The North Shore has some of the longest and prettiest stretches of beaches on the island, is world famous for its surfing in the winter season, and home to the quaint Haleiwa town, The West Side. On the leeward side, it has a hot and dry climate with less crowded beaches, some excellent snorkeling, and good chances to encounter dolphin pods. This side of Oahu is a little more rugged than the other parts of the island. Wherever you find yourself, try and embody the spirit of Aloha, don’t honk in traffic, be patient as the pace is a tad slower here than the rest of the island.
The East Side, the windward side, is generally a little more wet and windy than the rest of the island, lined by the Ko’olau Mountain range, and is home to the famous Lanikai, Kailua and Makapu’u beaches. It is generally the wetter side of the island, so even if it is a little overcast, wear your reef-safe sunscreen. Also, on the windward side, keep your eyes out for man-of-war jellyfish, eight days after the full moon, they look like little bubbles floating in the water with long blue strings for tails that will wrap around you and sting and it doesn’t feel nice.
The South Side, referred to by Kamaainas as “town”, is home to Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and fun surf year round, but mostly in the summer months.