'Ehukai Beach Park & the Banzai Pipeline. What sets 'Ehukai apart is the view of the famous Banzai Pipeline, where the winter waves curl into magnificent tubes, making it an experienced wave-rider's dream. It's also an inexperienced swimmer's nightmare; spring and summer waves are more accommodating to the average swimmer. Except when the surf contests are going on, there's no reason to stay on the central strip. Travel either way on the beach, and the conditions remain the same. But the population thins out, leaving you with a magnificent stretch of sand all to yourself.
Address: Small parking lot borders Kamehameha Hwy. 1 mi north of Foodland at Pupukea.
Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park. The winter waves are impressive here, but in summer the ocean is like a lake, ideal for family swimming. The beach itself is big and often full of locals. Its broad lawn off the highway invites volleyball and Frisbee games and groups of barbecuers. This is also the opening break for the Triple Crown of Surfing, and the grass is often filled with art festivals or carnivals.
Address: North of Hale'iwa town center and past harbor on Kamehameha Hwy.
Mokule'ia Beach Park. There is a reason why the producers of the TV show Lost chose this beach for their set. On the remote northwest point of the island, it is about 10 mi from the closest store or public restroom; you could spend a day here and not see another living soul. And that is precisely its beauty -- all the joy of being stranded on a deserted island without the trauma of the plane crash. The beach is wide and white, the waters bright blue (but a little choppy) and full of sea turtles and other marine life. Mokule'ia is a great secret find, just remember to pack supplies and use caution as there are no lifeguards.
Address: East of Hale'iwa town center, across from Dillingham Airfield, HI
Sunset Beach. The beach is broad, the sand is soft, the summer waves are gentle, and the winter surf is crashing. Many love searching this shore for the puka shells that adorn the necklaces you see everywhere. Use caution in the water; at times the current can come ripping around the point. Carryout truck stands selling shave ice, plate lunches, and sodas usually line the adjacent highway.
Address: 1 mi north of 'Ehukai Beach Park on Kamehameha Hwy.
Turtle Bay. Now known more for its resort than its magnificent beach, Turtle Bay is mostly passed over on the way to the more known beaches of Sunset and Waimea. But for the average visitor with the average swimming capabilities, this is the place to be on the North Shore. The crescent-shape beach is protected by a huge sea wall. You can see and hear the fury of the northern swell, while blissfully floating in cool, calm waters. The convenience of this spot is also hard to pass up -- there is a concession selling sandwiches and sunblock right on the beach.
Address: 4 mi north of Kahuku on Kamehameha Hwy. Turn into the resort and let the guard know where you are going; they offer free parking to beach guests.
Waimea Bay. Made popular in that old Beach Boys song "Surfin' U.S.A.," Waimea Bay is a slice of big-wave heaven, home to king-size 25- to 30-foot winter waves. Summer is the time to swim and snorkel in the calm waters. The shore break is great for novice bodysurfers. Due to its popularity, the postage-stamp parking lot is quickly filled, but everyone parks along the side of the road and walks in. Use some caution as currents can get out of hand.
Address: Across from Waimea Valley, 3 mi north of Hale'iwa on Kamehameha Hwy.