Three Tables Beach, North Shore

A shallow, mellow swim in sparkling-clear pretty waters is what you can expect at Three Tables Beach during the summer. There are some lovely square black rock formations on your left and three rock tables out to sea. Families like this beach because there's a lot of shade under the abundant trees and the waters are calm near to shore. You can snorkel near the three tables- don't swim out there on rough days though. During the winter and spring this beach is sometimes closed due to dangerous conditions. On weekends this small beach is packed with people so come early.

To the north of Three Tables Beach is Shark's Cove. It is very shallow and not that good for swimming but people come here to snorkel. It is super nice to walk down the path to Shark's Cove and spend some time peering into the rock pools. You can see tropical fish of all varieties right in front of you.
A cheap place to stay up on the North Shore is across the street from Three Tables Beach- Backpackers youth hostel, which has a fun BBQ every night. For a little more luxury, you can stay in their private vacation rooms right on Three Tables Beach. They aren't that clean but the location is amazing, and you can join the BBQ if you stay there too. I've had some fun weekends staying there.
This beach has no restrooms or showers, but there is a restroom on the water between Three Tables Beach and Shark's Cove, across Kamehameha Highway from Foodland market (next to the fire station).
There's a Foodland supermarket just a little further north along Kamehameha Hwy, where you can get some deli foods for a picnic or buy souvenirs and Locals slippers (flip flops). The market has no restrooms.
At the end of Pupukea Road (Foodland market is at the foot of the road) is a cool hike on an abandoned military road.
Beaches on the North Shore from west to east are: Haleiwa Alii Beach, a less-appealing beach, but great spot to learn to surf; Turtle Beach, a small beach where you can see turtles lazing on the sand; Waimea Bay, where you can have an incredible, refreshing swim in the clearest water or relax on a large yellow-sand beach; Pipeline Beach, where you can watch surf culture; Sunset Beach, which has large winter waves for surfers; and Turtle Bay Hilton Beach, a pretty and magical spot but with more chance of bad weather.

Directions

Heading north along Kamehameha Hwy, Three Tables Beach is the first beach after Waimea Bay. There is a pullout from the road and a row of free parking spaces.
Backpackers Youth Hostel and Vacation Inn, 59-788 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, call (808) 638-7838.
Foodland Market, 59-720 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712.

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