Last Updated on June 11, 2023 by The Noms
We have compiled a list of the best 10 vacation rentals located on the North Shore. These Oahu, North Shore vacation rentals are great options that are about 45 minutes away from Honolulu. Best for traveling with other couples, your family, or just a romantic vacay for 2!
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We went with Jay’s parents, sister and our boys. So the place we stayed was great for families, but we will give you all sorts of options in this list for places to stay with your family, another couple or 2, or just you and your love! The north shore Oahu offers places to stay with easy access to the highway, miles of pristine beaches, food trucks, the Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Waimea Valley, perfect for the winter months or summer months alike.
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
We spent five days on the North Shore, and fell in love with certain places to eat like Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and the Sunrise Shack was a great option for breakfast. Good pastries were found at Ted’s! Poke and fresh fish were great options at the local grocery stores and that is where we got most of our fresh fish and poke for lunches and easy dinners!
We also found some great local honey, fruit, veggies and fish at the Waialua Farmer’s Coop Market at the Old Waialua Sugar Mill in Haleiwa.
The place we stayed a few years ago was right on Papailoa Beach, but explored Banzai Pipeline and watched surfers, Waimea Valley (bring your swim suit!), toured Ko Hana Distillery, and even checked out a few bars in Honolulu. We just enjoyed being right on the beach, and relaxing in the warm breezes and the boys absolutely loved being in the water and playing on the sand.
We had boogie boards, a full kitchen and an open lanai in our rental home, as well as room to spread out. It was the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful beach on the Pacific Ocean, and just a short drive to the small town of Haleiwa.
I think Jay and I both agreed it was the best sleep we ever got in our lives that week with our sliding door open in our bedroom at night and hearing the waves crash on the beach. It was the best natural sound machine we could have asked for!
North Shore
All of the North Shore is obviously on the north side of the island. There are new rules for staying in short term stays, either apartments or houses. Most you can rent out for 30 days only, it used to be for shorter stays, but the laws have changed, but some still offer short term rentals, you just have to look for them. On the north tip of the island, Turtle Bay Resort resides, which offers resort activities, beach access and family fun!
Just a short walk to the beach for you, golf courses, surfing lessons, swimming pools, hot tub access, and more, it can be one of the best places to stay on the North Shore. Great places to swim in the ocean with coral reefs making natural swimming areas.
Spirited Travel
Since starting our blog, Gastronom, we have been traveling all over the US. We always call our traveling “Spirited Travel” because we make sure to always make a visit to local breweries, wineries and distilleries! It’s always a great part of our trip, and we went to a great one on Hawaii!
We do judge a cool vacation rental on style, decor, location, price and fun, special amenities they may offer. We personally love to be able to cook at least breakfast for ourselves while traveling, and while doing a quick weekend away, this is completely up to you!
Equally, we love a nightcap, or a cocktail before going out to dinner! But, on the North Shore, just know its a bit of a drive to Honolulu (about an hour drive each way) and there are some farther north, or in Haleiwa, but probably not right near where you are staying.
Can You Swim on the North Shore, Hawaii?
Yes, and no. The water is rough during the winter, which is when the surf competitions are. But summer and fall are usually more calm, and you can swim and go snorkeling, and enjoy the North Short beaches to their full potential.
North Shore in 1 Day Ideas
- Matsumoto‘s for Shave Ice!
- Watch surfers at the Banzai Pipeline (best during the winter months)
- Shark Diving
- Turtle Beach: see the sea turtles, but don’t touch!
- Dole Plantation Tour
- Ehukai Pillbox Hike
- Make sure to stay for the sunset – we never had a bad one while we were there. Definitely worth waiting for. Take a picnic to the beach and enjoy!
How Long Does it Take To Drive from Honolulu to the North Shore?
It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Waikiki to Haleiwa town. If you go during rush hour it will take slightly longer, but otherwise the traffic moves pretty quickly. We went back and forth across the island quite a few times and only got caught in rush hour traffic one time, and it only delayed us about 10 minutes.
Haleiwa
Haleiwa town is a lovely small town on Oahu’s North Shore. One of the most popular places on the North Shore, it offers vacation homes within walking distance of cafes, art galleries and shops. It’s a perfect spot if you want to be near the town as well as near the beach with beautiful views. Haleiwa Beach Park offers access to some of the best beaches on Oahu island.
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Vacation Rentals on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
These dreamy short term stay options are great for a vacation rental if you are staying on Oahu, Hawaii on the North Shore for vacation.
Location: Pupukea
Guests: 4
Price: $217/night
This tiny home can accommodate 4, 2 with a king bed in the bedroom, and 2 on a pull out couch in the living room. 1 bathroom and kitchen, but you will probably be spending all your time outside!
The property offers access to fruit trees and gardens with fresh guava, bananas and avocados. There is a gas firepit, outdoor shower and grill, too. A 4 minute drive to the beach to surf, snorkel or partake in local food. Body boards and beach chairs are provided.
Location: Kawela Bay (Turtle Bay Resort)
Guests: 4
Price: $550/nt
A villa on a popular resort gives you access to all the resort has to offer! This 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom villa can sleep 4 (on a fold out couch), has a full kitchen and full bathroom.
You can also use the swimming pool, jacuzzi, outside showers and grills during your stay. This villa has access from the lanai right into the ocean!
Location: Kawela Bay
Guests: 4
Price: $420/nt
This beach front property is with a group of 4 guest houses, which makes it perfect for a large group or family reunion.
A house with a covered lanai, grill, outside shower, plus all modern amenities. Only the lawn is between you and the beach, right near tide pools and protected swimming area.
Location: Hauula
Guests: 3
Price: $125/nt
This beach bungalow has been redone, and can sleep 3. 2 more comfortably, but there is room for 1 more on a convertible loveseat. Kitchen, laundry facility and beach equipment is available to use. Just a short walk to the beach, and this can be rented for 30 days.
Location: Kawela Bay
Guests: 2
Price: $258/nt
This quiet apartment is up in the trees and gives a treehouse experience. With a spiral staircase to the second floor, this is a compact and perfect unit for 2!
On the Turtle Bay Resort, you have access to the swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course, spa activities, yoga, horseback riding and more!
Beach equipment is provided, a full kitchen is in the unit and a restaurant is located on site.
Location: Punaluu
Guests: 7
Price: $207/nt
This right on the ocean property is the perfect place to get away from it all for 30 days! 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, plus generous outside space makes room for everyone!
Paddle boards, kayaks, covered patio and a grill make it so you will want to just be outside all the time! Nearby snorkeling coves, too!
Location: Haleiwa
Guests: 2
Price: $670/nt
This lovely property has views of the ocean and sounds of the waves right on the deck and in the house. Just a quick 3 minute drive to Haleiwa to cafes and shops. Enjoy beautiful lanai sunsets!
Location: North Shore
Guests: 2
Price: $565/nt
This lovely property guesthouse on the 2nd floor of the property is a modern and lovely oasis. Skylights and beach views make for a paradise in the tropical breezes. Grills are available to make dinner in your kitchenette.
Beach equipment is available for your use.
Location: Haleiwa
Guests: 4
Price: $315/nt
A lovely house right on the beach, this is close to restaurants and shops in Haleiwa, too! Open concept inside, and a lovely space to spend time outside. Make a reservation at this beachfront getaway!
Location: Norht Shore
Guests: 4
Price: $540/nt
A lovely house right on the beach, there is 130 feet of beachfront access at this property. Beach equipment is included, boogie boards, kayaks and surfboards to enjoy the beach!
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