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- Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu. The North Shore of Oahu is a surfer's paradise, famous worldwide for its epic surf spots. Catching waves here is a must for both pros and newbies.
- Relaxation at Waimea Bay Beach Park. If you're looking for some downtime during your North Shore Oahu adventure, Waimea Bay Beach Park should definitely be on your list of places to go.
- Go Hiking In North Shore Oahu. North Shore Oahu is a haven for hikers. With its stunning landscapes and impressive vistas that stretch from the sacred Waimea Valley to the rugged Kahuku Hills, the area makes for an excellent hiking destination.
- Marine Life Exploration in North Shore Oahu. Marine life exploration in North Shore Oahu offers a rare opportunity for awe-inspiring encounters with some of the most magnificent creatures of the deep.
- Stop at Green World Coffee Farm. To help keep you energized on your way up north, make sure to stop by the Green World Coffee Farm. Although it’s not technically on the North Shore (it’s located outside of Wahiawa), it’s worth a stopover for a quick espresso or slice of banana bread.
- Visit the Waialua Sugar Mill. The historic Waialua Sugar Mill first opened in 1865 and was one of the island’s most successful plantations and mills for more than 140 years.
- Eat and Tour Kahuku Farms. Kahuku Farms is one of the best places to eat for farm-to-table cuisine. The food is outstanding, and almost every ingredient comes directly from the farm (or sourced from neighboring farms on Oahu).
- Visit Malaekahana Beach. A hidden gem on the tippy top of Oahu, Malaekahana Beach is one of our favorite places to go snorkeling. It’s a bit off the beaten path for most tourists, so you’ll truly get that laid-back local feel when you visit.
- How to Get to Oahu
- How to Get Around Oahu
- When to Start Your North Shore Day Trip
- Oahu North Shore Day Trip: Essential Packing List
- Where to Stay in Oahu
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Honolulu International Airport (HNL), the one that you’re most likely flying into, is conveniently located in Honolulu. The HNL airport is about 20 minutes away from Waikiki and about 45 minutes away from Haleiwa (a town on the North Shore). There are plenty of ways to get to and from the airport upon arrival or departure. If you’re staying in Waik...
Waikiki / Honolulu area
If you’re happy staying in the Waikiki / Honolulu area for the majority of your trip, then a car rental is not needed. There are plenty of great public transportation options that make it easy to travel around the main areas of Oahu, like the bustling downtown area and popular tourist attractions. There’s an excellent local bus systemcalled TheBus, that mostly services Honolulu and Waikiki, but has lines extending out to just about every major town on the island. Catching a ride on The Bus is...
The rest of the island
Those looking to explore past what Waikiki offers and do as the locals will prefer to rent a car. Renting a car is the most popular option for travelers visiting Oahu. Because the island is spread out with lots and lots of things to do in many of the island’s neighborhoods, you can see a ton more with a car rental. If you plan on exploring parts of the island outside of Waikiki, a car is absolutely necessary and you will not regret the decision of renting one. Even if you are staying in Waiki...
If you’re staying in the Waikiki area, it’ll take you about 45 min to 1 hour to get to your first few stops in this itinerary. If you do this North Shore day trip on a weekday, the initial drive to get to the North Shore will be on the longer side compared to taking the day trip on a weekend. This is because, just like in any other city, there is r...
Bring a lightweight jacket.
The weather is quite variable depending on what part of the island you’re on. Depending on when you go, one side of the island can be sunny while the other side sees fog and rain. Nights sometimes get cold, as do hiking summits. And the last time we visited, it was both windy and sporadically windy for 1-2 days! To best be prepared for all types of elements, go with a lightweight rain jacket to cover all your bases.
Sunscreen is a must.
Even if you don’t normally wear sunscreen outdoors, I implore you to wear sunscreen, especially during your first few days in Hawaii. If you do burn easily make sure to also pack some aloe vera gel. Even if it’s overcast and cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors. If you plan on snorkeling near the reefs, choose a coral reef-safe brand, as traditional sunscreen contains chemicals that damage and even kill the precious reefs. Here are a few travel-s...
Don’t forget the bug spray.
When you are packing for Hawaii in general, you may want to consider getting some travel-sized mosquito repellent. While mosquitos don’t hang around Waikiki, they can be found in the more lush tropical settings of the island. While mosquitos exist year-round, the peak season for mosquito activity is during the warmer months, running from March through early November. Repellent may not be asnecessary on Oahu compared to some of the other less developed islands, but it’s good to have it just in...
Staying in Honolulu/Waikiki can be a good idea for first-timers, as it puts you close to plenty of introductory things to do, places to eat and shop, and tourist attractions. While it is convenient and close to a lot of restaurants, bars, and shopping, there are some drawbacks. First off, because of how compact and populated this area is, street pa...
Explore the natural beauty, delicious food, and fresh produce of Oahu's stunning North Shore, featuring stops at beaches, food truck stands, a mac nut farm, a coffee farm, the world-famous Dole farm, and much more. Learn how to get to and around the North Shore, when to start your trip, and what to expect at each stop.
Explore the legendary North Shore of Oʻahu, where epic waves, stunning beaches, and rich culture await. Learn about surfing, shave ice, farms, ranches, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
- Cliff Jump at Waimea Bay. Waimea Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Between the calm waters in the summer and the surfable waves in the winter, this beach is always a ton of fun.
- Find the Secret Stairs at Waimea Bay. One of the lesser known things to do at Waimea Bay is find the secret stairs. Straight out of a movie, these stairs take you to an amazing view of the bay.
- Let the Kids Snorkel at Shark’s Cove. Shark’s Cove is the most kid-friendly snorkeling place on Oahu in general, not just on the North Shore. Within just a few feet of water, you can find schools of colorful fish, tons of sea urchins, and even a sea cucumber or two!
- Snorkel at Three Tables. While Shark’s Cove is the most well-known snorkel spot on the North Shore, Three Tables may be the best. As the neighboring beach to Shark’s Cove, there’s a lot of overlap with the types of sea creatures you’ll see, but Three Tables just has a lot more space and reef to explore.
Things to Do in Oahu's North Shore, Hawaii: See Tripadvisor's 108,968 traveler reviews and photos of Oahu's North Shore tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Oahu's North Shore. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
Jan 13, 2024 · Discover the best activities, beaches, and food on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Learn from a local expert how to enjoy the stunning scenery, wildlife, and culture of this playground island.
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