The famous North Shore of Oʻahu is one of the most amazing places to visit in Hawaiʻi! Whether as a day trip or a weeklong holiday, the surf culture, relaxed vibes, and mouthwatering food (hello, garlic shrimp!), makes this one of the most popular places to visit on the island. If you’re planning a trip, or just arrived, here are the best things to do on the North Shore of Oʻahu!
From huge surf competitions to a chill morning kayak near sea turtles, the Oʻahu North Shore offers lots of outdoor adventures that are ideal for both thrillseekers and families.
I hope this guide to the North Shore of Hawaiʻi helps you make the most of your trip!
Take in the Sunset on a Horseback Ride
One of my top North Shore activities has to be a sunset horseback ride at Turtle Bay Resort. Anyone can visit the Stables at Turtle Bay for a gentle trail ride through their scenic trails (look for the giant banyan tree!) and onto the beach for a memorable sunset along an idyllic beach. You don’t need to stay at the resort to book a trail ride, so anyone can enjoy their beautiful property this way.
It offers such a unique perspective that the ranch staff are very passionate about what they do, ensuring everyone is comfortable, even if they haven’t ridden in a while (me!).
If you want to ride, it’s best to bring along long pants, as you’ll be more comfortable and it can actually get cool in the evenings.
Dive With Sharks
If you crave adventure, one of the top things to do on Oʻahu’s North Shore is to head out into the ocean and learn about sharks first hand—seriously! There are several operators that offer cage-free snorkelling on the North Shore, which I personally believe is a more ethical way to observe sharks.
I went with One Ocean, and it’s always best to set off early for the best (calmest) ocean conditions. The staff do an amazing job of educating visitors about the importance of shark conservation as well. We saw many Galapagos sharks, a few reef sharks, and even two tigers, more commonly sighted in the summer months.
Is it nerve-wracking to ease into the deep ocean with sharks? Honestly, yes. But once I was in, I felt completely comfortable and it was amazing to see such majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The swim takes place in an area where two currents naturally converge, which creates prime feeding conditions and attracts many sharks.
If you love the oceans and wildlife, I’d put this on your North Shore Oʻahu bucket list.
Relax With a Shave Ice
Shave ice is a Hawaiian dessert that tastes absolutely divine on a hot day. Not to be confused with a snow cone, shave ice is a sweet treat made from ice, fruit juice or flavoured sugars, and sometimes topped with ice cream.
The most famous in Haleʻiwa is Matsumoto Shave Ice, which has been operating since 1951 and a visit is an established Hawaiian tradition for many visitors. But, they aren’t the only game in town, so definitely make some time in your North Shore itinerary to include a shave ice stop.
Look for Sea Turtles As You Kayak
Taking out a kayak, or even a paddleboard, in calm waters is one of the best ways to enjoy the beaches of the North Shore. There are numerous shops to rent one from, including Rainbow Watersports and Hawaiʻi Beach Time, but you can also take a guided kayak tour with Shaka Kayaks, departing from Turtle Bay Resort. They’re an eco-friendly and locally-owned business.
I was fortunate enough to spend a morning on their Kayaking & Turtle Tour and it’s a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to learn about sea turtles. We were lucky enough to spot dozens in a sheltered North Shore bay, but I also love that Shaka Kayaks are passionate about protecting both the environment and the bay’s residential turtles, recording and sharing daily turtle population data with local researchers.
Snorkel at Sharks Cove and Oʻahu North Shore Beaches
Some of the best snorkelling on the North Shore is at Shark’s Cove, a natural tidal pool made from lava rock. It’s part of Pupukea Beach Park and is easy to access from Highway 83, although parking can be limited.
A wide range of marine life can be found here (although, despite the name, it’s not really a sharky kind of place), but keep a lookout for sea turtles, wrasse, and humuhumunukunukuapua’a, the Hawaiian state fish!
Due to the high surf that the North Shore experiences each winter, Shark’s Cove is best visited in the summer months, when you can enjoy those glassy, flat conditions that make snorkelling so much nicer (and safer). This is one of the best free things to do on the North Shore too—I always bring my own snorkel and mask when I head to a beach destination, but you can also rent them in Haleʻiwa.
Other popular North Shore beaches to visit include Ke Iki and Laniakea, discussed below.
Explore the Historic Haleʻiwa Town
This fun surf town is known for its laid-back vibes, North Shore food trucks, and surfing in the winter months. You’ll find fun art galleries, delicious garlic shrimp, and lots of surf shops to check out when you visit.
Although it can get very busy here, the town still feels much more chill than many other areas of the island. If you’re spending a day on the North Shore, the local food trucks can be a great place to buy lunch. Giovanni’s may be the most popular shrimp truck, but as a local cab driver tells me, the best shrimp truck is the one with the shortest line.
Hike the Waimea Valley Trail (Bonus: There’s a Waterfall at the End!)
The North Shore isn’t just about beaches! Visiting the Waimea Valley offers a world-class botanical garden, but also a picturesque waterfall and a safe swimming hole. You can easily spend several hours here, with the garden home to some of the most beautiful hibiscus and also many heirloom Hawaiian botanicals.
If you’re hoping for a Hawaiian waterfall, this is also a top place to visit, with Waimea Falls about a 30-minute walk along a mostly paved path. You can also swim here and lifejackets are available.
Waimea Valley does charge an admission fee, their website is the best place for the most up to date information.
Lace up Your Sneakers for the ʻEhukai Pillbox Hike
Also known as the Sunset Pillbox hike, this walk is generally less crowded than the more well-known Lanikai Pillbox Trail. It’s around two miles round trip, but has steep inclines, taking you to discover several pillboxes, which are former military bunkers.
The walk begins behind Sunset Elementary School and is signposted so you can find the starting point. In addition to the pillboxes, you’ll get some epic views of the coast and even the Banzai Pipeline.
For more inspiration, here are some of the best hikes on Oʻahu to check out.
Observe Sea Turtles at Laniakea Beach
If you’re hoping to see honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, a stop at Laniakea Beach is a must on any itinerary. You can almost always see large turtles here, swimming or basking in the sun.
Turtles are amazing and special creatures, but many species are also endangered and the State of Hawaiʻi has strict laws in place to protect both the turtles and their habitat and to ensure their natural behaviours aren’t disturbed. Aim to keep a distance of at least ten feet.
You’ll find Laniakea along Kamehameha Highway, about a mile outside town. You’ll notice it as soon as you start seeing cars parked along the side of the road. Because locals depend on this highway for getting around town, you’ll definitely earn their respect (and avoid getting a ticket!) by ensuring your car doesn’t block any of the roads.
Chill Out With a Sunset Pina Colada at Turtle Bay Resort
After a day of exploring the islands, there is basically nothing better than taking in the sunset with a beautifully refreshing pina colada or Mai Tai. Even if you’re not staying at Turtle Bay, you’re still welcome to enjoy their bars and restaurants—Roy’s Beach House is a top option for a sundowner, but the sunset views from Off the Lip Lobby Bar are also unbeatable.
If you’re around in the evening, this is one of the best things to do on the North Shore of Oʻahu. Turtle Bay also does an evening paniolo luau, celebrating the Hawaiian cowboy culture of the islands.
Watch the North Shore Surfers in the Winter Months
From around November to early March, serious swells come into the beaches of the North Shore—you may have heard of the famous Banzai Pipeline—but this area draws surfers from all around the world, eager to catch a ride on waves that can be up to 30 feet in size! Banzai can be found at ʻEhukai Beach Park, and it’s seriously impressive in winter.
Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay are top options for surf watching, but you can also watch from anywhere in the world, thanks to Surfline, a website offering live surf cams across Hawaiʻi. The North Shore Oʻahu waves are really something else.
Do I Need a Car on O’ahu’s North Shore?
The North Shore is fairly spread out and doesn’t have frequent public transportation, so if you’re staying in the area, it’s a great idea to rent a car. That way, it’ll not only be easy to get to and from the airport, but you’ll have the convenience to explore at your own pace.
If you’re staying at Turtle Bay Resort, you can also rent a Tesla hourly (or daily), via the Envoy Mobility app. I tried this one morning, and let me say, there are few things that make you feel cooler than cruising around the North Shore in a brand-new Tesla. However, renting a car from the airport is the more affordable option to get around, especially if you want to hop around and do lots of different North Shore activities.
For those picking up cars from the airport, note that some of the car rental companies, especially the budget options, may have long lines for check-in and car pickup at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport during peak travel periods.
Can I Visit the North Shore on a Day Trip from Waikīkī?
Yes! It’s an extremely popular day trip, but traffic on the island can be intense—it may take quite some time to get there and back. How long does it take to get to the North Shore? Waikīkī to the North Shore is generally around 1-2 hours, but small, two-lane roads and lots of eager tourists mean that a bit of patience and flexibility will go a long way. If you need to arrive at a particular time, definitely leave earlier than you think.
Oh, and depending on the driving route you take, you may be able to stop off at the Dole Plantation—try the dole whip, you won’t regret it. The Oʻahu North Shore food trucks are pretty famous too, so arrive on an empty stomach!
If you don’t have a car, there are many tour operators who’ll take you out for the day and show you some of the highlights. Oahu Photography Tours is a great option for small group trips, especially if you’re into photography–I did a day trip with them myself and can highly recommend it.
Where to stay on the North Shore
While I love the excitement of staying in Waikīkī, the North Shore offers such a refreshing and relaxing change of pace. A day trip is a great taster, but if you really want to slow down and experience more, I’d recommend spending a few nights in the area so you don’t have to rush.
There are fewer North Shore Oʻahu hotels than you’ll find down south, which I personally think is a good thing, as it definitely feels so much less crowded. One of the best resorts on the North Shore, if not the whole island, has to be Turtle Bay Resort. It’s a luxury destination, so a bit of a splurge, but everything about this place just makes you feel instantly relaxed. If your budget allows, this is a top choice—I absolutely loved the adults-only infinity pool, the open-air design of the resort, and the beautiful meals and outdoor seating at the Ocean Club Lounge, an optional add-on that provides breakfast, lunch, snacks, and happy hour throughout the day.
Travel Tips for Visiting the North Shore
- If you’re visiting for the day, leave as early as possible! You’ll beat some of the traffic and maximise your time to discover the beauty of the region.
- It feels like night versus day in the oceans between the summer and winter months. Always take caution year-round when swimming in any ocean, but especially when the waves are much higher from late autumn through early spring. Common sense, but best to swim on lifeguarded beaches only.
- I always try to support locally owned businesses when I travel, especially on the Hawaiian islands—you’ll find plenty on the North Shore!
- Stop off at any produce stand and pick up some fresh fruit, it’ll be to die for. Sweet, juicy, and freshly picked, so good.
- I mentioned earlier, but definitely be prepared for some traffic. This is why it’s great to spend a night or two on the North Shore, as it means you can take your time.
- Have an amazing time! Take tons of photos, explore secret hideaways and live it up, this is such a special place to explore so make the most of it. There are so many things to do on the North Shore, so I’m sure you’ll love it.
Featured image credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Daeja Faris.
The writer visited the North Shore with the support of Hawaiian Airlines and Turtle Bay Resort, but all opinions are her own.