On the North Shore of the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, around an hour from Waikiki, you’ll find the laidback town of Haleiwa, known for its pristine beaches and the most famous surf spot in the world, the Banzai Pipeline. Thrill seekers come here to surf epic waves, which can reach up to 40 feet high at the Pipeline, on the two-mile stretch of Ehukai Beach. For a more relaxed vibe, head to Sunset Beach, which has silky soft sands for sunbathing and calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. As the name suggests, this is also a great place to catch a legendary Hawaiian sunset. You could try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding at Laniakea Beach, where you may also spot Hawaiian green sea turtles bathing on the algae-covered rocks.

Haleiwa town is full of historic buildings, which today are occupied by hip surf shops, cafes, restaurants, fashion boutiques, and art galleries, including the Haleiwa Art Gallery, which showcases works from local artists and photographers. For a true local’s experience, try some fresh local shrimp or pickled mango from one of the popular food trucks scattered around town.

Almost any time of the year is a good time to visit Haleiwa, with a great range of north shore vacation rentals available for your stay, including houses and condos. July through September are the warmest months, when you can expect hot and humid temperatures all day and night. In August, the region celebrates Hawaiian music, dance, and history with the month-long Aloha Festival.

Hawaii’s shoulder seasons offer cooler weather with some rain, but you can still expect mostly pleasant temperatures for enjoying the beach. In March, the Honolulu Festival in Waikiki is a three-day celebration featuring cultural experiences, art and craft demonstrations, music, dance, and a parade. Note that the hurricane season in Hawaii officially runs from June to November.

Waimea Valley

Head 10 minutes out of town to the lush Waimea Valley, where you can swim under a 45-foot waterfall and visit the Waimea Valley Arboretum and Botanical Garden. You can explore 600-year-old archaeological sites here, including the Hale o Lono Heiau, a temple dedicated to the god Lono. You can also experience cultural practices with locals, such as lei making, hala weaving, and a traditional Hawaiian luau.

Anahulu River

The calm waters of the Anahulu River, which feeds into Waimea Bay, are best explored through kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Perfect for casual paddlers and beginners, you can enjoy a slow paddle along the glassy river, where you’re likely to see an abundance of wildlife including sea turtles. The entire trip along the river takes about an hour, during which you’ll pass under the double arches of Rainbow Bridge.

Laniakea Beach

This is a popular beach for swimming, snorkeling, and respectfully witnessing sea turtles coming ashore to sun themselves. Laniakea Beach offers the opportunity to experience these graceful creatures in their natural habitat, but be aware that direct contact is strictly prohibited, and there are barriers separating the turtles from beachcombers. Volunteers are present at all times to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that no one gets too close to the turtles.