triple Crown of Surfing takes place annually on three North Shore beaches: Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach Park, and Haleiwa Alii Beach. The Eddie Aikau Invitational Surf Competition welcomes the most respected pros from around the globe while celebrating Hawaii’s late legend. 

 

Away from the salt spray, but not by much, North Shore residents enjoy various community events, such as the annual Sunset Beach Elementary movie nights, and the yearly North Shore Lifeguards Association Christmas, an event that underscores this stretch of Oahu’s homey spirit. The Kokua Foundation is also a mainstay for North Shore residents. The nonprofit encourages environmental education and is home to the ever-wonderful Kokua Learning Farm.

 

Children who live on the North Shore are near several first-rate schools, including: