Reviewed by Mario Garcia, General Manager at Windows Hawaii

What North Shore Weather Does to Windows

Winter swell kicks a lot of salt into the air, and it settles on everything near the coast. Aluminum frames start to pit, screens corrode, and steel hardware rusts until the windows won’t lock. Add wet winters and strong sun the rest of the year, and older windows tend to fail sooner here than in drier parts of the island.

Many North Shore homes are older beach houses and plantation-style homes with single-pane sliders or jalousie windows. They’re great for the breeze, but they let in rain, sand, bugs and noise, and they don’t lock well. If you see moisture between glass panes or water pooling on sills, our guide to window condensation in Hawaii explains what’s going on.

Best Window Choices Near the Ocean

  • Vinyl frames instead of aluminum. Vinyl doesn’t rust or pit in salt air. Our Ali’i Extreme windows use UV-inhibited vinyl developed for the Hawaiian climate, and we’re the only licensed distributor for them on Oahu.
  • Stainless steel hardware. Locks and hinges are usually the first thing to go near the beach. Ali’i Extreme uses specially treated stainless steel hardware.
  • Coated glass. A low-E coating blocks most UV rays and cuts heat coming through the glass, which helps protect floors and furniture from fading.
  • Impact glass for storms. If you’re worried about high winds, hurricane impact windows are tested against debris traveling 40 feet per second and built for winds up to 120 mph.
  • Windows that open wide. Casement and large sliding windows keep the trade winds coming in, which is why many people pick them to replace jalousies.

Doors and Siding for Coastal Homes

We also install entry and patio doors, including Therma-Tru fiberglass doors that won’t warp or rot in humid air, and Tru-Frame security screen doors. Lots of homeowners like being able to leave the main door open for air with a locked screen door in front. For walls, fiber cement siding holds up to moisture and termites better than wood.

North Shore Communities We Serve

We work in Haleiwa, Waialua, Mokuleia, Pupukea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku and Laie, and we also cover Hauula and Punaluu. If the house is a rental or second home, let us know and we’ll work out access with you or your property manager.

What to Expect

Curious about price first? Our window replacement cost guide shows typical Oahu ranges and has a quick calculator.

  1. Free in-home estimate. We come to you, measure each opening, look at the condition of the frames and give you a written price.
  2. Custom-built windows. Every window is made to fit its opening, which matters in older homes where sizes aren’t standard.
  3. Clean installation. We remove the old units, install and seal the new ones and haul away the debris.
  4. Warranty registration. We register your warranty so you’re covered for the long haul.

North Shore Window Replacement FAQs

Do you charge extra to come out to the North Shore?

No. Estimates are free anywhere on Oahu.

How do I keep new windows looking good near the beach?

Rinse the frames, tracks and screens with fresh water every month or two to wash off salt. Keep the tracks clear of sand so the windows slide easily and the seals last longer.

Can I replace just a few windows at a time?

Yes. Some homeowners start with the windows that face the ocean or the ones in the worst shape, then do the rest later.

Ready to get started? Call 808-671-0808 or request your free estimate. Live in town? See our Honolulu window replacement page.