Surf’s up! The North Shore of Oahu is a popular spot for surfing competitions, ocean festivals and family-friendly cultural events. Here are the most popular and large events that take place throughout the year.
January
See some of the island’s top watermen in the Da Hui Backdoor Shoot. In memory of Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian waterman, four-man teams will compete in a variety of sports including bodyboarding, shortboard surfing, longboarding and more.
March
Stretch out your legs and join the Loko Ea 8K/15K Run & Walk, which takes you through a scenic beach route through historic Haleiwa and Puaene Point’s private grounds.
April
Give back to nature for Earth Day by volunteering at Waimea Valley and then checking out various arts and crafts, food, hula performances and Hawaiian games.
July
Looking for artistic inspiration? Make sure to stop by the annual Haleiwa Arts Festival showcasing and celebrating visual, performance and cultural arts from nearly 150 local artists.
If you’re on this side of the island during Fourth of July, there is a spectacular fireworks show accompanied with live musical performances at Turtle Bay Resort. Also in Haleiwa town, the North Shore Chamber of Commerce is hosting an annual fireworks festival with vintage car shows, live musical entertainment, hula, bounce houses, food eating contests, face painting and of course, evening fireworks at 8 p.m.
August
There’s no better place to honor and celebrate the ocean than on the beach! The annual North Shore Ocean Fest makes this possible for locals and visitors. Enjoy an afternoon full of ocean education, activities, music, food and more.
October
Stop by the HIC Pro Sunset Beach and be amazed as surfers catch some of the biggest waves of the year and compete for top titles. Another surf championship include the Annual North Shore Menehune Surf Championships, which take place mid October at Haleiwa Alii Beach Park.
While Hawaii may not have as dramatic changes in season, you can still celebrate fall at the annual Kuilima Farm Fall Festival at Turtle Bay Resort. Ride a tractor, explore a pumpkin patch and let the kids enjoy activities like face painting, crafts and live entertainment.
November
There’s nothing like watching over 80 military units march in the annual Wahiawa Lions Veteran’s Day Parade. Be sure to stop by the parade and honor the veterans.
In honor of Arbor Day, you can pick up a free plant at Waimea Valley. The Makahiki Festival, or Hawaiian New Year, will often take place around the same weekend, with festivities like Te Moana Nui games, keiki games, live music, hula performances and more.
December
If you’re vacationing on Oahu in December, January or February, make sure to check out the annual Eddie Aikau Big Wave Challenge. With only the best surfers from around the world competing, the contest only runs if the waves consistently reach 20-feet.
Hawaii’s Christmas has its own unique charm, albeit without the cold weather and snow. Say “Mele Kalikimaka” to marching bands, parade horses, beauty clubs and car clubs, which will make their way through the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Haleiwa.
Celebrate the new year at Turtle Bay Resort’s annual New Year’s Eve Soirée. The open-air lobby bar will be filled with live music and entertainment, including Cirque du Soleil-style performers and fire knife dancers. You can also order tasty dishes, fun cocktails and wines, too. Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
