Pua'ena Point Beach Park
A serene North Shore beach park known for abundant sea turtles, beginner surf waves, and vibrant tide pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pools & turtles
Pua'ena Point Beach Park
Best Time
Best for tide pools & turtles
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene North Shore beach park known for abundant sea turtles, beginner surf waves, and vibrant tide pools.
"A hidden gem with amazing sea turtles and gentle waves perfect for learning to surf!"
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Rocky shores and tide pools require sturdy footwear. Protect your feet and explore with confidence!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles and never touch them. Observe their natural behavior respectfully.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Sea Turtles
Shoreline and shallow waters
Witness majestic sea turtles gracefully swimming near the shore or basking on the sand. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Beginner-Friendly Surf Breaks
Main beach area
Catch your first wave or practice your skills on the gentle, consistent swells perfect for learning to surf.
Vibrant Tide Pools
Rocky areas during low tide
Explore fascinating tide pools filled with colorful marine creatures, offering a glimpse into the ocean's diverse ecosystem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tide Pools
Surf's Up for Beginners
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Rocky shores and tide pools require sturdy footwear. Protect your feet and explore with confidence!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles and never touch them. Observe their natural behavior respectfully.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Ideal for beginners! Many surf schools offer lessons and rentals right at the beach.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Rocky shores and tide pools require sturdy footwear. Protect your feet and explore with confidence!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from sea turtles and never touch them. Observe their natural behavior respectfully.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Ideal for beginners! Many surf schools offer lessons and rentals right at the beach.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly.
☀️ Shaded Spots
Enjoy the beach even on sunny days; there are shaded areas perfect for relaxing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Pua'ena Point Beach Park as a serene North Shore gem, particularly for its abundant sea turtle sightings and beginner-friendly surf conditions. Many appreciate the natural beauty and the opportunity to explore tide pools. Some note that parking can be challenging and recommend wearing water shoes due to the rocky terrain.
"Looking for sea turtles and found them swimming close to shore at this beach. We didn’t stay long enough for them to come up to shore but you can definitely see them. There are also restrooms here and you can wash off once you leave the beach."
Jeannie Moy
"Wow there's a turtle conservation in this beach and those sea turtles were huge. Water was shallow and clear. North shore has the best beaches in summer."
Nanako Fumie
"End of the road from the North side of Oahu. Nice spot to take in the beauty of the sea and the island."
George Almodovar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pua'ena Point Beach Park is located at the end of the road on the North Shore of Oahu, past Haleiwa town. You can drive there and parking is available, though it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
While public transport options exist to get to Haleiwa town, direct bus routes to Pua'ena Point Beach Park are limited. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is often more convenient for reaching the park directly.
To secure a parking spot, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, particularly during peak seasons or weekends.
Yes, Pua'ena Point Beach Park is situated near Haleiwa town, known for its charming shops and eateries like Haleiwa Bowls, and other popular North Shore beaches like Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline.
The drive to Pua'ena Point Beach Park is scenic, winding through the North Shore. Be prepared for potentially narrow roads as you get closer to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pua'ena Point Beach Park is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors.
Pua'ena Point Beach Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific closing times posted, but it's advisable to leave before dark for safety.
No advance booking is required for Pua'ena Point Beach Park as it is a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks. However, it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
While specific pet policies can vary, it's generally recommended to check local signage or regulations regarding pets on beaches in Hawaii. Many beaches have leash laws or restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, beginner surfing, snorkeling in the tide pools, sunbathing, and observing sea turtles. It's also a great spot for a relaxing picnic.
Yes, the tide pools and calmer areas around Pua'ena Point are excellent for snorkeling, especially when the water is clear and calm. You can often spot sea turtles and various marine life.
Yes, there are restrooms available at Pua'ena Point Beach Park, and some visitors mention being able to wash off after leaving the beach.
The waves at Pua'ena Point are generally gentle, making it suitable for beginner swimmers and surfers. However, always be aware of ocean conditions and swim with caution.
Pua'ena Point is famous for its abundant sea turtles. You might also see various fish and marine invertebrates in the tide pools.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of sea turtles, surfers catching waves, the vibrant tide pools, and the picturesque North Shore coastline. The sunsets here can also be spectacular. 
Absolutely! The western-facing aspect of the North Shore often provides beautiful sunset views over the ocean, making it a great spot for photography.
Sea turtles are often spotted throughout the day, but early mornings during low tide can offer clearer views as they come closer to shore.
The entire shoreline offers great perspectives. For a wider view, consider the slightly elevated areas near the parking lot. The rocky outcrops are also photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing wildlife from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy a leisurely lunch by the sea. While there aren't extensive playgrounds, the natural environment itself provides plenty of entertainment. Watching the surfers can also be a captivating activity for younger visitors.
🏄♀️ Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
+1 Even experienced surfers can enjoy the calmer conditions for a relaxed session. The park is also a great spot to simply watch the local surf scene unfold. Beyond surfing, the clear waters are inviting for snorkeling, especially around the tide pools where you can often spot sea turtles.
🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts
The tide pools also offer a fascinating glimpse into a diverse underwater world. Bring your snorkel gear to explore the vibrant marine life that inhabits these natural pools.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Encountering Sea Turtles at Pua'ena Point
When visiting, especially during low tide, you might find turtles foraging in the shallow waters or basking in the sun. The clear, calm waters make them relatively easy to spot. Many visitors recommend wearing water shoes as the rocky areas where turtles often frequent can be slippery. Observing them in their natural habitat is a highlight for many, offering a profound connection with Hawaii's marine biodiversity.
Conservation efforts are active in the area, with organizations like One Ocean Conservation hosting beach cleanups to protect the marine environment that supports these turtles.
By being mindful visitors and respecting the wildlife, we can ensure Pua'ena Point remains a safe and thriving sanctuary for these beloved creatures for generations to come.Learning to Surf on Oahu's North Shore
Instructors at Pua'ena Point focus on fundamental techniques, from paddling and popping up to riding the gentle breaks. The sandy bottom in some areas and the relatively protected nature of the cove contribute to a safer learning environment. Even if you don't plan to surf, watching the surfers navigate the waves is a quintessential North Shore experience.
For those new to surfing, it's highly recommended to take a lesson. Local instructors can provide invaluable tips on wave selection, safety, and etiquette, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and respect other surfers in the water.
Exploring the Tide Pools
To best explore the tide pools, plan your visit during low tide. This is when the pools are most accessible and their inhabitants are most visible. It's essential to wear sturdy water shoes or reef walkers, as the rocky surfaces can be sharp and slippery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit