The North Shore for non-locals

North Shore. North Shore, in Hawai’i? As far as I’m concerned, there’s no other. And here’s what every surfer, from a beginner to a crusty, should know about the North Shore, in our guide to the North Shore for non-locals.

Today, we’re heading to one of the most famous stretches of surf in the world: the North Shore of Oʻahu. Even if you’ve never paddled out in your life, chances are you’ve heard of it—probably in the same breath as Pipeline, big waves, or pro surfers.

🌊 The 7-mile miracle

The North Shore is a 7-mile miracle on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu. It’s home to legendary surf breaks like Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and yes—Pipeline. These are the kind of waves you see in surf competitions and movies.

In winter, the surf gets massive. We’re talking 15 to 30 feet Hawaiian scale, which is more like 30 to 60 foot faces in normal-person speak. So, unless you’re Laird Hamilton in disguise… you’re not surfing those.

🏄‍♀️ Is it off-limits for beginners?

But does that mean the North Shore is totally off-limits for beginners? Not necessarily. There are a few spots that mellow out in summer when the swell drops.

Puaʻena Point near Haleʻiwa is a well-known beginner break—especially during the calmer months from May to September.

That said, the North Shore isn’t your average learn-to-surf beach. It demands a ton of respect—not just for the power of the waves, but for the local surf culture.

Crowds can be heavy, locals are very protective of their home breaks, and etiquette matters a lot—whether you’re surfing or watching.

🧳 Beginner advice

So if you’re a beginner dreaming of surfing Hawai‘i, here’s what I’d say:

Do visit the North Shore—it’s iconic and beautiful. In the summer, go for a swim, jump off a cliff, oh that’s fun I tell you. Maybe stay at Turtle Bay Resort where they filmed my beloved Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

In the winter, brace yourself, but go and watch the pros surf Pipeline. It’s mind-blowing. 2026—that’s where the pro tour will end.

If you want to surf, go with a local surf school that knows where to take you safely.

Or stay on the South Shore, learn to surf in Waikiki, and head for a day trip to visit Haleʻiwa and the North Shore.

The North Shore for many is like surfing’s Holy Land. It’s epic, it’s powerful, it’s sacred, and it demands respect. So stay respectful.

📺 In case you can’t get there yet

an’t go now? Watch Rescue: HI Surf about a bunch of North Shore lifeguards and listen to our pod with Noah Evslin, a TV writer who writes—you guessed it—Rescue: HI Surf, and many other Hawaiian-based shows that show surfing.