Jump to content

North Shore (Oahu): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 21°37′11″N 158°05′08″W / 21.6197°N 158.0856°W / 21.6197; -158.0856
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edit by Kalagrace (talk) to last version by Cabayi
 
(40 intermediate revisions by 27 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Coast of Oʻahu}}
{{short description|Coast of Oʻahu}}
[[File:North Shore Hawaii filmed with a drone.webm|thumb|North Shore Hawaii filmed with a drone]]
[[Image:Nshore.jpg|320px|right|thumb|A sign announcing the entrance to the community of [[Hale'iwa, Hawai'i|Haleʻiwa]], the North Shore's largest settlement.]]
The '''North Shore''', in the context of geography of the [[Oahu|Island of O{{okina}}ahu]], refers to the north-facing coastal area of O{{okina}}ahu between [[Kaena Point|Ka{{okina}}ena Point]] and [[Kahuku, Hawai'i|Kahuku]] Point, [[Hawaii]].
The '''North Shore''', in the context of geography of the [[Oahu|Island of O{{okina}}ahu]], refers to the north-facing coastal area of O{{okina}}ahu between [[Kaena Point|Ka{{okina}}ena Point]] and [[Kahuku, Hawai'i|Kahuku]]. The largest settlement is [[Haleiwa, Hawaii|Hale{{okina}}iwa]].


The largest settlement is [[Haleiwa, Hawaii|Hale{{okina}}iwa]]. This area is best known for its massive waves, attracting surfers from all around the globe.
This area is best known for its massive waves, attracting surfers from all around the globe.


==Surfing==
==Surfing==
Line 9: Line 9:
The northern hemisphere winter months on the North Shore see a concentration of [[surfing]] activity, taking advantage of swells originating in the stormy North Pacific. Notable surfing spots include [[Waimea Bay]] and [[Sunset Beach (Oahu)|Sunset Beach]].
The northern hemisphere winter months on the North Shore see a concentration of [[surfing]] activity, taking advantage of swells originating in the stormy North Pacific. Notable surfing spots include [[Waimea Bay]] and [[Sunset Beach (Oahu)|Sunset Beach]].


The spot of Ehukai Beach, commonly known as the [[Banzai Pipeline]], is the most notable surfing spot on the North Shore, and is considered a prime spot for competitions due to its close proximity to the beach, giving spectators, judges, and photographers a great view.
[[Banzai Pipeline]], located at Ehukai Beach, is the most famous surfing spot on the North Shore and is consistently ranked one of the top surf spots in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jade Bremner, for|title=World's 50 best surf spots|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/50-surf-spots/index.html|access-date=2021-06-16|website=CNN|language=en}}</ref> It is a prime spot for competitions due to its close proximity to the beach, giving spectators, judges, and photographers a great view.


The North Shore is considered to be the surfing mecca of the world, and every December hosts three competitions, which make up the [[Triple Crown of Surfing]].
The North Shore is considered to be the surfing mecca of the world. Every December, the area hosts three competitions, which make up the [[Triple Crown of Surfing]].
The three men's competitions are the [[Reef Hawaiian Pro]], the [[O'Neill World Cup of Surfing]], and the [[Billabong Pipeline Masters]].
The three men's competitions are the [[Hawaiian Pro]], the [[O'Neill World Cup of Surfing]], and the [[Billabong Pipeline Masters]].
The Pipe Masters was founded in 1971 and is regarded as the sport's top surfing contest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eos.surf/entries/pipeline-masters/|title=Pipe Masters|last=Warshaw|first=Matt|date=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> The three women's competitions are the [[Reef Hawaiian Pro]], the [[Triple Crown of Surfing#Roxy Pro|
The Pipe Masters was founded in 1971 and is regarded as the sport's top surfing contest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eos.surf/entries/pipeline-masters/|title=Pipe Masters|last=Warshaw|first=Matt}}</ref> The three women's competitions are the [[Hawaiian Pro]], the [[Triple Crown of Surfing#Roxy Pro|
Roxy Pro Sunset]], and the [[Billabong Pro]] on the neighboring island of [[Maui]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://triplecrownofsurfing.com/ |title=2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing hydrated by vitaminwater |publisher=Triplecrownofsurfing.com |date= |accessdate=January 3, 2013}}</ref>
Roxy Pro Sunset]], and the [[Billabong Pro]] on the neighboring island of [[Maui]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://triplecrownofsurfing.com/ |title=2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing hydrated by vitaminwater |publisher=Triplecrownofsurfing.com |access-date=January 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031051459/http://www.triplecrownofsurfing.com/ |archive-date=October 31, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


[[Waimea Bay]] plays host to the [[Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau]]. This is an exclusive competition and participants must be invited. The competitions has a scheduled window of dates each winter, however the competition has a minimum requirement of {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=on}} waves. Therefore, the competition is not held every year.
[[Waimea Bay]] hosts the [[Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau]]. This is an exclusive competition that participants must be invited to. The competitions has a scheduled window of dates each winter, however the competition has a minimum requirement of consistent, {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=on}} waves. Therefore, the competition is not held every year.


Although the North Shore is known for its large winter surf, there are a number of surf schools that teach a beginner the basics of surfing in coves that are protected from the larger waves.
Although the North Shore is known for its large winter surf, there are a number of surf schools that teach a beginner the basics of surfing in coves that are protected from the larger waves.


==Television and film==
==Television and film==
[[File:North Shore Oahu Map.jpg|thumb|280px|Satellite image of North Shore]]
[[File:North Shore Oahu Map.jpg|thumb|280px|A satellite image of the North Shore.]]
Due to its natural environment, proximity to [[Honolulu]], and large waves, the North Shore is a popular area for filming.
Due to its natural environment, proximity to [[Honolulu]], and large waves, the North Shore is a popular area for filming.


The [[documentary film]] [[Bustin' Down the Door|''Bustin' Down The Door'' (2008)]] chronicles the rise of professional [[surfing]] in the early 1970s.
The [[documentary film]] [[Bustin' Down the Door|''Bustin' Down the Door'' (2008)]] chronicles the rise of professional [[surfing]] in the early 1970s.


The [[Fox Network]] TV show ''[[North Shore (TV series)|North Shore]]'' was filmed there. [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'' was filmed almost entirely on O'ahu, with much of it filmed on the North Shore, including in the area of [[Turtle Bay, O'ahu|Turtle Bay]].
The [[Fox Network]] TV show ''[[North Shore (2004 TV series)|North Shore]]'' was filmed there. [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[Lost (2004 TV series)|Lost]]'' was filmed almost entirely on O'ahu, with much of it filmed on the North Shore, including in the area of [[Turtle Bay, O'ahu|Turtle Bay]].


The North Shore was also the setting for the movies ''[[Ride the Wild Surf]]'', ''[[North Shore (1987 film)|North Shore]]'', ''[[Blue Crush]]'', ''[[The Big Bounce (2004 film)|The Big Bounce]]'', and ''[[Forgetting Sarah Marshall]]'', as well as being fictionalized for the animated film ''[[Surf's Up (film)|Surf's Up]]''.
The North Shore was also the setting for the movies ''[[Ride the Wild Surf]]'' (1964), ''[[North Shore (1987 film)|North Shore]]'' (1987), ''[[Blue Crush]]'' (2002), ''[[The Big Bounce (2004 film)|The Big Bounce]]'' (2004), and ''[[Forgetting Sarah Marshall]]'' (2008), as well as being fictionalized for the animated film ''[[Surf's Up (film)|Surf's Up]]''.


Since December 2015 [[Hale'iwa]] and [[Pupukea]] have been the setting for the popular German reality TV show ''Die Reimanns'' portraying the life of the Reimann family on their lush estate in Sunset Hills.
Since December 2015 [[Hale'iwa]] and [[Pupukea]] have been the setting for the popular German reality TV show ''Die Reimanns''<ref>{{Citation |title=Die Reimanns – Ein außergewöhnliches Leben |date=2022-01-27 |url=https://de.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Die_Reimanns_%E2%80%93_Ein_au%C3%9Fergew%C3%B6hnliches_Leben&oldid=219610197 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-04-25 |language=de}}</ref> portraying the life of the Reimann family on their lush estate in Sunset Hills.


==Accommodation==
==Accommodation==


The North Shore only houses one large commercial hotel, the [[Turtle Bay Resort]], which also has 2 world-class [[golf]] courses.
The North Shore only houses one large commercial hotel, the [[Turtle Bay Resort]], which also has two world-class [[golf]] courses designed by [[Arnold Palmer]] and [[George Fazio]]. Other accommodations are available in privately run condos, house rentals, and a [[youth hostel]].<ref>[http://honolulu.citysearch.com/profile/3191860/haleiwa_hi/backpackers_vacation_inn_and_plantation_village.html Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village]</ref>
Other accommodations are available in privately run condos, house rentals, and a [[youth hostel]].<ref>[http://honolulu.citysearch.com/profile/3191860/haleiwa_hi/backpackers_vacation_inn_and_plantation_village.html Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village]</ref>


==Activities==
==Activities==
While the North Shore is most famous for its [[surfing]], there are a number of other popular activities on the North Shore including [[hiking]], [[scuba diving]], shark cage diving, [[snorkeling]], [[food trucks]], [[shopping]], [[shave ice]], [[dolphin]] tours, etc. Some of the most famous spots to visit include [[Waimea Bay]], Waimea Falls, [[Haleiwa]] town, [[Kaena Point]], and Laniakea Beach (to see turtles). <ref>[https://www.seekspot.com/north-category/activities-and-sports North Shore activities] Retrieved 18 September 2018.</ref>
While the North Shore is most famous for its [[surfing]], there are a number of other popular activities on the North Shore including [[hiking]], [[scuba diving]], shark cage diving, [[surfing lessons]], [[snorkeling]], [[food trucks]], [[foilboard]], [[shopping]], [[shave ice]], [[dolphin]] tours, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=North Shore Surf Lessons |url=https://northshoreohanaschoolofsurfing.com/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=North Shore Ohana School of Surfing |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Floods and beach erosion==
==Floods and beach erosion==
[[File:The perfect wave at the Banzai Pipeline.png|thumb|A set of waves coming in at [[Banzai Pipeline]].]]
The high surf during the winter months regularly causes flooding along the North Shore, which lead to a temporary closure of [[Kamehameha Highway]] and [[erosion]] of some beaches, including a toll on oceanfront homes.<ref>[http://khon2.com/2016/02/21/kamehameha-hwy-reopens-along-oahus-north-shore-as-extreme-surf-subsides/ Extreme surf] Retrieved 11 June 2017.</ref>
The surf during the winter months regularly cause flooding along the North Shore, which may lead to temporary closure of [[Kamehameha Highway]], [[erosion]] of some beaches, and take a toll on oceanfront homes.<ref>[http://khon2.com/2016/02/21/kamehameha-hwy-reopens-along-oahus-north-shore-as-extreme-surf-subsides/ Extreme surf] Retrieved 11 June 2017.</ref>

North Shore is known for its extreme high surf in the winter season, starting around early November and possibly lasting to as long as June or July.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2010-02-02|title=How to see North Shore, Oahu's massive winter waves for yourself|url=https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/how-to-see-north-shore-oahus-massive-winter-waves-for-yourself/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=Hawaii Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Waves around this time are around 16 feet on average as measured from top to bottom of the waves' "face" -- the side of the wave that faces the shore. However, during the peak of the season, these waves can rise to around 45 to even 60 feet in size.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-17|title=Biggest swell in years hits Oahu's North Shore|url=https://www.khon2.com/local-news/biggest-swell-in-years-hits-oahus-north-shore/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=KHON2|language=en-US}}</ref> Because of this extreme size and power that occurs every winter, [[coastal erosion]] increases and can pose a great threat to houses along the shoreline.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Confronting Shoreline Erosion on O'ahu {{!}} U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit|url=https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/confronting-shoreline-erosion-o%E2%80%98ahu|access-date=2021-12-13|website=toolkit.climate.gov}}</ref>

Moreover, these intense swells also cause the tide to rise to unusually high levels, further contributing to coastal erosion and also leading to major flooding throughout the North Shore. These floods can disrupt [[Wetland|coastal wetlands]], putting important ecosystems in danger and threatening their habitat.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=SeaLevelRise.org|title=Hawaii's Sea Level Has Risen 10" Since 1950|url=https://sealevelrise.org/states/hawaii/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=Sea Level Rise}}</ref> It can also greatly damage business and economy in the North Shore, especially in [[Haleiwa, Hawaii|Haleiwa]], as it can damage shop interiors, merchandise, and force certain businesses to close.<ref name=":0" />

Although the majority of the North Shore’s coastal erosion is caused by the extreme surf during the winter season, there are many other factors that contribute to erosion such as [[climate change]] and [[Sea level rise|rising sea levels]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Factors that can affect coastal cliff erosion. {{!}} U.S. Geological Survey|url=https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/factors-can-affect-coastal-cliff-erosion|access-date=2021-12-13|website=www.usgs.gov}}</ref> Climate change, referring to a change in the usual weather patterns and temperatures, often results in rising sea levels because of thermal expansion in the water. As our ocean waters continue to get hotter due to climate change, it expands resulting in the rising sea levels.<ref>{{Cite web|last=US EPA|first=OAR|date=2016-06-27|title=Climate Change Indicators: Oceans|url=https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/oceans|access-date=2021-12-13|website=www.epa.gov|language=en}}</ref>

From 1950 to 2015, ocean temperatures rose by 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=SeaLevelRise.org|title=Sea Level Rise Causes|url=https://sealevelrise.org/causes/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=Sea Level Rise}}</ref> Because Earth's oceans are so massive, this is extremely significant. This change in temperature has led to more than 6 inches of sea level rise, causing on average a 233% increase in [[tidal flooding]] across the U.S.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=SeaLevelRise.org|title=America's Sea Level Has Risen 6.5 Inches|url=https://sealevelrise.org/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=Sea Level Rise}}</ref> Higher seas amplify the effects of [[Storm|storms]], [[Tropical cyclone|hurricanes]], [[Rainstorm|rainstorms]], and high tide, increasing the significance of these events.<ref name=":1" /> However, the majority of this rise in sea level occurred in the last 20 years because the rate of sea level rise is accelerating, with levels rising about one inch every eight years, and that rate is expected to continue accelerating.<ref name=":1" />

As for Hawai’i specifically, the speed at which the sea levels are rising has increased, with levels rising as much as one inch every four years.<ref name=":0" /> Scientists expect sea levels to continue rising, forecasting that in the next twelve years, the sea level will rise by another six inches depending on how fast the ocean warms and the ice melts.<ref name=":0" /> This combination of a constant gradual rise in sea levels, climate change, extreme surf, susceptibility to storms, floods, hurricanes, and high tides causes a great level of coastal erosion that can put homeowners on the shoreline at extremely high risk. Moreover, this erosion can permanently change the beaches and surf breaks on the North Shore because of the severe amount of land lost.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hawai'i's Coastline - Oahu {{!}} Hawaii Coastal Geology Group|url=http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/coasts/publications/hawaiiCoastline/oahu.html|access-date=2021-12-13|website=www.soest.hawaii.edu}}</ref>


==Communities==
==Communities==
*[[Haleiwa]]
*[[Haleiwa]]
*[[Kahuku]]
*[[Kahuku]]
*[[Laie]]
*[[Mokuleia]]
*[[Mokuleia]]
*[[Pupukea]]
*[[Pupukea]]
Line 54: Line 63:
==Notable residents==
==Notable residents==



*[[Rochelle Ballard]], professional surfer
*[[Owl Chapman]], surfer
*[[Owl Chapman]], surfer and surfboard shaper
*[[Darrick Doerner]], surfer
*[[Darrick Doerner]], surfer
*[[Jim Evans (artist)|Jim Evans]], artist
*[[Jim Evans (artist)|Jim Evans]], artist
*[[John John Florence]], professional surfer
*[[John John Florence]], professional surfer
*[[Brian Grazer]], Oscar-winning film and television producer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/world-on-a-wave/2|author= Tom Austin|title=Surfing Oahu's North Shore; Oahu's North Shore Scene |publisher=[[Travel + Leisure]] |date=July 2006 |accessdate=January 3, 2013}}</ref>
*[[Brian Grazer]], [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]]-winning film and television producer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/world-on-a-wave/2|author= Tom Austin|title=Surfing Oahu's North Shore; Oahu's North Shore Scene |publisher=[[Travel + Leisure]] |date=July 2006 |access-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref>
*[[Bruce Irons (surfer)|Bruce Irons]], professional surfer
*[[Bruce Irons (surfer)|Bruce Irons]], professional surfer
*[[Jack Johnson (musician)|Jack Johnson]], folk rock singer-songwriter
*[[Jack Johnson (musician)|Jack Johnson]], [[folk rock]] singer-songwriter
*[[Samuel Kamakau]], historian
*[[Samuel Kamakau]], historian
*[[Stanley Kennedy Sr.]], founder of [[Hawaiian Airlines]]
*[[Jamie O'Brien (surfer)|Jamie O'Brien]], professional surfer
*[[Jamie O'Brien (surfer)|Jamie O'Brien]], professional surfer
*[[Frederick Patacchia]], professional surfer
*[[Frederick Patacchia]], professional surfer
*[[Makua Rothman]], professional surfer
*[[Makua Rothman]], professional surfer
*[[Arto Saari]], professional [[Skateboarding|skateboarder]] and [[Photography|photographer]]
*[[Paul Theroux]], American travel writer and novelist<ref>{{cite web|title=Theroux: No Place Like Home|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/theroux-no-place-like-home/|work=CBS: Sunday Morning|date=August 3, 2001|accessdate=December 15, 2015}}</ref>
*[[Paul Theroux]], American travel writer and novelist<ref>{{cite web|title=Theroux: No Place Like Home|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/theroux-no-place-like-home/|work=CBS: Sunday Morning|date=August 3, 2001|access-date=December 15, 2015}}</ref>
*[[Butch Van Artsdalen]], surfer
*[[Butch Van Artsdalen]], surfer
*[[Carol Philips]], Bodyboarder
*[[Tamayo Perry]], surfer, lifeguard and actor


==References==
==References==
Line 74: Line 87:
== External links ==
== External links ==
{{wikivoyage|North Shore (Oahu)}}
{{wikivoyage|North Shore (Oahu)}}
* [https://seekspot.com O{{okina}}ahu North Shore, Directory]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110714223206/http://www.oahusurfforecast.com/ O{{okina}}ahu Surf Conditions, Radar, and Forecasts]
* [http://www.oahusurfforecast.com/ O{{okina}}ahu Surf Conditions, Radar, and Forecasts]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100926171125/http://outsideonline.com/outside/magazine/0497/9704feswell.html 'Life Among The Swells']: William Finnegan from ''[[Outside (magazine)|Outside]]'' magazine gives a detailed insight into the professional surfing world on the North Shore of O{{okina}}ahu.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100926171125/http://outsideonline.com/outside/magazine/0497/9704feswell.html 'Life Among The Swells']: William Finnegan from ''[[Outside (magazine)|Outside]]'' magazine gives a detailed insight into the professional surfing world on the North Shore of O{{okina}}ahu.
* [http://gonorthshore.org/ O{{okina}}ahu North Shore Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://gonorthshore.org/ O{{okina}}ahu North Shore Chamber of Commerce]

Latest revision as of 08:56, 22 October 2024

North Shore Hawaii filmed with a drone

The North Shore, in the context of geography of the Island of Oʻahu, refers to the north-facing coastal area of Oʻahu between Kaʻena Point and Kahuku. The largest settlement is Haleʻiwa.

This area is best known for its massive waves, attracting surfers from all around the globe.

Surfing

[edit]
A surfer navigating a wave during an amateur competition at the North Shore's Banzai Pipeline.

The northern hemisphere winter months on the North Shore see a concentration of surfing activity, taking advantage of swells originating in the stormy North Pacific. Notable surfing spots include Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach.

Banzai Pipeline, located at Ehukai Beach, is the most famous surfing spot on the North Shore and is consistently ranked one of the top surf spots in the world.[1] It is a prime spot for competitions due to its close proximity to the beach, giving spectators, judges, and photographers a great view.

The North Shore is considered to be the surfing mecca of the world. Every December, the area hosts three competitions, which make up the Triple Crown of Surfing. The three men's competitions are the Hawaiian Pro, the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipeline Masters. The Pipe Masters was founded in 1971 and is regarded as the sport's top surfing contest.[2] The three women's competitions are the Hawaiian Pro, the Roxy Pro Sunset, and the Billabong Pro on the neighboring island of Maui.[3]

Waimea Bay hosts the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau. This is an exclusive competition that participants must be invited to. The competitions has a scheduled window of dates each winter, however the competition has a minimum requirement of consistent, 20-foot (6.1 m) waves. Therefore, the competition is not held every year.

Although the North Shore is known for its large winter surf, there are a number of surf schools that teach a beginner the basics of surfing in coves that are protected from the larger waves.

Television and film

[edit]
A satellite image of the North Shore.

Due to its natural environment, proximity to Honolulu, and large waves, the North Shore is a popular area for filming.

The documentary film Bustin' Down the Door (2008) chronicles the rise of professional surfing in the early 1970s.

The Fox Network TV show North Shore was filmed there. ABC's Lost was filmed almost entirely on O'ahu, with much of it filmed on the North Shore, including in the area of Turtle Bay.

The North Shore was also the setting for the movies Ride the Wild Surf (1964), North Shore (1987), Blue Crush (2002), The Big Bounce (2004), and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), as well as being fictionalized for the animated film Surf's Up.

Since December 2015 Hale'iwa and Pupukea have been the setting for the popular German reality TV show Die Reimanns[4] portraying the life of the Reimann family on their lush estate in Sunset Hills.

Accommodation

[edit]

The North Shore only houses one large commercial hotel, the Turtle Bay Resort, which also has two world-class golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and George Fazio. Other accommodations are available in privately run condos, house rentals, and a youth hostel.[5]

Activities

[edit]

While the North Shore is most famous for its surfing, there are a number of other popular activities on the North Shore including hiking, scuba diving, shark cage diving, surfing lessons, snorkeling, food trucks, foilboard, shopping, shave ice, dolphin tours, etc.[6]

Floods and beach erosion

[edit]
A set of waves coming in at Banzai Pipeline.

The surf during the winter months regularly cause flooding along the North Shore, which may lead to temporary closure of Kamehameha Highway, erosion of some beaches, and take a toll on oceanfront homes.[7]

North Shore is known for its extreme high surf in the winter season, starting around early November and possibly lasting to as long as June or July.[8] Waves around this time are around 16 feet on average as measured from top to bottom of the waves' "face" -- the side of the wave that faces the shore. However, during the peak of the season, these waves can rise to around 45 to even 60 feet in size.[9] Because of this extreme size and power that occurs every winter, coastal erosion increases and can pose a great threat to houses along the shoreline.[10]

Moreover, these intense swells also cause the tide to rise to unusually high levels, further contributing to coastal erosion and also leading to major flooding throughout the North Shore. These floods can disrupt coastal wetlands, putting important ecosystems in danger and threatening their habitat.[11] It can also greatly damage business and economy in the North Shore, especially in Haleiwa, as it can damage shop interiors, merchandise, and force certain businesses to close.[11]

Although the majority of the North Shore’s coastal erosion is caused by the extreme surf during the winter season, there are many other factors that contribute to erosion such as climate change and rising sea levels.[12] Climate change, referring to a change in the usual weather patterns and temperatures, often results in rising sea levels because of thermal expansion in the water. As our ocean waters continue to get hotter due to climate change, it expands resulting in the rising sea levels.[13]

From 1950 to 2015, ocean temperatures rose by 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit.[14] Because Earth's oceans are so massive, this is extremely significant. This change in temperature has led to more than 6 inches of sea level rise, causing on average a 233% increase in tidal flooding across the U.S.[15] Higher seas amplify the effects of storms, hurricanes, rainstorms, and high tide, increasing the significance of these events.[15] However, the majority of this rise in sea level occurred in the last 20 years because the rate of sea level rise is accelerating, with levels rising about one inch every eight years, and that rate is expected to continue accelerating.[15]

As for Hawai’i specifically, the speed at which the sea levels are rising has increased, with levels rising as much as one inch every four years.[11] Scientists expect sea levels to continue rising, forecasting that in the next twelve years, the sea level will rise by another six inches depending on how fast the ocean warms and the ice melts.[11] This combination of a constant gradual rise in sea levels, climate change, extreme surf, susceptibility to storms, floods, hurricanes, and high tides causes a great level of coastal erosion that can put homeowners on the shoreline at extremely high risk. Moreover, this erosion can permanently change the beaches and surf breaks on the North Shore because of the severe amount of land lost.[16]

Communities

[edit]

Notable residents

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jade Bremner, for. "World's 50 best surf spots". CNN. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  2. ^ Warshaw, Matt. "Pipe Masters".
  3. ^ "2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing hydrated by vitaminwater". Triplecrownofsurfing.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  4. ^ "Die Reimanns – Ein außergewöhnliches Leben", Wikipedia (in German), 2022-01-27, retrieved 2023-04-25
  5. ^ Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village
  6. ^ "North Shore Surf Lessons". North Shore Ohana School of Surfing. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  7. ^ Extreme surf Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  8. ^ "How to see North Shore, Oahu's massive winter waves for yourself". Hawaii Magazine. 2010-02-02. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  9. ^ "Biggest swell in years hits Oahu's North Shore". KHON2. 2021-01-17. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  10. ^ "Confronting Shoreline Erosion on O'ahu | U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit". toolkit.climate.gov. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  11. ^ a b c d SeaLevelRise.org. "Hawaii's Sea Level Has Risen 10" Since 1950". Sea Level Rise. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  12. ^ "Factors that can affect coastal cliff erosion. | U.S. Geological Survey". www.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  13. ^ US EPA, OAR (2016-06-27). "Climate Change Indicators: Oceans". www.epa.gov. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  14. ^ SeaLevelRise.org. "Sea Level Rise Causes". Sea Level Rise. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  15. ^ a b c SeaLevelRise.org. "America's Sea Level Has Risen 6.5 Inches". Sea Level Rise. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  16. ^ "Hawai'i's Coastline - Oahu | Hawaii Coastal Geology Group". www.soest.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  17. ^ Tom Austin (July 2006). "Surfing Oahu's North Shore; Oahu's North Shore Scene". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  18. ^ "Theroux: No Place Like Home". CBS: Sunday Morning. August 3, 2001. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for North Shore (Oahu).

21°37′11″N 158°05′08″W / 21.6197°N 158.0856°W / 21.6197; -158.0856

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=North_Shore_(Oahu)&oldid=1252642256"