Travel resources
My top recommendations
After living on the North Shore for many years, I've seen how many visitors arrive unsure what to book or which experiences are worth adding to their itinerary. Here you'll find some of the activities, tours, and travel tools I often recommend.
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Waimea Valley & Luaus
Waimea Valley is one of the highlights of the North Shore, where you can walk through botanical gardens, swim at Waimea Falls, and see several historic Hawaiian sites along the way. You'll also find some of the best luaus on Oahu here. Both are very popular, so it's best to book ahead. You can check availability and book tickets below.
Waimea Valley
Walk through tropical botanical gardens and swim at Waimea Falls.
Toa Luau at Waimea Valley
Pair your visit to Waimea Valley with the evening Toa Luau.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Experience Polynesian culture through shows, cultural demonstrations, and the evening luau.
Boat Tours
Here are a few boat tours from Haleiwa Harbor that I often recommend while visiting the North Shore. Depending on the season, you can go shark cage diving, watch humpback whales, see dolphins, or join a snorkeling tour.
Shark Cage Diving
Get up close with sharks while safely inside a shark cage. Tours run year-round.
Whale Watching
Go whale watching and see humpback whales swimming and breaching near your boat. Tours run in winter.
Dolphin Watching Tour
See spinner dolphins swimming and spinning alongside your boat. Tours run in summer.
Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel in clear waters and see colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs. Tours run in summer.
Adventure Activities
Here are a few adventurous activities on the North Shore you can enjoy year-round, including surf lessons, paddling the Anahulu River, ziplining, and skydiving. You can check availability and book them right here.
Surf Lessons
Here is the surfing capital of the world and a great place for beginners to learn to surf.
Paddle Anahulu River
Paddle the Anahulu River by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Ziplining
Zipline above farmland and mountains with ocean views in the distance.
Tandem Skydiving
Skydive over the ocean with views of the coastline and mountains.
Guided Tours
Here are a few guided tours that make it easy to visit the North Shore without renting a car. They pick you up at your hotel and take you to some of the most popular places in the area.
Surf Bus North Shore Tour
Visit the area on a guided day trip from Waikiki with stops at famous beaches, Haleiwa Town, and a choice of activities.
Grand Circle Island Tour
Visit Oahu's most iconic landmarks on a full-day circle island tour, from Diamond Head to the Haleiwa.
Private Guided Tour
See the North Shore on a private guided tour that can be customized to match your interests.
Day Trip Planners
If you're planning a day trip to the North Shore, these planners can help you decide where to stop and how to organize your day. Choose between a detailed written itinerary or a GPS audio driving tour you can follow along the way.
One-Day Itinerary
If you only have one day on the North Shore, I created this itinerary to help you plan your day. It includes 7 different itinerary options so you can choose the one that best fits what you want to see and do, plus a 32-page guide filled with local tips and travel information.
Audio Driving Tour
Get in your car and drive to the North Shore from Waikiki or Ko Olina while following the Shaka Guide route, a GPS audio tour that shares stories, local history, directions, and 20 suggested stops along the way.
Travel Tools
Here are a few travel tools I recommend when planning a trip to the North Shore, including flights, rental cars, places to stay, and a few services that can make getting around Oahu easier.
✈️ Flights
Search and compare flights to Honolulu. I often find some of the best prices to Oahu on Skyscanner.
🏠 Accommodation
Compare hotels and vacation rentals across the North Shore and Oahu.
🚗 Rental Cars
Find rental cars at Honolulu Airport so you can easily drive to the North Shore and explore the island.
🛡️ Travel Insurance
Protect your trip with travel insurance that covers unexpected cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.
📱 Mobile Data (eSIM): Get mobile data for your trip with an eSIM you can install on your phone. Check plans
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Trip Planning Guides
If you're planning a trip, these guides will help you get a better feel for the North Shore.
