Located in the north-facing coastal area of Oahu between Kahuku and Kaena Point, the North Shore is best known for its massive waves and surfing opportunities. In fact, the region attracts surfers from around the globe who want to test out the swells the area has to offer. Just a one hour drive from Waikiki, the North Shore is also home to a number of great communities that provide the perfect place to buy a home in Hawaii.
Exploring the North Shore’s Communities
The North Shore boasts several communities in which to live. These include:
- Haleiwa: the largest settlement on the North Shore. Located on n Waialua Bay at the mouth of Anahulu Stream. Features a small boat harbor and is surrounded by Haleiwa Beach Park and Haleiwa Alii Beach Park.
- Kahuku: Name translates to mean “the projection,” which is a reference to the nearby Kahuku Point. Population of less than 3,000.
- Mokuleia: Meaning “isle of abundance” and located just east of Mokuleia Beach, Mokuleia Polo Field, and Dillingham Airfield. Population of less than 2,000.
- Pupukea: Name means “white shell” and features some of the best known surfing sites, including Sunset Beach Park, Velzyland and Pipeline. Population of less than 5,000.
- Waialua: One of the six original districts of ancient Hawaii. A former sugar mill town with Waialua Sugar Mill located at its center. Population of less than 4,000.
- Waimea Bay: Located at the mouth of the Waimea River with a name meaning “reddish water”.
Regardless of which of these communities you choose to live, you will be sure to be pleased with your purchase.
Exploring the Historic Haleiwa Town
With Haleiwa being the largest of the settlements on the North Shore, it is the community that many pictures when they think about this region of Oahu. Here, as with the rest of the North Shore, you will experience a laidback island mentality and lifestyle. This does not mean, however, that the area falls short of offering amenities and attractions to enjoy. In fact, the North Shore is filled with plenty of things to see and do.
Aside from the surfing opportunities, the North Shore is also well-known for its numerous art galleries. Haleiwa alone has about a half dozen galleries where you can enjoy the works of local artists as well as those of well-known artists, too. Even better, artwork at these galleries tends to be less costly than that which is found in Waikiki.
As would be expected for an area that is known for its surfing opportunities, the North Shore also features surf shops and surf museums. The old surf shops feature retired longboards and other pieces that help create the overall island feel of the area. Meanwhile, the North Shore Surf and Cultural Museum captures the history of surfing in the area with its ancient artifacts, antique surfboards, daily showing of movies and other surf items.
Obviously, the North Shore also boasts some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. In fact, seven miles of beaches can be found along the short. Passing over the famous twin-spanned Haleiwa bridge from Haleiwa town will take you to some of the islands most popular beaches. These include Sunset Beach Oahu, Waimea Bay Beach Park and Ehukai Beach Park.
