7 Best Places to Paddle Board in North Shore, HI

Welcome to the paradise of North Shore, Hawaii.

Are you ready to discover the best places to paddle board in North Shore?

Let the waves and warm Aloha spirit guide you on an unforgettable adventure. Dive in and explore with us.

Map

Planning Your Paddle in North Shore

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. September is the warmest month, averaging 85 °F.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists one place within 16 miles that hires out boards, kayaks or canoes: Blue Planet Adventure Co Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals in Haleiwa. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in North Shore

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Waimea Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Waimea Bay Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters during summer, powerful waves in winter
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, fish, occasional dolphins
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Waimea Valley, O’ahu’s North Shore
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during winter swells, heed local warnings

Waimea Bay, located on O’ahu’s North Shore, is a popular summer paddle boarding destination known for its picturesque beach and calm, clear waters.

While winter brings big waves for surfers, the summer season provides perfect conditions for paddle boarders to enjoy.

#2 Anahulu River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Haleiwa Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, fish, birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic Haleiwa Town, lush green scenery
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, watch for boat traffic

Anahulu River in Haleiwa is an ideal spot to glide through tranquil water surrounded by lush greenery.

Paddle boarders can often spot sea turtles and a variety of fish as they explore this serene location just a short distance from the ocean.

#3 Chun’s Reef

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Chun’s Reef Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mornings, varying conditions during the day
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, occasional sea turtles
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Picturesque coastline, turquoise waters
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check local wave forecasts, avoid days with high swells

Chun’s Reef, a serene beach break, is known for its stunning crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches.

Located on the North Shore, it is an excellent destination for paddle boarding, offering incredible views and opportunities to encounter marine wildlife up close.

#4 Sunset Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Sunset Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm in summer, powerful waves in winter
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, ocean birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Panoramic coastline, epic sunsets
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious in winter, always check forecasts before setting off

Sunset Beach is another premier North Shore destination for paddle boarding during the summer months.

With its calm, clear waters and vibrant marine life, this picturesque location is perfect for soaking up some sun and exploring the spectacular coastline.

#5 Haleiwa Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Protected bay, calm waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea turtles, fish, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Iconic surf breaks, historic Haleiwa town
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local guidance

Haleiwa Bay offers a calm, sheltered spot for paddle boarding on O’ahu’s North Shore.

With crystal-clear water and opportunities to catch glimpses of sea turtles gliding below, this welcoming bay is perfect for both beginners and experienced paddle boarders alike.

#6 Puaena Point Beach Park

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Puaena Point Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm in summer, occasional waves
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, sea turtles, ocean birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: North Shore coastline, nearby surf breaks
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe surf conditions, be aware of rip currents

Puaena Point Beach Park, located near Haleiwa, offers a beautiful shoreline for paddleboarding during the summer months.

With clear waters and the opportunity to observe marine life up close, it’s an excellent spot for a peaceful ocean paddle.

#7 Malaekahana Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Malaekahana State Recreation Area (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered bay, calm waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, sea turtles, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lush greenery, nearby Goat Island
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch out for boat traffic, observe state park rules

Malaekahana Bay, located a short drive away from North Shore, offers a serene and sheltered spot for paddle boarding, with calm waters surrounded by lush greenery.

Explore the bay and nearby Goat Island while keeping an eye out for marine life in this hidden gem.

The North Shore is a winter no-go and a summer treat, and the difference is dramatic. Haleiwa is the sheltered harbour there, the Big Island the volcanic alternative and Lanai the quiet one.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case