Ke Iki Beach on the North Shore | Oahu Tide Pools

Ke Iki Beach, Worthy of a Staycation

I was recently at a birthday celebration at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows on the north shore of Oahu. Adults chatted on the lanai with microbrews in hand while our children played in a wild mob below on the beach. “What do you call a group of children?”, a friend mused. We went over animal counterparts. There is a pod of dolphins, a gaggle of geese, a murder of crows … Wait, that last one. There’s something to it. We eyed the children who were deeply involved in an imaginative world with a clear power structure. They were armed with a variety of large sticks and there was a great deal of militant shouting. It all felt very Lord of the Flies.

In other words, we all had an amazing weekend. I may have undervalued the concept of the staycation in the past. After all, it’s hard to spend money on a vacation rental when you already pay a fortune to live by a beautiful beach. Maybe age has made me appreciate comfort more. Maybe I got carried away with too many cheap international flights last year (I blame you Pomelo). In any case, I’m fully sold on the staycation concept and Ke Iki Beach may be my new favorite place. Don’t worry. It’s not just for staycations.

Love for Oahu Tide Pools

Over the winter months, Ke iki Beach is a bit of a bear. Breath-takingly powerful surf, a steep shore break and rip currents make it hazardous for kids. Come spring, the waters of the north shore begin to mellow and beckon to snorkelers and paddleboarders alike.

If the conditions are too rough to go in, plan for a low tide visit. Delicate feet can explore the exposed tidal shelf for crabs, sea slugs, urchins and other critters. It’s not as expansive as adjacent Shark’s Cove, but fun nonetheless. And at any time of year, sunset is a spectacle worth a visit.

Preparing for a Visit to Ke iki Beach

1. Reef-safe Sunscreen – Did you know that some sunscreen ingredients are highly damaging to coral reef ecosystems and exposure has been linked to coral bleaching and coral DNA damage? That’s why Hawaii banned the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and octocrylene in 2021. P.S., most of these chemicals are bad for humans as well and have been banned in other countries. What to do? Keep yourself covered with UV protective clothing and use reef safe sunscreen.
2. A trusty Dry Bag – Keep your valuables and electronics snug, dry, and sand-free. A dry bag ensures peace of mind while you dive into the Cove’s beauty! The dry bags low key cousin – Ziploc bag – also does the same job. Either way, wrap valuables in a towel and tuck under a rock to keep gear out of the sun.
3. A dip net and bucket. – If you have little kids who love to explore, visit at low tide to explore the tidal shelf. However, always keep an eye on the ocean as big waves can sweep you off the shelf.
4. Water and snacks. Bring more than you think you will need. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the bay without food or water.
5. Shade. Ke iki beach is delightfully wide but that means the shade of the trees is far from the water. Bring some shade if you plan to spend an afternoon here. Sunglasses are soothing, and if it’s not too windy, a big hat or shade tent.

Beyond Ke iki Beach – More to Explore

Are You Looking for More Oahu Tide Pools?

If the surf is up on the north shore or the tide is high, you can try one of these options below.

• Neighboring Sharks Cove has even better snorkeling and tide-pooling – weather permitting.
• Turtle Bay. North of the Turtle Bay hotel you can find protected pockets of beach where kids can splash among the fish. Best at low tide.
• Paradise Cove in Koolina is a protected, natural swimming cove often frequented by sea turtles.
• Baby Makapuu on the windward side has more tide pool action.

Local Eateries To Savor Near Ke iki Beach

If you wish to round off a magnificent beach day with mouth-watering local dishes, you’ve got a variety of choices.

• Directly across from the sharks cove is a cluster of food trucks. The lineup changes regularly but it’s easy to pop across the street to satisfy your post-snorkeling hunger. Alternatively, Foodland has bentos, poke, sushi, and sandwiches if a picnic fits your style better. That’s what we do ;)
• Ted’s Bakery is famous for its chocolate haupia cream pie, but also makes a solid local style breakfast or lunch spot.
• Banzai sushi is a stylish spot for sushi & Japanese fare. I know not everyone loves sushi, but my kids always ask to stop here. It has traditional floor seating & outdoor patio. Downside – it doesn’t open until 4pm.
• Wicked HI cafe is a little out of the way, but my family loves this spot so much! They serve fresh, oven baked pizza (goat cheese, honey, arugula is amazing!) and must-try local slushies. The combo is so good after a beach day. Bonus, they’re next door to Paala kai bakery so you can take home so famous snow puffies for later.
• Island Vintage Coffee in North Shore offers a very tasty, high-quality, Hawaii-grown coffee for aficionados in need of a fix.

Whether you pack a picnic or plan to explore these local gems, a culinary adventure awaits you after your snorkeling journey at Sharks Cove!

Hikes near Ke iki Beach

• Ehukai Pillbox Hike. A quick that rewards you with samples of strawberry guava and panoramic ocean views.
• Waimea Valley Waterfall Hike. More of a stroll since its paved, but it’s a lovely stroll.

Hawaii Family Photo Session!

Let Little Bird plan a fun day for your family so you can make memories and you can take home beautiful images. Check out family photo sessions on the north shore here and here.

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