North Shore Endurance Swim – 5K & 10K Swim race on the North Shore of Oahu

About

The North Shore 5k/10k Endurance Swim hosted by EAT PONO is Hawaiiʻs first and only 5k & 10k swim race from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay.

Date: Saturday, August 1st, 2026

Start Time: 7:00am 10k; 8:30am 5k

5k Course: starts at Sunset Beach and follows the North Shore coastline to Waimea Bay. Swimmers will round Keiki Point, go past Shark’s Cove and Three Tables before entering the bay for their final approach.

10k Course: starts at Waimea Bay and follows the coastline to the turnaround at Sunset Beach before returning to Waimea Bay for the finish.

5k Details

Check-in opens at 6:00am. Race starts promptly at 8:30am.

This will be an in-water start from Sunset Beach. No separate heats.

There will be a single triangle turn buoy near the finish at Waimea Bay. Keep this buoy on your left shoulder.

There is a 2.5-hour time limit for this race. Lifeguards have the authority to pull swimmers from the course if they are not making sufficient progress or are endangering themselves or others.

You do not have to qualify for the 5k swim but please be honest about your fitness and ability as this is a tough swim.

10k Details

Check-in opens at 6:00am. Race starts promptly at 7:00am.

This will be a beach start from Waimea Bay. No separate heats.

There are two turn buoys on this course. The first is at the turn-around at Sunset Beach and the second is at Waimea Bay near the finish. Pass both on your left shoulder. In the event there are two round orange buoys at Sunset you only need to swim around ONE of them. Note: we will provide an aid station kayak at the turn-around offering hydration (electrolytes & gel).

To qualify for this race you must be able to show that you have completed a 2.3-mile race in under 2 hours within the previous 12 months.

An escort OR swim buoy is required for the 10k swim. Kayaks, SUPs, or Paddle Boards are acceptable. We do not supply escorts or crafts for this event. Escorts must have ocean experience, understand the swim course, and are prepared for the amount of time they will be on the water. A separate briefing with all escorts will take place before the usual race briefing.

There is a 3.5-hour time limit for this race. We do want everyone who starts to finish. If you are close to the cut-off time we will do our best to make sure you’re still able to finish, pending a final decision by Water Patrol.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my race number and packet?

Race numbers and timing chips are provided on race day only. No advance packet pickup.

Can I wear Fins for this event?

There will be a separate Fin Division for the 5k swim ONLY. Fins are not allowed for the 10k distance.

Can I use an escort?

Escorts or a swim buoy are required for the 10k race. Escorts are not allowed for the 5k race. Ocean Patrol will be in the water at all times for your safety. See the course map, rules & information page more details.