Many of our guests have shared with us how convenient it was for them to have a campervan while visiting O’ahu during the winter season! Visitors to the island during this time of year are usually faced with skyrocketed Airbnb and Hotel Rates. Guests love that Hawai’i Beach Campervans offers accommodation and transportation all in one.
Because we’ve listened to our guests, we thought it would be helpful to create this guide should any future guests be interested in traveling O’ahu by beach campervan for a Hawaiian winter vacation! Here are some of the best places to see surf, the best places to grab some grub, and the best places to camp on Oahu’s famous North Shore. We hope this helps you plan a trip of a lifetime!
The Surf
Waimea Bay
Famous for it’s 50 foot waves and a world class surf competition, “The Eddie,” Waimea Bay has been a treasured spot of the Hawaiians for centuries. “Haoles” or newcomers from Australia and areas of California stumbled upon its glassy swells in the 50’s. Though Hawaiians had been surfing it’s waves prior to “new discovery” the surf spot quickly rose to fame. Incredibly dangerous, but offering the most thrilling rides on the North Shore of O’ahu! This is not the place to try surfing yourself, but above all you will be stunned by the big wave surfers out in this arena. Truly a once in a lifetime experience to witness! Travel tip: If you plan to go spend a day at Waimea, be sure to arrive at the parking lot early in the morning! Spots fill up quickly.
Pipeline
All up and down this stretch of beach you’ll find various types of breaks with surfers hitting them hard! Pipeline, a legendary spot for its 20 foot waves, will hold competitions throughout the season. If you’re visiting at this time be on the lookout! Pipeline is a reef break, with steep waves that crash on shallow shelves. It makes for a beautiful and high paced wave, but is also incredibly dangerous. You’ll be amazed at how some of these surfers navigate the break! This stretch of beach offers great access to watch surf. You may even run into Kelly Slater!
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a great place to hangout, and also watch some good surf. Competitions are held here between mid-November and February therefore you’ll want to check this shore out too! Access to parking in this area is usually found along Kam Highway, but be sure to arrive early. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is held at this break between the end of October and the middle of December. In addition, HIC Pro Sunset Beach is also held at Sunset Beach between the end of October and the middle of November! So many opportunities to witness some of the best competitions in existence. You won’t want to miss out!
Grub
Seven Brothers at the Mill
On the cusp of the North Shore and the Windward Coast, nestled in the Kahuku Sugar Mill plaza you’ll find Seven Brothers at the Mill. A good place to grab a grass fed burger, and some fresh home fries! You won’t want to miss their Paniolo Burger, a classic, featuring brioche buns, patty, lettuce, tomato, 2 fresh onion rings, a slice of pineapple, drizzle with barbeque sauce. However, if you’re not a burger person, they still have something for you! Their ahi steaks or coconut mac nut shrimp are to die for, served with a side of rice and a house salad. Don’t miss out on this gem!
Ono Yo
If you stop at Seven Brothers for lunch or dinner, be sure to walk a few feet over to Ono Yo for dessert. We can’t ever resist a treat from this lil’ food truck specializing in organic greek yogurt, authentic brazilian acai and fresh fruit to top it all off! In addition, it’s a great stop to try Hawaii’s local and seasonal fruits. Whether you’re a fruit lover, a chocolate lover, or somewhere in between, their combination of flavors will have you dreaming about it for days! Not only a dessert that tastes good, but also one that is good for your digestion and immunity. Ono Yo makes the top of our list!
Ted’s Bakery
Found easily on Kamehameha Highway just south of Sunset Beach, Ted’s Bakery is a great place for a classic plate lunch! Kalbi, Katsu, Garlic Shrimp, you name it and they got it all. You won’t be disappointed in their side of mac salad and rice. It makes a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Above all, Ted’s is famous for their delectable cream pies. Their Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie is the favorite among many options. Ted’s is not only a place for visitors, but is also a home spot for locals so you know it must be good!
Pupukea Grill
We can not rave about Pupukea Grill enough! Found neighbor to Foodland, across from Shark’s Cove, this food truck is one of a kind. Offering flavors from local produce, and so many different “Instagram Worthy” menu items, this place is sure to become a favorite of yours. You’ll want to try the Hawaiian Bowl as it features a twist on local favorites such as spicy tuna, kalua pork, lomi salmon, brown rice and purple sweet potato mash. Lastly, it is the perfect way to top off your day at the beach!
Setting Up Camp
Malaekahana
This spot is a diamond in the rough! Malaekahana is found on the cusp of the North Shore and the Windward Side of the island. Additionally, It neighbors Seven Brothers at the Mill and Ono Yo. This campground is ideal for beach campervans! In other words, you’ll love the privacy and seclusion it offers, with beautiful beach fronts, and a short drive to some of the North Shore’s best shorelines! This campground is equipped with showers, grills, picnic tables, and a place to park your camper. However, be sure to check out their website for information about the campground and how to obtain a permit for your beach campervan.
Mokuleia
This spot is found on the opposite end of the North Shore, just north of Haleiwa town! Offering stunning views of Kaena Point, you’ll love what Mokuleia Camp has to offer! With a short drive to Haleiwa town, this camp spot offers great access to some of the best restaurants and shops on the North Shore of O’ahu. Not to mention, sunrises and sunsets from the camp are unbelievable! However, be sure to get in contact with them about permits for their camp ahead of time should you choose to make this your spot for parking your beach campervan!
Thanks for reading! We hope this guide was helpful in planning your campervan trip to Hawai’i for the winter season! Above all, it is truly a once in a lifetime experience, and we’d love the opportunity to show you a great time! Book your trip now with Hawaii Beach Campervans!
Ciao!
The Hawai’i Beach Campervan Team