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, whether you live here or are just visiting.

These are the kinds of things I’d tell friends who want to experience what makes this part of the island so fun and special.

Why visit the North Shore

Before I get into the list of things to do on the North Shore, here’s why I think it’s one of the most special places in Hawaii and why so many visitors fall in love with it too.

The North Shore of Oahu is one of the coolest, most laid-back beach towns I know. Life’s simple here. It’s about spending time outside, hiking, surfing, swimming, biking, and grabbing something good to eat from the local food trucks.

Compared to Waikiki, the beaches are quieter, there’s more wildlife, Haleiwa Town brings that historic charm, and in winter, the waves are amazing, whether you’re surfing or just watching them from the sand.

Whether you’re here for a day or a few, there’s so much to do that might just be the highlight of your trip.

Top activities on the North Shore

1. Check out 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.

It's the heart of the North Shore, and both sides of the two-lane road are lined with colorful wooden storefronts. I usually park near Matsumoto’s and just walk the stretch - there’s plenty of good food and little shops to check out.

You could easily spend a few hours here browsing gift shops and art galleries, sampling fresh poke, or checking out the food trucks.

Some of my favorite stops are SoHa Living (they’ve got the cutest beachy home items and gifts), the boutique Mahina, Polu Gallery, and Surf N Sea (the most historic surf shop in town).

As for food, you can’t miss the Haleiwa food trucks, like Surf N Salsa (the Surf & Turf Burrito is so good!) and Crispy Grindz, which has my favorite acai bowls. Then, swing by North Shore Goodies, a local shop with the tastiest peanut butter on the island.

If you're around on a Thursday, the Haleiwa Farmers Market is worth checking out. It runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Haleiwa Gym, across from the post office.

You’ll find fresh produce, locally made treats, handmade goods, and live music! It’s a nice way to support small local businesses and snack your way through an afternoon.

Want more? Here's a list of some of the best things to do in Haleiwa Town - be sure to check it out while you’re in the area!

2. Watch sea turtles resting

If you’ve never seen a large Green Sea Turtle resting on the beach or swimming in the ocean, you’re almost guaranteed to spot one on the North Shore - they’re a common sight around here!

If seeing them is high on your list, don’t skip Laniakea Beach just north of Haleiwa. It’s one of the most reliable places to spot them - and they’re usually there throughout the day.

When you get there, park and walk to the far north end of the beach. That’s usually where they hang out, resting on the sand near the rocks by the water. Look closely - they blend in and can easily be mistaken for rocks!

Just a heads up: Green Sea Turtles are a protected species. Be sure to keep your distance, avoid touching them, and let them enjoy their beach nap undisturbed.

3. Go swimming and snorkeling

If you love being in the water like me, make time to swim and snorkel on the North Shore! In the summer, the water’s warm, visibility is great, the ocean’s calm, and it’s fun for the whole family.

Sharks Cove and Waimea Bay are two of the best beaches for snorkeling, or you can book a boat tour to reach spots that aren’t as easy to access from the shore.

Sharks Cove is always fun, and if you’re comfortable holding your breath, you can swim through lava rock caves. Just be careful - the rocks are sharp, so reef shoes definitely help.

Waimea Bay has an easy beach entry, and I almost always see turtles swimming around, especially on the right side near the jump rock.

During winter, the waves pick up at those beaches, so Kuilima Cove, on the east side of Turtle Bay Resort, is usually the better choice. It’s protected by a reef wall, so the water stays calm even when it’s rough elsewhere.

Here are a few other beaches on the North Shore that are safe for swimming and snorkeling year-round so you know where to go.

And if you didn’t pack snorkel gear, there are a few rental shops in Haleiwa where you can grab a set for the day.

4. Go to Waimea Valley

If you're looking for a relaxing and beautiful experience on the North Shore, I recommend going to Waimea Valley and checking out Waimea Falls Park.

Waimea Valley is a historic Hawaiian site open to visitors, where you can walk through stunning botanical gardens that lead to a breathtaking 45-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. Keep an eye out for the Hawaiian gallinules (ʻalae ʻula) - a native bird we always get excited to spot!

This is an easy hike on a paved road with resting areas along the way, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the waterfall. 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 waterfall! Swimming there is super refreshing and such a fun experience. The water is definitely on the chilly side, but it feels so nice! Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and a towel!

You can also attend the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley. It’s smaller than the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center, but it feels more intimate, and the valley setting is beautiful.

You can grab a bite at their cafes and pick up souvenirs at their gift shop too.

5. 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: One thing you absolutely have to do while you're there is try their delicious pineapple ice cream. You can’t leave without tasting it!

6. 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.

But in my opinion, Pua’ena Point is the best choice - it’s super consistent, the waves are mellow, and conditions are usually calmer than at Turtle Bay, which tends to get windier.

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.

7. Explore hiking trails

If you love being outdoors, we have some of the best hikes on Oahu - it’s easily one of the top things to do on the North Shore. These are a few of the trails I hike often and always recommend to friends:

• Ehukai Pillbox: The trail is across from Sunset Beach Elementary School and Ehukai Beach Park. It's a family-friendly hike (about 2 miles) that takes you to an old military bunker with incredible ocean views. I think you'll love going around sunset or during winter when the waves are big - it’s cool to see the swell lines rolling in! It’s a relatively short one, so it’s perfect if you’ve got more plans for the day.
• Kaena Point: This coastal trail leads to the far northwest tip of the North Shore. You can start from Mokuleia or the west side at Yokohama, but the North Shore side is easier if you’re staying nearby. You might see albatrosses nesting or endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals resting on the sand. One thing to keep in mind: it can get really hot since there’s no shade, so bring plenty of water and try to go early or later in the day to avoid the peak heat.
• Kealia Trail: This is one of my favorites because it's a bit more of a workout but still totally doable. It’s about 45 minutes of switchbacks, and the view from the top overlooking Mokuleia is stunning. If you want to get your heart pumping with some ocean views along the way, this one’s perfect. Hiking shoes are best for this rocky trail.

For any of these hikes, I recommend heading out early to beat the heat and checking the weather beforehand - the trails can get muddy and slippery after rain.

There’s free parking at each of these hikes, but don’t leave valuables in the car. Either take them with you or stash them in the trunk before you park - break-ins do happen around the North Shore, and I’ve had it happen to me.

8. 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!

It’s one of the best luaus on Oahu. I still go now and then, especially when I have guests in town. I love watching the fire-knife dance after dinner - it’s always a highlight.

You can easily spend a full day here learning about different Polynesian cultures through live performances, canoe rides, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities like spear-throwing or hula dancing (great for kids and adults).

Dinner includes classic Hawaiian dishes like kalua pork, poi, poke, and haupia pie (a delicious creamy coconut dessert!).

After that, don’t miss the “Ha: Breath of Life” evening show - it’s got over 100 performers, music, fire dancing, and storytelling that ties everything together.

It’s a good idea to reserve your tickets ahead of time - they do fill up! You can book online, and if you reserve at least 10 days in advance, you’ll save 10% on select packages.

9. Try ziplining on the North Shore

You’ll have an amazing time at CLIMB Works Keana Farms if you go ziplining! It’s one of the top things to do on the North Shore year-round - and for good reason.

They’ve got the longest zipline course on Oahu, with 8 lines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. The views are amazing - lush mountains, the ocean in the distance, and even the farm below.

It’s not just ziplines either. You’ll cross sky bridges, rappel down platforms, and walk through elevated boardwalks tucked into the trees.

It’s a blast, even if you’re a little nervous at first (I was the first time, but the staff makes you feel totally safe and excited).

10. Go kayaking or paddleboarding the Anahulu River

If you're looking for a relaxing activity, I highly recommend kayaking or paddleboarding in the historic Anahulu River, right in Haleiwa Town.

The launch area is just behind the surf shops by the Rainbow Bridge, and parking is available nearby for free.

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.

You might even see sea turtles swimming alongside, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

I think you'll love it so much that I 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.

11. 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, located in the hills above Waimea Valley.

This sacred Hawaiian temple site dates back to the 1600s and is one of the largest heiau on Oahu. It was once used for important religious ceremonies and as a strategic lookout point.

The cultural significance is powerful, and you can feel the mana (spiritual energy) of the place.

The short walk from the parking area takes just 5 to 10 minutes, and the views at the top are incredible, especially on clear days when you can see all the way to Kaena Point.

We like to come up here when the surf is big in winter to watch the waves roll into Waimea Bay from above.

Quick note: Please be respectful when you visit. This is still considered a sacred space, and many locals leave offerings to the gods along the rocks.

12. 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 place to swim with sharks safely, and you can choose between going in a metal cage or free diving without it.

We’ve done this a few times, and every time, we saw a bunch of sharks - Galapagos and Tiger Sharks are the most common. Seeing a Tiger Shark up close is definitely a little scary, and I always feel safer in the cage!

Tours leave from Haleiwa Harbor and usually last a couple of hours. The ride out can get a little bumpy, so keep that in mind if you’re prone to motion sickness.

There are a few really good operators to choose from - we’ve gone with both North Shore Shark Adventures and One Ocean Diving and had great experiences with each.

13. Go skydiving

For those looking for an adventure, the North Shore is one of the best places to go tandem skydiving – the views are unreal!

You’ll be soaring above the coastline with a full view of the turquoise ocean, green mountains, and little neighborhoods below. I’ve known people who even spotted sharks and whales mid-jump - totally wild!

The whole experience usually takes a couple of hours, so wear comfy clothes and plan for some waiting time. If you’re thinking about it, definitely book ahead!

Things to do 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 maybe catch some 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.

Even more things to do on the North Shore

If you’ve got extra time to spend up here, there are plenty of laid-back (and sometimes unexpected) ways to spend the day:

• Check Out the Laie Point Lookout: This is a really beautiful place to stop when you’re driving along the northeastern side of the North Shore. It has stunning ocean views and unique rock formations that are absolutely worth seeing. Pull over for a few minutes and take it all in - it’s one of those spots that really sticks with you.
• Stop by the Waialua Sugar Mill: More than just history, this spot’s home to surfboard shapers, local coffee, and small vendors. Great for a short wander.
• Horseback Riding: Ride along mountain trails with ocean views. You can go as a group or book a private ride for two.
• Book a Fishing Charter: Head out from Haleiwa Harbor for a day on the water. You might hook something big like Mahi Mahi or Ahi - and the fishing charters take care of all the gear.
• Try Rock Climbing at Mokuleia: If you’re into climbing, this coastal cliffside offers one of the most scenic spots on Oahu.
• Tee Off at Turtle Bay Resort: One of the island’s most scenic golf courses, ideal if you’re looking to mix in some time on the greens.

Hope this gave you some good ideas for what to do on the North Shore! If you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments below - happy to help. And if you’re planning more time up here, check out these other posts for tips and local recommendations.