And some fun things to do with your family!
The North Shore of Oahu stretches along the island’s northern coast, from Ka’ena Point on the west to Kahuku on the east. It’s about an hour’s drive from Honolulu (traffic depending) and includes towns like Haleiwa, Pūpūkea, Waialua, and Laie, each with its own personality.
It’s not just a section of the island. It feels like its own world. Once you pass through Wahiawa and head toward the coast, the energy shifts. You’re out of the city, off the highway, and suddenly surrounded by open fields, small towns, and one incredible stretch of coastline. It’s where people come to slow down and experience a different side of Hawai’i.
What Is the North Shore Known For?
The North Shore of Oahu is best known for its surfing, slower pace, and laid-back communities. In the winter months, it draws surfers from all over the world with giant waves. In the summer, those same beaches become calm, family-friendly places to swim, snorkel, and explore tide pools.
But the North Shore isn’t just about surfing. It’s a mix of natural beauty, small-town charm, and that sense that time moves a little differently out here. It’s where you’ll find food trucks parked along the side of the road, fruit stands, and scenic beaches that feel somewhat remote (as remote as possible on Oahu).
There’s a reason so many people want North Shore Oahu pictures, whether it’s the beautiful beaches, the golden light at sunset, or the chance of seeing a sea turtle. The backdrop here is constantly changing and always beautiful.
Why the North Shore Is One of My Favorite Places for Photography
The North Shore is hands-down my favorite place to go back to over and over to photograph on the island, whether I’m working with a family or just taking North Shore Oahu pictures for myself.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll see tourists taking selfies right next to locals with their fishing lines at the edge of the beach. Surfers heading out for the waves. People showing up for different reasons, all sharing the same space. And each place is so unique; the sand is different, the scenery is different, the reef is different, and it all changes with the tides.
It’s that mix that makes it so compelling to photograph. It’s not polished or curated. It feels like real life. And as a photographer, that’s what I’m drawn to, natural moments in beautiful places. There’s something different too. Some parts feel almost untouched. And then there’s stumbling upon the wildlife; sea turtles swimming with you, monk seals resting on the beach (reminder to keep your distance!) I never plan for it, but when it happens, it adds something special.
The light here is also amazing. Like, really amazing. Long, warm, soft light—especially at sunrise or just before sunset. Add in the open space, the variety of backdrops, and the changing tides, and no two visits ever look the same.
That’s why I come back. And why I always suggest the North Shore when families want something a little more meaningful than just a pretty beach.
How the North Shore of Oahu Compares to Other Spots on the Island
Oahu has no shortage of beautiful locations, but the North Shore feels different. It’s less polished than Ko Olina, less crowded than Waikiki, and a lot more low-key than the resort-heavy areas on the island. You won’t find as many manicured beaches or high-rise hotels, just lots of beaches, small towns, and that mix of locals and visitors that gives it its own rhythm.
If you’re looking for something quieter, more natural, and full of character, the North Shore is hard to beat.
Best Things to Do on the North Shore of Oahu with Kids
There’s probably a book (or ten) out there covering everything there is to do on the North Shore, but here’s a short list of some of my personal favorites. I’ve lived on Oahu for three years, and I still have so much left to explore. These are just a few things I actually do with my own family:
- Hike Kaʻena Point This one’s beautiful but long, especially for younger kids. We only go if it’s early or late in the day, or just plan to do part of it. It can be hot hot hot in the middle of a sunny day from the lack of shade, but it’s gorgeous at sunset. I wrote more about this hike here.
- Hang out at Haleiwa Beach Park This is one of our go-to spots, especially for a relaxing sunset with my kids and my camera: space, variety of areas, great people-watching, bathrooms, and even a playground. Easy parking too.
- In summer, snorkeling & tide pools at the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District (Shark’s Cove area, click here for more general info, and here for some interesting history and background of the area! The second link is a story map and worth checking out). Remember that this is one of three Marine Life Conservation Districts on Oahu, so please be respectful of the marine life! For example, float, don’t stand, on the coral when snorkeling.
- Shark’s Cove – fun snorkeling when the conditions are right
- Kapoʻo Tidepool – great for any age, especially little ones. These tidepools are home to over 70 species of fish, 30 types of seaweed, dozens of coral, and more!
- Three Tables – good snorkeling for older kids. We recently took our 9-year-old and 1-year-old to Three Tables. One parent snorkeled while the other sat in the shallow water with the toddler, it’s always a fun place to spend a few hours.
- Hike the Ehukai Pillbox Trail Not too long, great views, and fun to pair with a beach stop right across the road. I wrote a post about this hike.
- Wander and swim at Kawela Bay It’s right next to Turtle Bay, but tucked away and calm. Super peaceful, especially in the morning. More about it here.
- Explore near Turtle Bay (even if you’re not staying there) There’s public parking and a stretch of beach to the east of the resort that’s great for exploring; tons of fun little pockets to check out.
- Waimea Valley Definitely touristy; but still worth visiting, especially with younger kids. After my second son was born, I bought a membership just to have a low-effort jungle walk I could do with a stroller. It’s lush, shaded, and totally different from the beach. Oh, and there’s shaved ice when you get to the falls.
The Drive to the North Shore of Oahu
The drive to the North Shore is kind of part of the experience. It’s not complicated, but depending on when you go, it can take a while. From most places on the island, you’ll head north on H2 until it turns into Route 99 (Kamehameha Highway), which eventually becomes Route 83 as it hugs the coast. The roads are easy to follow and the views get better the further you go.
On weekdays, it’s usually uneventful, about an hour with minimal traffic (longer the further you go of course). But weekends, especially near Laniakea, can slow way down. (That’s turtle traffic. It’s real.) If you’re headed up on a Saturday afternoon, just know it’s going to be a little stop-and-go before that area.
That said, it’s not a stressful drive. Once you’re past Wahiawa, the road opens up, and it starts to feel like you’ve left the rest of Oahu completely. It’s a good transition; it slows you down before you even hit the beach.
If we’re planning a photo session, I always recommend building in extra time, just in case. No one wants to rush into family photos straight from an hour in traffic. And if you arrive early? Even better. Stretch your legs, and do some people watching.
Where Are the Best Spots for North Shore Oahu Pictures and Photography?
Whether you’re taking photos on your phone, capturing memories with your kids, or planning a full professional session, the North Shore has so much to offer. Here’s a breakdown of some of my personal favorite locations:
If You’re Just Taking Pictures for Fun
Looking for great North Shore Oahu pictures on your own? Honestly, almost anywhere, especially at sunset. But here are a few of my favorites where I can usually find parking (or at least try):
- Waimea Bay (in winter) – Okay, maybe the parking isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. In summer, lots of people jump off the rock, which makes for interesting candid photos. And people watching. In winter, the waves are big, dramatic, and perfect for photographing surf (or just the ocean doing its thing).
- Shark’s Cove area – I love walking along the Ke Ala Pūpūkea bike path here and using people and trees as foreground elements. It’s also one of my favorite spots to watch waves in the winter.
- Kaʻena Point – Quiet, wide open, and stunning at sunset (except in winter, when the sun dips behind the mountains). Also a great place to photograph local wildlife—just be respectful and give them space.
If You’re Photographing Your Own Family
Not quite a pro shoot, but you want more than a few blurry selfies? These spots are worth checking out:
- Kawela Bay – Calm, shaded, and great for kids who like to explore. Feels tucked away but still easy to access.
- Kaʻena Point – Permits here are expensive for pro sessions, so if you love the setting, this might be a good one to DIY. The backdrop is unique, featuring mountains, lush greenery, and expansive space.
- Anywhere you stop and wander – I know that sounds vague, but it’s true. Some of the best moments happen in the in-between places, and the North Shore is full of them.
Oh, and if you’re wondering why Kaʻena Point keeps showing up here, it’s not just a favorite spot; it’s part of an ongoing personal photo project I started for class and continued. I’ve walked it more times than I can count now, and each time it feels different. You can take a look at the images so far here.
If You’re Planning a Professional Photo Session
These are some of my go-to spots for North Shore photography sessions. Not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re also permit-friendly (super important for keeping things legal and stress-free):
- Mokulēʻia (Army) Beach – Wide, quiet, and great light. There’s plenty of space to move around and shoot from different angles.
- Papaʻiloa (Police) Beach – One of the more hidden-feeling locations with a lot of variety: sand, lava rock, trees, and open beach all in one spot.
- Kawela Bay – Calm water, shaded trails, and a lot of flexibility. It works well for families, couples, and almost any time of day. Get a better idea about the spot here.
No matter the style of photo you’re after, the North Shore has the kind of natural beauty and personality that shows up in every frame.
Thanks for sticking around for this giant brain dump on one of my favorite places to photograph. Whether you’re planning a session, scouting for your own North Shore Oahu pictures, or just curious about this side of the island, I hope this gave you something helpful. If you’re thinking about booking a session or have questions about locations, permits, or best times to shoot, feel free to reach out here. I’m always happy to help.
