Planning a trip to the North Shore of Oahu? I've put together this guide to help you get to know the area, including its activities, places to eat, where to stay, a few local tips, and more.
If it's your first time visiting, I know you probably have lots of questions - where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and the best places to eat.
I had those same questions when I first came to Oahu! After nearly 30 years of living on the North Shore, I can share what I know to help you plan your trip.
Let's get started! Use the table of contents below to jump to what interests you most, and feel free to leave a comment if you have questions.
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Why you'll love the North Shore of Oahu
- It's the countryside of Oahu - The North Shore has a completely different feel from Honolulu or Waikiki. It's quiet, open, and full of beautiful beaches - no high-rises or shopping malls here.
- That relaxed island vibe - Life moves slower up here, and you'll feel it as soon as you arrive.
- Historic Haleiwa Town - This is the heart of the North Shore, full of history, local shops, art galleries, and great food. It's got that old surf-town charm that makes people fall in love with the area.
- Tons of outdoor activities - Surfing, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, swimming at Waimea Falls, or just watching turtles from the beach, there's always something to do outside.
- World-famous surf - This coastline is known as one of the top surf destinations on the planet.
- Filming location for classics - If parts of it look familiar, that's because they are! Movies and shows like Blue Crush, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, North Shore, Lost, and Baywatch Hawaii were all filmed right here.
What to do & see
Don't think twice about visiting, there's so much to do and see! Here are some of the top things to do on the North Shore of Oahu, and a few of my favorite activities around Haleiwa.
But that's just the start. Let me walk you through the outdoor activities, nature spots, cultural sites, and local markets that make this area so special.
Water activities
If you like being in the water, you'll especially love the beaches on the North Shore of Oahu. They're beautiful, the water's warm, and there's so much to do, from swimming and snorkeling to surfing, paddleboarding, and other ocean activities.
In summer, the water's calm and clear, and one of my favorite things to do is snorkel at Waimea Bay - you can sometimes see dolphins and sea turtles! It's pretty magical, and I think you'll love it too.
Winter is surf season, making it the perfect time for surfing. No matter your level, you'll have fun! Check out my guide to surfing the North Shore for tips and info.
It's also whale watching season, and getting out on a boat to see them breach up close is unforgettable. It's sure to be one of your favorite memories of the trip!
Did you know?
Beaches & surf spots
The North Shore coastline is known as the "Seven Mile Miracle" - a seven-mile stretch from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach where you'll find some of the best surf spots on Oahu and even in the world.
The neighborhoods along this stretch are named after the nearby surf breaks, showing just how much surfing shapes the community here.
If you're a surfer, check out this map of all the surf spots on the North Shore.
Nature & hiking
If you love getting out into nature, the North Shore of Oahu won't let you down. Here are a few outdoor activities I recommend adding to your trip:
- Visit Waimea Valley - This is one you can't miss! The valley is peaceful and beautiful, with a trail through botanical gardens and historic sites leading to the waterfall. In winter, there's more water flowing, and it's better for swimming.
- Go hiking - There are some great hiking trails here, like Ka'ena Point and Kealia Trail - go early to beat the heat! Ehukai Pillbox has one of the best ocean views, and at Ka'ena Point, you might even spot monk seals resting on the shore.
- Paddle the Anahulu River - One of my favorite ways to spend a morning when family visits - the river's calm, the scenery's lush, and you might even spot a few sea turtles along the way.
- Go horseback riding - Get out in nature and ride along scenic mountain trails. You can join a group or book a private ride for two.
- Get adventurous - Zip lining or skydiving here gives you amazing views of both the ocean and mountains. It's an experience you won't forget!
Culture & history
If you love history and culture, the North Shore has some great places to check out:
- Visit Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau - One of Oahu's largest heiau, once used for Hawaiian ceremonies, with stunning views of Waimea Bay and Valley. It's a sacred site where visitors leave small offerings to honor Hawaiian gods.
- See iconic landmarks - Be sure to stop at the historic Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge and the famous Haleiwa North Shore Sign to take some photos.
- Visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation - Learn about Hawaii's famous pineapples, walk through the gardens, and take a ride on the Pineapple Express train. Don't miss their delicious pineapple ice cream before you leave!
- Attend a traditional Hawaiian Luau - Experience a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center and learn about Hawaiian history and culture.
Shopping & Local Markets
Haleiwa Town - The main place to shop on the North Shore, with local boutiques, surf shops, art galleries, and gift stores all within walking distance. It gets pretty busy by noon, especially on weekends.
Waialua Sugar Mill - Just a few minutes from Haleiwa, this old plantation site has unique shops like Island-X Hawaii (Hawaiian gifts and local coffee) and the North Shore Soap Factory (handmade soaps you won't find anywhere else).
Kahuku Area - As you drive past Turtle Bay Resort toward Kahuku, you'll find small gift shops near the food trucks - perfect for picking up local crafts or souvenirs.
Farmers Market - Stop by a North Shore farmers market for fresh produce and handmade local gifts. Organic items often sell out quickly, so it's best to arrive early.
Groceries - You'll find a few grocery stores on this side of the island. In Haleiwa, there's Malama Market and Celestial Natural Foods (a smaller shop with organic and vegan options).
Further north by Shark's Cove, Foodland is the main supermarket for everyday groceries.
Heads up: Things here can be a little pricey, especially at the local markets.
Where to eat on the North Shore
There are so many great places to eat on the North Shore! You'll find everything from local Hawaiian food to pizza, burgers, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, and acai bowls.
Just to give you an idea, Seven Brothers has amazing juicy burgers, Surf N Salsa food truck serves the best burritos and tacos in town, and Crispy Grindz sells real Brazilian acai bowls.
Most of them are in Haleiwa Town, but there are a few great spots further north. To make it easier, I've put together a few guides with the best places to eat and some of my favorites, so you'll know exactly where to go:
- North Shore Restaurants - breaks it down by location and shares some of our go-to restaurants, food trucks, and cafes across the area.
- Haleiwa Restaurants - highlights our favorite dining spots in Haleiwa Town for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, organized by cuisine.
- Haleiwa Food Trucks - features 8 of the best food trucks you won't want to miss in Haleiwa Town.
Dining tips
- Most places are casual, so board shorts and flip-flops are perfectly fine.
- Plan to budget around $18-$30 per person for a meal.
- Many spots, including food trucks, let you order online.
- Parking is usually easy to find and free throughout the area.
Where to stay
You've got a few options for staying on Oahu's North Shore - two hotels (one of them is also a resort), a hostel, and some selected vacation rentals like Ke Iki Beach Bungalows.
The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay Resort is the standout if you want full-service amenities and ocean views. You can stay in a hotel room or rent one of their cozy little apartments.
The other hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, is further north near the Polynesian Cultural Center, about an hour from Haleiwa Town.
The hostel, Backpackers, is right across from the beach (Sharks Cove and Three Tables) and has private or shared rooms. It's a great pick if you're on a budget.
For all the details on these and other options, check out our complete guide to places to stay on the North Shore. It has everything you need to plan your trip!
Location / How to get there
The North Shore is located on the northern side of Oahu. If you check out the map below, you'll see it stretches about 22 miles from Ka'ena Point to Kahuku Point.
How to get there: two routes
If you're coming from Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, or the airport, there are two main ways to reach the North Shore:
- The fastest route: Inland via the H1 and H2 freeways through the island's center. It takes about an hour by car.
- The scenic route: Drive along the East side using the H3 highway, then follow the coast on a two-lane road. This route can take up to twice as long, but the views are incredible.
Which route should you take? I recommend both! If you're short on time, go with the fastest route. But if you can spare a day, take the scenic drive. It's one of the most beautiful routes on Oahu and worth the extra time.
Transportation options
If you want to explore this side of Oahu, having a car is my top recommendation. Renting one is pretty affordable, or you can hire a personal driver/guide for a more personalized experience.
Several tour bus companies are also available for larger groups or private tours - a convenient way to see the area.
You could also take the bus if you're on a budget, but it may take longer and limit how much of the area you can explore.
P.S. Uber isn't very common or reliable here yet. There are a few drivers, but not many.
Best time to visit
Honestly, you can visit the North Shore of Oahu any time of year - it's sunny and beautiful all year long. Here's what to know so you can pick the best time for your trip:
- Summer: The ocean is calm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
- Fall through Spring: Surf and whale-watching season runs from October to April. This is the time to watch the surfers or a surf competition, take surf lessons, or spot humpback whales.
Weather-wise, summer days can get pretty hot, while winter brings warm days and cooler nights. Winter showers happen, but they're usually quick and often leave behind some of the most beautiful rainbows you'll see!
Plan your visit
Safety tips: The North Shore is pretty safe, and you can walk around most areas without worry. One thing I always mention: don't leave valuables visible in your car, especially near the beach parking lots.
Expect traffic: This area can get busy with tourists, surfers, and locals. When the waves are up, traffic around popular spots like Waimea Bay and Laniakea can slow down, so plan a little extra travel time.
Beach access: All the beaches here are free to visit, and parking is free. Some beaches also have public bathrooms and outdoor showers at no cost.
Packing essentials: Bring a GoPro for water shots, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a comfy sun shirt, and a light windbreaker.
Hawaiian words to know:
- Aloha (ah-LOH-hah): Hello, and also a way to share love and kindness.
- Mahalo (mah-HAH-loh): Thank you, expressing gratitude.
- Shaka (SHAH-kah): The hand gesture with thumb and pinky out - means "hang loose" or "take it easy."
North Shore Oahu FAQs
There are three banks in Haleiwa Town, all with ATMs, plus a few inside 7-Eleven stores. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, so you won't need to carry much cash.
For great poke on the North Shore, try No7 Japanese in Haleiwa, Foodland near Shark's Cove, or Kahuku Superette in Kahuku.
The North Shore winds down early. By 9 or 10 PM, most restaurants are closed, and the town is quiet. Keep an eye on Turtle Bay Resort's events, though, as they sometimes host evening activities.
Hope this helps you plan your trip to the North Shore of Oahu! If you have more questions, drop them in the comments below. You can also check out these other posts for more insights into the area:
Kayla says
Hello,
What would be the best way to travel to spend the day in Haleiwa? From Waikiki.
Travelling in December
Thank you 🙂
Adriana says
Hi Kayla, I recommend renting a car to visit Haleiwa and the North Shore. The drive from Waikiki takes about 50 minutes on the H1 and H2 freeways, and having a car gives you the flexibility to see more.
Kyie Okely says
Hi Adriana, we are looking to visit in mid March. There will be 8 of us so will be hiring a large van. Can you advise what parking would be like for such a large vehicle. Can we park up in one spot and then easily walk around everywhere or would we need to drive to get around. Ages an abilities vary across our group.
Many thanks, Kylie
Adriana says
Hi Kyie, there are plenty of places to park in Haleiwa Town. You can mostly walk around, but I find it easier to drive between the North Shore Marketplace and Haleiwa Store Lots. Parking isn’t too hard to find, even if you have a larger van. There’s also plenty of parking at the beach, either in the beach parks or along the road.
Gladys says
Aloha. When is the slowest time to visit Haleiwa? The lowest amount of tourists? Mahalo
Adriana says
Hi Gladys, generally, the slowest times of the year typically fall in late spring (mid-April to early June) and early fall (Sept to mid-Nov). These months are considered the "shoulder seasons" in Hawaii. Late spring (after the busy spring break time in March and early April) is when tourism slows down as families return back to school and work. Early fall is another quiet period after the summer ends and before the holiday season starts. Hope this helps and enjoy your stay when you come. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Mimi says
Aloha,
Would you recommend staying in Kahuku or near Haleiwa Town? Both are short term rental options. We have an 8 yr old, love beaches, exploring, shopping, and are simple when it comes to food. Mahalo!
Adriana says
Hi Mimi, I think you'll have a good time staying at either Kahuku or near Haleiwa Town. Both areas have amazing beaches and places to eat. Personally, I would lean towards staying near Haleiwa just because it's closer to some of the most popular beaches, restaurants, and shops, and it's closer to the airport. Sometimes from Haleiwa to Kahuku, it can take an hour's drive with traffic. Hope that helps and let me know if you have any other questions.