The Most Beautiful Stretch Of Scenery In Oahu Has To Be This Strip Of Coastline

Oahu, Hawaii's most visited and populated island, has no shortage of natural beauty, but its North Shore has some of the island's most breathtaking scenery. Stretching approximately 20 miles between Ka'ena Point and Kahuku, it's about an hour's drive from Honolulu, and exploring this famed stretch of coast should be on your list of things to do in Oahu beyond Waikiki. Its unrivaled allure comes down to the seemingly endless number of incredible beaches, its wildlife, and its laidback vibe.

The North Shore is perhaps best known for its big waves and relaxed surf culture. Particularly in the winter, some of Hawaii's best large wave surfing occurs along a stretch of the North Shore known as the "7-Mile Miracle." You can find 36 surf breaks, like the famous Banzai Pipeline on Ehukai Beach. These North Shore beaches host famous surf contests during the winter, and surfers worldwide view them as a dream destination.

Even non-surfers will find North Shore well worth a visit thanks to the captivating power and splendor of the waves, unlike anywhere else on the island. It's not just the big waves that make this strip of coastline so special; it also has calm, idyllic beaches with lush tropical vegetation and clear turquoise-blue water separated by powdery white and golden sand. While the number of visitors to the North Shore has increased over the years, the beaches remain generally less crowded than in Waikiki, giving you more space to enjoy the views.

Visitors to North Shore won't want to miss the views at its iconic and aptly named Sunset Beach. Listening to the crashing waves and watching the sky turn fiery red, gold, and purple with the colors reflecting in the water creates memories you won't soon forget. You can also take in the sunset at Kawela Bay, where you may even get the beach to yourself. Going just a little inland on the North Shore will put you amid stunning jungle scenery. The Waimea Valley, for example, has incredible botanical gardens and has long occupied a special place in Hawaiian history and culture. It's also a favorite spot for swimming and snapping Instagram-worthy photos; Waimea Falls cascades 45 feet into a deep pool.

Board a boat from Hale'iwa, the North Shore's main town, for a unique perspective on the North Shore's natural beauty. From around December to April, you can embark on a whale-watching excursion out of Hale'iwa Harbor;  humpback whales come to the area to have their babies during this time of year. If you feel brave, consider swimming with sharks with One Ocean Diving — no experience needed, as the instructors will teach you all you need to know about staying safe in the water with these impressive fish. It's definitely a bucket list item for the adventurous to watch the sharks swim beneath you as bright shafts of sunlight filter down to the seemingly bottomless depths below.

Even if you've never been to Oahu's North Shore, you might recognize it as the backdrop for several movies and TV shows. Its beaches appear in "Blue Crush," "Lost," and "Baywatch Hawaii." Turtle Bay Resort, near the northern tip of the island on Kawela Bay, serves as the setting for "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," and it also features in "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." Guided horseback rides run through the resort's sprawling 1,300 acres and will take you by some of its famously beautiful film locations. As you might guess from its name, the resort allows guests to snorkel and swim with sea turtles. Tours via kayak, SUP, or outrigger canoe from Turtle Bay also provide good turtle-spotting opportunities.

Another popular North Shore sea turtle destination is Laniakea Beach, where you can often find the reptiles lounging on the sand and rocks. For a unique way to see these creatures and the natural splendor of the North Shore, Ke'aholi Surf runs nighttime tours on paddleboards glowing with LEDs. These tours take you beneath the Rainbow Bridge and along the Anahulu River, where turtles often hang out. Remember, always stay at least 15 feet away from sea turtles. You'll find beauty no matter where you go or what you do along Oahu's North Shore. And if you're anything like us, you'll want to return for more.