13 Best Things to Do on the North Shore of Oahu

If you're looking for things to do on the North Shore of Oahu, here's a list I always recommend to friends visiting the area. It covers beaches, food stops, fun activities, and a few local favorites that make this side of the island worth the drive.

The North Shore of Oahu has a very different feel from the rest of the island, with quieter beaches, more wildlife, historic Haleiwa Town, and a lifestyle centered around being outside.

Whether you're here for a day or a few, there's no shortage of great ways to spend your time.

Jump to:

• Activities at a glance
• Best things to do on the North Shore
• Popular attractions nearby
• Things to do on the North Shore at night
• More North Shore activities
• One-Day North Shore itinerary (from Waikiki)
• 💬 Comments

Best things to do on the North Shore

1. Visit the best beaches

If beach time is high on your list, the North Shore is a great place to start. In the summer, many beaches work well for swimming and snorkeling. In the winter, the waves come alive, and even if you're not surfing, they're incredible to watch.

Some of the most popular places to check out include:

• Waimea Bay - A wide, sandy beach that is great for swimming and snorkeling in summer. In winter, it turns into a legendary big-wave spot and a prime place to watch the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational when it runs.
• Laniakea Beach - Often called "Lanis," this is one of the most popular places to see Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on shore.

• Sharks Cove - A favorite for snorkeling and scuba diving in the summer, with shallow tide pools that are fun for kids during calm conditions.
• Sunset Beach - This is a great beach to relax in the sun, go swimming in summer and watch the waves in winter.
• Banzai Pipeline - World-famous for its powerful barreling waves and incredible to watch if you're here during the winter.
• Haleiwa Beach Park - One of the best beaches on the North Shore to watch the sunset and wind down.
• Kuilima Cove - Located on the east side of Turtle Bay Resort, this is a beautiful, public beach that works well for swimming and snorkeling throughout the year.

For details on each of these beaches, conditions, parking, and whether they're better for swimming, snorkeling, or surf watching, check out my guide to beaches on the North Shore.

2. Check out Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa Town is the heart of the North Shore and a great place to walk around. It's not a big town, which makes it easy to explore without a plan.

Both sides of the main road are lined with colorful storefronts, surf shops, galleries, and casual places to eat.

Most people start by walking along the main street, grabbing a shave ice, checking out a few local shops, or just soaking up the small-town vibe. It fits easily into any North Shore day.

Near the entrance to town by Haleiwa Beach Park, the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge is worth a quick stop and a good place to take photos or take a break.

And if you're visiting on a Wednesday, the Haleiwa Farmers Market is a fun way to sample local food and shop for locally made goods.

Want more ideas? I've put together a full guide to the best things to do in Haleiwa Town.

3. Visit Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a relaxing and scenic stop on the North Shore and an easy way to experience the area's lush, green side away from the beach.

The paved path takes you through botanical gardens and cultural sites. It's mostly flat and shaded in many areas, so you can take your time, stop for photos, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

At the end of the walk, you'll reach Waimea Falls, and most days you can go for a swim. This is a great stop for families, anyone traveling with mixed ages, or visitors who want something scenic and relaxing that doesn't feel strenuous.

You can also attend the Toa Luau here if you want to add a cultural experience to your visit.

If you're planning to visit, these are the easiest ways to book ahead:

4. Watch the surf

Watching the waves is one of the most iconic things to do on the North Shore, even if you've never surfed.

In the winter, the swells are bigger, the coastline really comes alive, and it's impressive just to see the power of the ocean from shore. In the summer, the waves are smaller, but you can still watch surfers at breaks like Puaʻena Point, near Haleiwa.

Some of the best places to watch include:

• Banzai Pipeline - The waves here are heavy and break close to shore, which makes it one of the best places on the North Shore to watch surfing.
• Sunset Beach - The waves break farther out, but it's still a great place to watch, especially when there's a surf competition going on.
• Ali'i Beach - An easy place to stop and watch surfers since the waves break close to shore and it's right near Haleiwa Town, with a beach park that has all the amenities you need.
• Waimea Bay - Calm and swimmable in summer, then dramatic in winter when massive waves roll in and the bay becomes a prime viewing spot.

5. Eat at the food trucks

Stopping at the food trucks is one of the easiest and most popular things to do on the North Shore. They're casual, quick, and spread throughout the North Shore area, so it's easy to stop for food as you explore the coast.

You'll find a mix of shrimp plates, Hawaiian plate lunches, tacos, burgers, and smoothie or acai bowl stands. Most spots have outdoor seating, and it's common to grab food and eat nearby or take it back to the beach.

A few well-known places many visitors stop at include:

• Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - Famous for garlic shrimp and one of the most recognizable food trucks on the island.
• Seven Brothers Burgers - A popular stop for big, juicy burgers, located right across from Sharks Cove.
• Sunrise Shack - A classic North Shore stop for smoothie bowls and specialty coffee near Sunset Beach.
• Surf N Salsa - Known for its Mexican food options in Haleiwa Town and Waialua Sugar Mill.
• Crispy Grindz - A go-to for acai bowls and Brazilian food.

If you want help deciding where to stop, what to order, and which food trucks are easiest to visit, check out my guide to Haleiwa food trucks.

6. Paddle the Anahulu River

Paddling the Anahulu River is one of the most relaxed ways to spend time on the North Shore and a nice break from the ocean.

The water is calm, the scenery is beautiful, and it feels very different from the beaches nearby.

You launch by the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge, paddle under it, and head inland toward mangroves. You'll often see fish, birds, and sometimes sea turtles in the water.

This is a great option for beginners, families, or anyone looking for something low-key. You can go at your own pace, turn around whenever you want, and it's easy to fit into a half day on the North Shore.

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent in Haleiwa, and conditions are usually calm year-round.

If you're planning to get on the water, here are the easiest options:

7. Watch whales (winter only)

If you're visiting in the winter, whale watching on the North Shore, from about December through April, humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's waters, and the coastline here is one of the best places to see them from shore.

On calm days, you can spot them breaching, tail slapping, or spouting just offshore.

We often see them at Pipeline, Ka'ena Point, and Sharks Cove, especially in the mornings and late afternoons when the ocean is calmer.

Bring binoculars if you have them, and plan to spend a bit of time just watching the horizon. Even one whale sighting can easily become a highlight of your trip.

If you'd rather get out on the water for a closer look, whale-watching tours also run along the North Shore during the winter:

8. Take surfing lessons

If you've ever thought about trying surfing while you're here, taking a lesson is one of the most memorable things you can do on the North Shore.

Even if you've never stood on a board before, local instructors know how to teach beginners and make it fun and safe.

Lessons are offered year-round, and even in the winter there are always mellow spots like Pua'ena Point and Chun's Reef where first-timers can get comfortable catching waves.

Most lessons start with a short beach session before heading into the water with your instructor. With good guidance, it's common to stand up on your first wave.

Surf lessons are a great fit for:

• first-time surfers who want a hands-on experience
• families with kids who want to learn together

For more details on the best schools, how lessons work, and where you'll be surfing, check out my full guide to surf lessons on the North Shore.

If you're ready to get in the water, these are the easiest options to book a lesson:

9. Go shark diving

If you ask around about what to do on the North Shore, shark diving is one of the experiences that comes up again and again. It's one of the most memorable activities on Oahu and something you can only do from this part of the island.

Tours take you offshore to swim with sharks in open water, and you can usually choose between staying inside a metal cage or going in without one. Both options are professionally run, so you can decide what you're comfortable with.

We've done this a few times and always saw multiple sharks, most often Galapagos sharks. Tiger sharks are also common, and while they're impressive to see up close, many people feel more comfortable choosing the cage option.

Tours leave from Haleiwa Harbor and typically last a couple of hours, including the boat ride. The ride out can be bumpy at times, so it's worth keeping that in mind if you're prone to motion sickness.

Shark diving is a great fit for anyone looking for a truly North Shore-specific experience.

If you're interested in going, these are the easiest options to book:

10. Go skydiving

The North Shore is one of the best places on Oahu to go tandem skydiving, and the views are impressive from start to finish.

You'll have wide views of the coastline, ocean, mountains, and neighborhoods below. I've known people who even spotted sharks or whales during their jump.

The full experience usually takes a couple of hours, so wear comfortable clothes and plan for some waiting time. If skydiving is on your list, booking ahead is a good idea.

11. Try ziplining

Ziplining is a fun way to see the North Shore from a completely different angle and break up all the beach time. You'll be high above farmland and mountains, with ocean views in the distance.

One of the most popular places to go is CLIMB Works Keana Farms, which runs tours year-round. Their course includes multiple long ziplines, sky bridges, and elevated walkways, so it feels like more than just a quick ride.

Tours are guided and well organized, and even if you're a little nervous at first, instructors walk you through everything and keep the experience comfortable and fun.

It's a great option for families with older kids, groups, or anyone looking for something active that doesn't take up an entire day.

If you're planning to go, booking ahead is a good idea, especially during busy travel seasons.

12. Hike scenic trails

If you love being outdoors, hiking is one of the best things to do on the North Shore. These are a few trails I hike often and always recommend to friends because they offer great views without taking up your entire day.

• Ehukai Pillbox - A family-friendly hike across from Sunset Beach Elementary School and Ehukai Beach Park. The trail leads to an old military bunker with wide views of the North Shore coastline. It's relatively short, making it easy to fit in between other plans.
• Kaʻena Point - A mostly flat coastal trail to the far northwest tip of Oahu with ocean views nearly the whole way. You can start from Mokuleia or the west side at Yokohama, though the North Shore side is easiest if you're staying nearby. There's no shade, so bring plenty of water and go early or later in the day. Wildlife sightings are common, including albatrosses nesting and Hawaiian monk seals resting on the sand.
• Kealia Trail - One of my favorites if you want more of a workout without it feeling overwhelming. The trail climbs through about 45 minutes of switchbacks, and the view from the top overlooking Mokuleia is stunning. If you want to get your heart pumping with ocean views along the way, this one's perfect. Hiking shoes are best for the rocky terrain.

For all of these hikes, going early helps beat the heat. Check the weather before heading out, since trails can get muddy and slippery after rain.

There's free parking at each trail, but don't leave valuables in your car. Break-ins do happen, and it's best to take items with you or secure them before leaving your car.

13. Visit the Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau

Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau sits in the hills above Waimea Valley and is one of the largest Hawaiian temple sites on Oahu, dating back to the 1600s.

It was used for important religious ceremonies and as a strategic lookout point, and the cultural significance is still very present today.

The heiau is right by the parking area. From there, there's a short 5-10 minute walk to an old bunker, and the views from the top stretch across the North Shore.

On clear days, you can see all the way to Ka'ena Point, and in winter, it's an incredible place to watch waves roll into Waimea Bay from above.

Please be respectful when visiting. This is a sacred site, and you'll often see offerings left along the rocks.

Popular attractions nearby

There are a couple of well-known attractions nearby that many visitors ask about and plan time for.

Things to do on the North Shore at night

The North Shore winds down after sunset, but that's part of its charm. It's more about slow, relaxed evenings than big crowds or bright lights.

If you're staying overnight or just want to stretch your day a little longer, here are a few things worth doing:

• Live Music at Turtle Bay: Every evening, Turtle Bay Resort has live acoustic sets by the pool bar around sunset, from 5-8 PM. It's laid-back, outdoors, and free to enjoy - even if you're not staying there.
• Dinner & Drinks in Haleiwa: Haleiwa Town has a few mellow bars and restaurants where you can grab dinner and sometimes catch live music. Try Mayas Tapas & Wine, Stonefish Grill, or Haleiwa Joe's if you're in the mood for a nightcap.
• Go Stargazing: The stars are surprisingly clear out here thanks to the limited light pollution. Grab a blanket and head to the beach - Ka'ena Point is a favorite for a quiet night under the stars.

More North Shore activities

If you've already covered the main highlights or have extra time to spend on the North Shore, here are a few more low-key ideas worth knowing about:

• Laie Point Lookout: Quick roadside stop with dramatic ocean views and rock formations.
• Waialua Sugar Mill: Small cluster of local shops, coffee, and surfboard shapers.
• Horseback Riding: Guided rides with mountain and ocean views. You can go as a group or book a private ride for two.
• Fishing Charters: Half- or full-day trips leaving from Haleiwa Harbor.
• Rock Climbing at Mokuleia: Scenic coastal climbing for experienced climbers.
• Golf at Turtle Bay: One of the most scenic courses on the island.

Want to stay a few days? If you'd rather slow things down and spread these activities out, take a look at our guide to places to stay on the North Shore and plan a couple of nights up here.

If you want to lock in a few activities ahead of time, these are some popular North Shore tours that visitors often book:

Hope this gave you some good ideas for what to do on the North Shore. If you have questions, leave a comment. I'm happy to help. And if you're staying longer, I've linked a few more local guides below to help you plan.