There is nothing like winter on the North Shore of Oahu. The seasonal swell that brings big waves to our shores makes wave watching an all-day activity in itself, and is responsible for the professional surf contest schedule that runs from October all the way through to February. The late autumn, winter, and early spring also shoves seashells and seaglass to our shoreline to offer beachcombers hours of treasure hunting opportunities. All of this is great news if you’re staying at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows during these aforementioned months. But what if you’ve booked a bungalow for your summer vacation? Do you have to drive all the way to Waikiki to be entertained? Certainly not! Below is a breakdown of what guests enjoy doing the most when staying on this side of the island in the summer.
Top 5 Summertime Activities to Enjoy on the North Shore of Oahu
Swimming
This may seem like a “no brainer” for anyone coming to Hawaii, but if you are familiar with the North Shore then you know that swimming isn’t always an option during the winter season. A seemingly calm day in the winter can be deceptive, as currents remain strong and waves may appear out of nowhere. But in the summer, the near shore waters of Sunset Beach, Ehukai, Waimea Bay, and our very own Ke Iki Beach often become an azure oasis to be enjoyed by casual swimmers. Bring your board shorts and bikinis and get ready to work on your front-stroke, backstroke, or doggy paddle!
Snorkeling (beyond Shark’s Cove)
Aside from during major swell events, visitors can generally snorkel world famous Shark’s Cove (next to Ke Iki Beach) in the winter. But that’s usually about it. The rest of the Seven Mile Miracle is typically off limits for snorkeling aside from a few small pockets here and there. However, in the summertime when the water is calm, you have the opportunity to explore the deeper reef at Waimea Bay, Pupukea, Sunset Beach, and even the cavernous bottom of Banzai Pipeline. Pack your snorkel set (or buy/rent them from nearby North Shore Surf Shop) and prepare to see what’s under-the-sea!
*Always check with the lifeguards if unsure about ocean conditions before heading out
Bike Riding from Ke Iki to Ke Nui to Hoalua
The North Shore is one of the only places on Oahu to enjoy a causal bike ride along the coastline. The summertime is even better because the crowds that come for the winter surf contests are over in California and wherever else they venture to until their late autumn return. Moreover, the route was recently upgraded (2024) to offer better rider comfort where it runs parallel with Kamehameha Highway.
The bike path essentially begins at the front of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows on Ke Iki Road, and continues until it becomes Ke Nui Road, and concludes after Sunset Beach along Hoalua Street where a secret oasis awaits. View our guide to Biking the North Shore of Oahu to learn about the hidden gems that you’ll discover on this top “thing to do” in the summer.
Eat ALL the Shave Ice
image: from Best Shave Ice in the World
Nothing says summertime like shave ice on the North Shore! However, we encourage you to skip the 30-minute line to buy t-shirts and keychains at Matsumoto’s, and instead try each (yes, each) of the top shave ice spots on this side of the island. Here is your must-try checklist:
- Kula Shave Ice (directions from KBB)
- Kaimana Shave Ice (directions from KBB)
- Wili Wili’s Shave Ice (directions from KBB)
- Aoki’s Shave Ice (directions from KBB)
- North Shore Shave Ice (directions from KBB)
Shop for Island Fashions
One thing that bugs visitors about shopping in Hawaii through much of the year, is that they buy light dresses, t-shirts, shorts, and Aloha shirts, but are not able to enjoy (wear) them when they return home because the weather isn’t quite the same. However, when visiting the North Shore in the summer you can shop, buy, and wear your new wares when you get back at home too thanks to the balmy weather on the mainland.
The North Shore’s Haleiwa town boasts boutique shops with all sorts of distinguishing island fashions. Kahala and Mahina are favorites and are both located in Haleiwa Store Lots (get directions) although there is something for everyone in the nearby town, including numerous art galleries and surf shops. Lastly, we’d be remiss to not recommend a visit to The Cove Collection which is located down the road for our bungalows (10-minute stroll). The Cove Collection has a beautiful selection of artisan goods, from seaglass art and paintings to handmade jewelry and accessories.
We look forward to seeing you this summer, and beyond.