Looking for things to do on the North Shore of Oahu? When you visit us, there are a few things in the area you can't miss! Here, we’ll share popular activities, local favorites, tips, and itinerary ideas to help you plan your visit.
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Why visit the North Shore for activities
The North Shore of Oahu is one of the coolest, most laid-back beach towns in the world, full of things to do and see.
It’s a must-visit spot when traveling to Hawaii and definitely worth the 50-minute drive from busy Waikiki and Honolulu.
Compared to Waikiki, the beaches on the North Shore offer a more authentic Hawaiian experience. You see more wildlife, fewer crowds, and in winter, world-famous waves and prestigious surfing competitions.
It’s all about simple living here - enjoying nature, surfing, swimming in the ocean, biking, and grabbing a bite at local food trucks. That’s what we love most about it.
And as we mentioned, there are so many things to do here that you won’t find anywhere else, even if you’re just here for a day trip.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Oahu, check out these popular activities and some of our favorite things to do on the North Shore - it just might become the highlight of your vacation!
Transportation Tips:
The best way to explore the area is by car - it lets you see the sights and travel at your own pace! Renting a car on the island is affordable, driving around is easy, and free parking is available everywhere.
Or, you can opt for a personal driver/guide or join a tour bus company to explore the area.
Top Things to Do North Shore Oahu
1. Visit Haleiwa Town
For anyone visiting the North Shore, stopping at Haleiwa Town is a must. It's one of the cutest, most charming historic towns you'll ever visit.
This small town is the heart of the North Shore, and along both sides of the two-lane road, you'll find colorful historic wooden storefronts housing amazing local restaurants and gift shops.
One of the things we love about it is that most of the popular food trucks are here, with so many options like Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and Crispy Grindz, which has the best acai bowls on the island.
Worth checking out: Two iconic landmarks you may have heard of are found here: the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge and the Haleiwa Surfer Sign.
Also, within walking distance, you'll find beautiful beaches, including the famous Haleiwa Beach Park, Ali'i Beach Park, and Kaiaka Bay.
Here's a list of some of the best things to do in Haleiwa Town - be sure to check it out and explore the area!
2. Explore Hiking Trails
On Oahu's North Shore, you'll find lots of beautiful hiking trails to explore, no matter your skill level. Here are some of the most popular:
- Ehukai Pillbox: The Ehukai Pillbox Trail is a family-friendly hike, about 2 miles long, that takes you up to an old military bunker. From there, you’ll get amazing views of the coast.
- Kaena Point: The Kaena Point trail is an easy walk along the coast to the far northwestern tip of the North Shore. If you're lucky, you might see albatrosses nesting and endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals resting on the sand.
- Kealia Trail: Kealia Trail is one of our favorite hikes in the area, taking about 45 minutes. It's a great workout with a series of switchbacks that lead to amazing views of the ocean at Mokuleia.
Tip: It can get pretty hot when hiking here, so the best times are early in the morning or mid to late afternoon.
3. Go Swimming and Snorkeling
If you love being in the water like us, make sure to take time for swimming and snorkeling on the North Shore!
In the summer, the water’s warm, the visibility’s awesome, the ocean’s calm, and it’s fun for the whole family.
The best beaches for snorkeling in summer are Sharks Cove, Three Tables, and Waimea Bay, or you can book a boat snorkeling tour to take you to other spots.
During winter (surf season), those spots can get rough. If you're visiting then, swimming and snorkeling at Kuilima Cove, on the eastern side of Turtle Bay Resort, is a better option.
Note: Here's an overview of the best beaches for swimming and snorkeling on the North Shore throughout the year, so no matter when you visit, you can enjoy this activity.
4. Try Ziplining on the North Shore
You’ll have an amazing time at CLIMB Works Keana Farms if you decide to go ziplining! It’s a super popular activity on this side of the island all year long.
They have the longest zipline course on Oahu, with 8 ziplines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet.
Along the way, you'll encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and more. It’s a super fun experience with stunning views of the farm, mountains, and ocean!
5. Go to a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
Attending a traditional Hawaiian Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-do when you're on the North Shore!
They offer one of the best luau experiences on Oahu, so much so that even though we live here, we often go for dinner and to watch the fire hula show.
You can easily spend the whole day exploring Polynesian cultures through interactive exhibits, live performances, and fun hands-on activities. It’s a really cool experience!
After that, enjoy a delicious Hawaiian-style dinner and luau, then stick around for an incredible evening show with over 100 performers.
6. Visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation
The historic Dole Pineapple Plantation is super popular and makes a great first stop on your way to the North Shore from Honolulu since it’s right on the way.
They grow and sell millions of pineapples across Hawaii, and you can even see them growing right along the side of the road.
But if you want a closer look, stop by and explore their pineapple gardens, browse the gift shop, hop on their express train tour, and wander through the Pineapple Garden Maze - officially the world’s largest maze according to the Guinness Book of World Records!
Top tip: The last thing you absolutely have to do while you're there is try their delicious pineapple ice cream. You can’t leave without tasting it!
7. Take Surfing Lessons
The North Shore of Oahu is considered the world’s surfing capital, so there’s no better place to take a surf lesson if it’s something you’ve always wanted to try.
Surf lessons are fun for all ages and something you can do any time of year - though winter is when the swells really come alive.
The best locations to take surf lessons are at Pua'ena Point, Chun's Reef, or on the pool bar side of Turtle Bay Resort. Any of these spots are great for beginners, and the instructors are excellent.
You'll love it! You can choose between group or private surf lessons, and be sure to check out our guide to surfing the North Shore for all the details.
8. Watch Sea Turtles Resting
If you've never seen a large Green Sea Turtle resting on the beach or swimming around, you'll definitely see one when you visit the North Shore. They're a very common sight here!
If seeing sea turtles is at the top of your vacation to-do list, make sure to add Laniakea Beach, just north of Haleiwa, to your itinerary. It’s become a popular spot for visitors to see them.
Important note: These sea turtles are a protected species, so please be mindful, avoid touching them, and always keep your distance.
9. Go to Waimea Valley's Waterfall & Botanical Gardens
If you're looking for a relaxing and beautiful experience on the North Shore, we recommend going to Waimea Valley.
Waimea Valley is a historic Hawaiian site open to visitors, where you can walk through stunning botanical gardens that lead to a breathtaking 40-foot waterfall.
Along the way, you’ll come across native plants and birds you won’t find anywhere else, plus some interesting old Hawaiian cultural sites.
This is an easy hike on a paved road with resting areas along the way, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the waterfalls. It usually takes us longer, though, because we can’t help but stop and check out everything along the way!
One thing we love is that there are trees all along the path, giving plenty of shade so the walk doesn’t get too hot.
But the highlight has to be the waterfalls - and swimming in them! It’s super refreshing and such a fun experience, so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and a towel!
At Waimea Valley, you can also grab a bite at their cafes and pick up souvenirs at their gift shop.
Some things to note:
- There’s a full-day admission fee of $6 to $25 per person.
- Residents with a valid state ID can get in for free on Thursdays.
- If you prefer, you can take a shuttle ride to the falls.
10. Go Skydiving
For those looking for an adventure, the North Shore is one of the best places to go tandem skydiving - an experience like no other!
The views are absolutely breathtaking, with you jumping right over the ocean and taking in stunning sights of both the sea and mountains.
Plus, if you skydive in winter, you might even spot whales from above!
11. Go Shark Diving
If you ask around on the island about what to do on the North Shore, shark diving is probably the answer you'll hear the most. It’s one of Oahu’s top activities!
This is a great spot to swim with sharks safely. You can choose to do it inside a metal cage or without it. Every time we did this tour, we saw a lot of sharks everywhere.
There are several highly-rated companies to choose from at Haleiwa Harbor, and this experience is truly unmatched!
12. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding the Anahulu River
If you're looking for a relaxing activity, we highly recommend kayaking or paddleboarding in the historic Anahulu River, right in Haleiwa Town.
It’s a peaceful experience, perfect for all ages. The gentle paddle usually lasts about an hour round trip, and the views are absolutely beautiful.
We think you'll love it so much that we wrote a whole post about it! Be sure to check out all the details on kayaking and paddleboarding the Anahulu River.
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards right there from one of the shops on the shore.
13. Visit the Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau (Sacred Place of the Gods)
Both residents and visitors enjoy making their way to the Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau, situated in the hills of Waimea Valley.
The Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau is a sacred Hawaiian temple site built in the 1600s, known for its historical significance and stunning panoramic views.
People often visit to make offerings to the ancient Hawaiian gods and take a hike up to the lookout for some amazing views of Waimea Bay and the coast.
Tip: The hike is short and easy, just 5 to 10 minutes, and it's a perfect spot to watch the big waves at Waimea Bay when the giant winter swells hit the coast.
More fun activities & ideas
If you've got more time on the North Shore, here are a few other fun activities and things to do that you might enjoy during your visit:
- Go horseback riding in a group or choose a private romantic ride for couples.
- Visit the Leia Point lookout (pictured above).
- Go for a bike ride on the bike path along the coast.
- Watch the sunset on the beach at Haleiwa Beach Park.
- Visit the Waialua Sugar Mill.
- Go golfing at Turtle Bay Resort.
- Camp at the beach at Malaekahana.
- Book a fishing charter.
- Go rock climbing at Mokuleia.
- Check out the farmers market on the North Shore.
Things to do on the North Shore at night
The North Shore of Oahu is quieter and more laid-back at night compared to other parts of the island, but there are still a few things to enjoy. Here are a few ideas for things to do after the sun goes down:
- Evening Hula Shows: The Polynesian Cultural Center and Turtle Bay Resort host dinner with traditional hula performances in the evenings, which can be a fun way to wrap up your day.
- Haleiwa Town Nightlife: While not a bustling nightlife scene like Waikiki, Haleiwa Town has some low-key bars that are perfect for enjoying a drink with live music. Check out Mayas Tapas & Wine, Stonefish Grill, and Haleiwa Joe's.
- Dinner at Local Restaurants: Some of the North Shore's best restaurants are open late, like Haleiwa Joe's or the Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi at Turtle Bay Resort.
- Live Music and Entertainment: Turtle Bay Resort features live acoustic music by the pool bar at sunset nightly, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Stargazing: With less light pollution, the North Shore offers fantastic stargazing opportunities. Grab a blanket and head to a beach for a night under the stars. Ka'ena Point is a great spot!
Itinerary suggestions
Assuming you're driving from Waikiki through the center of the island on the H1/H2 freeway and have just one day to explore the North Shore, here's a suggested itinerary:
- Visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation.
- Stop to take a photo with the famous Haleiwa North Shore Sign.
- Visit Haleiwa Town, explore the shops, and grab a bite at one of the local food trucks.
- As you head north, stop at Laniakea Beach to see the turtles.
- Go to Waimea Valley and hike to the waterfalls.
- Stop at Sunset Beach, then eat lunch at Ted's Bakery nearby (try their signature Chocolate Haupia Pie!).
- Visit the Leia Point lookout just past Kahuku Town.
- End your day by watching the sunset and enjoying live music by the pool bar at Turtle Bay Resort - it’s free and open to everyone! If you’re hungry, their restaurant Lei Lei’s is a great spot for dinner.
Want to visit for a few days?
If you want to take your time and explore even more, check out our guide to places to stay on the North Shore and plan a few nights here!
Hope this gave you some awesome ideas for things to do on the North Shore! Got questions? Drop them in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out these other posts for more tips on exploring Haleiwa, Hawaii.
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