Overview
Pūpūkea is on the North Shore of Oahu. Pūpūkea is a popular area on Oahu's North Shore for surfing, diving, and snorkeling. The best known surfing sites of Velzyland, Sunset (at Sunset Beach Park), Kammieland, Pūpūkea, Ehukai, Pipeline (these latter two off adjacent Ehukai Beach Park and Banzai Beach) and lesser breaks are arrayed off this shore. Popular diving and snorkeling areas known as Three Tables and Sharks Cove are located at Pūpūkea Beach Park. At the southwest end of Pūpūkea is Waimea Bay, with one of the most popular beaches on the island forming the shore at Waimea Beach Park.
3 sights · 5 things to do · 2 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Pūpūkea
Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site
Located off Pupukea Homestead Road (Highway 835) from Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83) across from Pupukea fire station. This is the largest heiau (religious site or temple) on O'ahu, covering almost 2 acres. The name is …
Waimea Valley
Has a wide range of flora and fauna. There is also a beautiful waterfall at the end that you are allowed to swim under (bring your swimsuit). The walk is easy on a paved road; no stairs to climb. $15, Children $6.
Banzai Pipeline
One of the most famous surf sites for professional surfers from all around the world. The best time to witness it is in the winter, when the waves can reach up to 30-40 ft (9-12 m) high. Don't attempt surfing it unless y…
Shark Cove
There is some fine snorkeling here. While not as big as Hanama Bay on the south side of island, you also won't have to deal with the smothering crowds. Be sure to snorkel over to the deep channel where the ocean enters t…
Sunset Beach
Located off Hoalua Street and Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore. Named to promote the area's spectacular sunsets, this white sand beach is one of the longest running beaches on Oahu, stretching 2 mi (3 km) in length …
'Ehukai Beach Park
Also known as "Reddish tinged water", this also home of the famous Banzai Pipeline. In the winter months this beach features 30- to 40-ft (9-12 m) waves, when the swells are high, and frequented by many of the world's be…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HNL Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Oahu — 26 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MKK Molokai Airport, Kaunakakai — 71 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Waimea Valley, Waimea Bay Beach, Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site
- Lunch The Beet Box Lunch Wagon
- Afternoon Three Tables, Shark Cove
- Dinner Ted's Bakery
Day 2
- Morning Banzai Pipeline, 'Ehukai Beach Park
- Afternoon Sunset Beach
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
In Hawaiian, pūpūkea means "white shell".
See
See Banzai Pipeline
One of the most famous surf sites for professional surfers from all around the world. The best time to witness it is in the winter, when the waves can reach up to 30-40 ft (9-12 m) high. Don't attempt surfing it unless you're a very experienced surfer.
See Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site
Located off Pupukea Homestead Road (Highway 835) from Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83) across from Pupukea fire station. This is the largest heiau (religious site or temple) on O'ahu, covering almost 2 acres. The name is translated as "hill of escape".
Do
Do Shark Cove
There is some fine snorkeling here. While not as big as Hanama Bay on the south side of island, you also won't have to deal with the smothering crowds. Be sure to snorkel over to the deep channel where the ocean enters the cove to feel the surge as the water moves in and out.
Do Sunset Beach
Located off Hoalua Street and Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore. Named to promote the area's spectacular sunsets, this white sand beach is one of the longest running beaches on Oahu, stretching 2 mi (3 km) in length and between 200-300 ft (61-91 m) in width at some spots. Home to several internationally renowned surfing contests, including the Triple Crown of Surfing since 1983. A bike path runs from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay - a great way to spend the day exploring the hidden spots that you cannot see from the main road. Bike rentals available at Paradise Baby Co. (adult and children's bikes).
Do 'Ehukai Beach Park
Also known as "Reddish tinged water", this also home of the famous Banzai Pipeline. In the winter months this beach features 30- to 40-ft (9-12 m) waves, when the swells are high, and frequented by many of the world's best surfers. Part of the triple crown surf tournament, stay out of the water in the winter months unless you are familiar with the surf, due to the fierce breaking waves and strong undertow. However in the summer months the calm ocean makes a good spot for swimming and a good sandbar. Always check with a life guard at this beach before entering the water.
Do Three Tables
This beach located off the Kamehameha Highway, North Shore, between Sharks Cove and Waimea Bay. Part of the Pupukea Beach Marine Sanctuary, this popular dive area is named for three table-like sections of reef that can easily be seen during low tide.
Do Waimea Bay Beach
Located along Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore, Waimea means "red water" in Hawaiian. Waimea Bay is one of the most famous big wave surf sites in the world. Waves breaking on the north point of the bay often reach heights of 25 feet, attracting many of the best riders in the international surfing community. During the summer months the wide sand beach at Waimea is a popular swimming and snorkeling site. Part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District.
Buy
Shop North Shore Surf Shop
Surfboard, wetsuit, and snorkel gear rental along with assorted souvenirs.
Eat
Eat Ted's Bakery
Ted's is a North Shore institution, and if you haven't stuffed yourself with their homemade pies and delicious and filling breakfasts and lunches, you might as well have just stayed home. The mahi sandwich and fried shrimp are particularly tasty.
Eat The Beet Box Lunch Wagon (at Waihuena Farm)
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian, natural foods
Nearby
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Honolulu
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My experience
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