Pūpūkea is on the North Shore of Oahu. Pūpūkea is a popular area on Oʻahu's North Shore for surfing, diving, and snorkeling. The best known surfing sites of Velzyland, Sunset (at Sunset Beach Park), Kammieland, Pūpūkea, ʻEhukai, Pipeline (these latter two off adjacent ʻEhukai 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.
Understand
[edit]In Hawaiian, pūpūkea means "white shell".
Get in
[edit]Get around
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Map of Pūpūkea
See
[edit]- 1 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.
- 2 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.
- 3 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
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- 1 Shark Cove (in Pupukea Beach Park). 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.
- 2 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).
- 3 '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.
- 4 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.
- 5 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
[edit]- 1 North Shore Surf Shop, 59-063 Pahoe Rd (Across the highway from Shark Cover and Pupukea Beach Park), ☏ +1 808 638-0390. Surfboard, wetsuit, and snorkel gear rental along with assorted souvenirs.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Ted's Bakery, 59-024 Kamehameha Hwy (near Sunset Beach, a little north of Pupukea), ☏ +1 808 638-8207. 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.
- 2 The Beet Box Lunch Wagon (at Waihuena Farm), 59-414 Kamehameha Hwy (closest dirt road on Haleiwa side of Sunset Elementary School, c. 1mi towards Kahuku from Foodland Pupukea, near Banzai Pipeline), ☏ +1 808-366-8666, [email protected]. Sa-W 11:00-17:00 (weather permitting). Lacto-ovo-vegetarian, natural foods