North Shore Summer Sanctuaries
Beaches 9-14: Legendary Surf Spots in Their Gentle Season
Part IV of Hidden Beaches Guide
By Jade KawanuiNorth Shore Escapes (Summer Sanctuaries)
The North Shore is legendary for its massive winter waves, but in summer, it transforms into one of the calmest and most serene coastlines on the island. These beaches offer true solitude, especially during the week.
🌞 Summer Season Notice
These North Shore beaches are recommended for swimming and relaxation primarily during summer months (May-September). In winter, many become dangerous due to massive surf.
Always check current ocean conditions before visiting any North Shore beach.
North Shore Beach Quick Reference
| Beach | Best For | Summer Safe | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9. Kawela Bay | Calm swimming, turtles | Year-round | No |
| 10. Mokuleʻia | Seclusion, kitesurfing | Yes | Yes (at Park) |
| 11. Pipeline | Famous surf spot | Summer only | No |
| 12. Velzyland | Expert surfing | Experts only | No |
| 13. Backyards | Surfing, sunsets | Experts only | No |
| 14. Rocky Point | Surfing, snorkeling | Calm days | No |
9 Kawela Bay
Tucked away just west of the Turtle Bay Resort, Kawela Bay is a beautifully protected, crescent-shaped bay that's one of the few places on the North Shore offering calm water year-round. An offshore reef breaks up the powerful winter swells, making this a peaceful sanctuary when other North Shore beaches are churning.
🚗 Access & Parking
Park at Turtle Bay Resort (limited public stalls) and take 1.5-mile coastal trail west. Or park near fruit stand on Kamehameha Highway and find footpath through trees.
🏊 Best For
Calm swimming year-round, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and finding a quiet, shady spot to relax.
🐢 Jade's Know Before You Go Tip
While the water is calm, the bottom can be a mix of sand and rock, so enter carefully. There are no lifeguards or facilities here. This is my go-to spot for a peaceful North Shore day when I want to escape crowds and just float in calm water.
10 Mokuleʻia Beach
When people talk about the North Shore, they usually mean the stretch from Haleʻiwa to Sunset Beach. But if you head west from Haleʻiwa, you'll discover the long, often-empty coastline of Mokuleʻia. The entire stretch offers seclusion and is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers due to consistent winds.
🚗 Access & Parking
Mokuleʻia Beach Park has parking, restrooms, and picnic tables. For more secluded spots, look for public access paths along Crozier Drive with small roadside pull-offs.
🪁 Best For
Escaping crowds, sunbathing, kitesurfing, and long beach walks. Consistent winds make it popular with wind sports enthusiasts.
⚠️ Jade's Know Before You Go Tip
Don't underestimate the surf on the North Shore, even here. In summer, the water can be calm and inviting. However, during winter months, strong currents and high surf make swimming dangerous. Vehicle break-ins can be an issue, so never leave valuables in your car.
11 Pipeline Beach (Summer Only)
The world-famous Banzai Pipeline is known for its deadly winter waves, but in summer, it transforms into a surprisingly peaceful stretch of white sand. When the surf is flat, you can actually enjoy this legendary beach without fear.
🚗 Access & Parking
Park along Kamehameha Highway near the Pipeline houses. Look for small beach access paths between homes. Parking is limited and fills up quickly.
🏄 Best For
Experiencing a famous surf spot, swimming (summer only), and understanding why this place is so revered in surf culture.
🌊 Jade's Know Before You Go Tip
Only visit Pipeline for swimming during the flat summer months (May through September). Even then, be cautious of the shallow reef. In winter, this beach becomes one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world. Come early to find parking and avoid crowds.
🏖️ Beach Guide Navigation
Start here
Windward CoastBeaches 1-5
South ShoreBeaches 6-8
You are here • Beaches 9-14
Beaches 15-20
Planning & FAQTips & answers
🏄 North Shore Features
- Summer: Calm & peaceful
- Winter: Massive surf
- Fame: World-class surfing
- Crowds: Minimal in summer
- Best Season: May-September
📍 Beaches 9-14
- 9. Kawela Bay - Protected
- 10. Mokuleʻia - Secluded
- 11. Pipeline - World famous
- 12. Velzyland - Expert surf
- 13. Backyards - Hidden gem
- 14. Rocky Point - Tide pools
12 Velzyland
Named after surfer Ricky Velzy, this beach sits between Pipeline and Sunset Beach and offers a more secluded North Shore experience. It's primarily known among surfers but provides a great escape when the surf is small.
🚗 Access & Parking
Park along Kamehameha Highway and look for beach access paths. Parking can be challenging, especially when surf is up.
🏄 Best For
Experienced surfers, watching surf action, and enjoying a less crowded section of the famous North Shore.
🪨 Jade's Know Before You Go Tip
This spot is for experienced ocean users only. The reef is shallow and sharp, and even small waves can be powerful here. It's better for watching than swimming unless you're very comfortable in the ocean.
13 Backyards
This lesser-known surf spot sits between Sunset Beach and Pipeline, earning its name from being literally in the backyard of beachfront homes. It offers a more intimate North Shore experience away from the crowds that flock to its famous neighbors.
🚗 Access & Parking
Limited street parking along Kamehameha Highway. Look for narrow beach access paths between houses.
🌅 Best For
Surfing (experienced only), photography, and experiencing a quieter section of the North Shore.
🏠 Jade's Know Before You Go Tip
Respect the local residents whose backyards you're accessing. Keep noise down and don't linger on private property. The wave here can be just as dangerous as its famous neighbors, so swimming is not recommended.
14 Rocky Point
Rocky Point offers one of the best vantage points for watching North Shore surf action. When the waves are big, this rocky outcropping provides a safe viewing platform. When it's calm, the area offers good snorkeling opportunities.
🚗 Access & Parking
Park along Kamehameha Highway near the Three Tables area. Walk north to find the rocky point.
🤿 Best For
Watching surfing, snorkeling (calm conditions only), and photography. Great tide pool exploration.
🪨 Jade's Know Before You Go Tip
The name says it all—this area is rocky. Wear protective footwear and be careful when exploring the tide pools. During big surf, stay well back from the water's edge as waves can surge over the rocks unexpectedly.
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