Are you spending a slice of the winter with us on the North Shore of Oahu? Or do you plan to? Either way, you’re wondering what to expect when it comes to the months of November to February. While the temperatures don’t fluctuate much during the “four seasons”, there are some distinctions that make staying at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows (KBB) even more memorable. Curious? Great – let’s review!
4 Things That Make Staying at KBB Even More Memorable During the Winter Season on the North Shore of Oahu
The Waves
We know what you may be thinking. Isn’t it premature to call it winter when it’s only November? Maybe on the mainland, but here on the North Shore of Oahu the season actually kicks in at the end of October for one simple reason – it’s when the waves show up.
Winter season swells are without a doubt the biggest draw for visitors to this side of the island. The “7 Mile Miracle” (as it’s affectionately known) lights up from November to February, with big waves putting on a show that no other place on the planet can compare to. KBB’s expansive beachfront (Ke Iki Beach) in particular gets just as dramatic (if not more so) that Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. The distinguishing shorebreak at Ke Iki has become world famous thanks to the likes of Clark Little (pictured above) who bases the bulk of his work at our front door. View more on what makes Ke Iki Beach one of the Best Wave Watching Destinations on Oahu, if not the entire planet.
The Beachcombing
The very same waves that make Ke Iki Beach a visual and audible spectacle during the winter, make it an ideal destination for treasure hunters. No, there isn’t a pot of gold (well, maybe) at the end of the rainbows that land on our beach, but there is an infinite collection of seaglass, seashells, and delightful bits of coral that are begging to be plucked from our shore by watchful beachcombers. These treasures are driven to our sloped sands by the winter swells that scrape the bottom of the seafloor for your enjoyment (and crafting). View more on why Ke Iki Beach is one of the Best Places to Beachcomb on Oahu.
The Contests (and Surfing Celebs)
Once again we can utter a big MAHALO to the NALU (waves) for making the winter so special at KBB and the entire North Shore. The conditions are idyllic for organized competitions from both the World Surf League (WSL) and big brands that help put on a variety of events. Because these events collectively run through the entirety of the winter, the North Shore is packed with celebrity pro-surfers and their families through the season, some of which frequent KBB, including the likes of Jamie O’Brien and Ben Gravy, the Florence family, Raquel Heckert, and more.
Each winter guests of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows will be within a short drive, bike, or stroll (depending on when you book your stay) from the following *events:
- Sunset Pro (November)
- Haleiwa Pro (November-December)
- VANS Pipe Masters (December)
- Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (December-February)
- Billabong Pro Pipeline (January-February)
- Hurley Pro Sunset Beach (February)
- Da Hui Backdoor Shootout (January)
*event window dates subject to change
The highlight among this impressive run of contests is the iconic Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, which KBB has sponsored for the last two years and counting.
The Aloha
Lastly, we can’t leave without mentioning one key thing. While the rest of the island gets a bit over-commercialized and hectic during the winter (namely the Holiday season) the North Shore, despite the wave of surfing events, always maintains is mellow pace, laidback demeanor, and most importantly – the ALOHA spirit. Come and see for yourself this winter, and the next (etc.).