If this is your first time visiting Hawaii, this list of the 12 best things to do on the North Shore of Oahu will help you find the top most popular activities in the area.
There are so many things to do on the North Shore of Oahu! While exploring beaches, watching surfers, and eating at popular food trucks are well-known options, there's much more to discover.
To help with your planning, I decided to put together this list of the area's most popular activities.
So whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local culture, this list will provide plenty of inspiration and a wide range of activities for you to choose from.
Best Things to Do North Shore Oahu
1. Visit Haleiwa Town
One must-do activity is exploring Haleiwa, a charming historic town and the heart of the North Shore.
This is where you'll find most of the restaurants, shops, and food trucks, along with landmarks like the historic Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge and the iconic Haleiwa sign.
Within walking distance, you'll find several beautiful beaches including the famous Haleiwa Beach Park, Ali’i Beach Park, and Kaiaka Bay.
Plus, there are a lot of activities to enjoy here too! I made a list of some of the best things to do in Haleiwa Town, so be sure to check that out and explore the area!
2. Explore Hiking Trails
Hiking on Oahu's North Shore is one of the top activities visitors ask me about. There are several beautiful trails of different skill levels to explore and here are some of the most popular:
Ehukai Pillbox: The Ehukai Pillbox hike takes you up to an old military bunker. From there, you can see amazing views of the coast and surf spots like Pipeline and Sunset Beach.
Kaena Point: The Kaena Point hike is a beautiful walk along the coast leading you to the far northwestern tip of the North Shore. You may be able to see albatross nesting in the bushes, and even spot Hawaiian monk seals resting on the sand at the very end of the hike.
Kealia Trail: Kealia Trail is one of my favorite hikes in the area. It's a good workout with a series of switchbacks that lead to great views of the ocean at Mokuleia.
3. Go Snorkeling
If you love being in the water, snorkeling is a must! During the summer months, Sharks Cove, Three Tables, and Waimea Bay are great spots for snorkeling. Check these spots out or book a guided snorkeling tour!
During winter (surf season), those spots can be rough. If you're visiting then, snorkeling on the eastern side of Turtle Bay Resort at Kuilima Cove is a better option.
4. Go on a Ziplining Adventure
I think you will have a great time at CLIMB Works Keana Farms, home to Oahu's longest zipline course!
They offer 8 ziplines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet and along the way, you encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and more. It's a super fun experience with beautiful views!
5. Experience the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-visit for any Oahu trip! You spend the day learning about the diverse cultures of Polynesia through interactive exhibits, live performances, and hands-on activities.
Plus, the luau is a highlight with delicious Hawaiian food, entertainment, and a great fire show that's really cool to watch.
6. Stop by the Dole Pineapple Plantation
If you're heading to the North Shore from the south (Waikiki or Honolulu), your first stop should be at the Dole Pineapple Plantation.
One of its main attractions is the Pineapple Garden Maze, recognized as the world's largest maze according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Plus don't miss the chance to taste their delicious pineapple ice cream! And be sure to check out the adorable gift shop filled with pineapple-themed items and Hawaiian souvenirs.
7. Take Surfing Lessons
The North Shore of Oahu is the world's Surfing capital, so taking a surf lesson is a must when you visit.
For surfing lessons, you have the option to do it at Pua'ena Point, Chun's Reef, or Turtle Bay Resort. Any of these locations are great for beginners, and the instructors are very good.
You will love it! You can choose to do a group or a private surf lesson. Be sure to check out our guide to surfing the North Shore.
8. Watch the Turtles
If you have never seen a green sea turtle, you will when you come to Hawaii!
Laniakea Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, also known as Turtle Beach, is one of the best places to see them lying on the sand and swimming around.
These sea turtles are a protected species, so we kindly ask that you be mindful and keep your distance. It is illegal to touch them.
9. Explore Waimea Valley's Waterfall & Luau
You could easily spend an entire day at Waimea Valley with all the activities available.
I recommend starting with a hike through the botanical gardens up to the beautiful waterfall and taking a refreshing swim in its chilly waters. The hike is easy and takes less than an hour, or you can opt for a shuttle ride.
You can grab lunch at the park's cafés and later enjoy dinner while watching the Polynesian Luau, complete with fire knife dancing.
At Waimea Bay, you can relax on the beach and watch the surfers in winter. If you visit in summer, I highly recommend swimming, snorkeling, and jumping off the famous Waimea rock - it’s so much fun!
10. Go Skydiving
For those of you seeking adventure, I'd say the North Shore is one of the best places to go tandem skydiving.
The reason I say this is because the views are out of this world! You can see the beautiful ocean and mountains of Mokuleia and Kaena Point, and if you jump in winter, you're likely to see the whales from above.
11. Go on Shark-Diving Tours
If you ask anyone on the island what to do on the North Shore of Oahu, diving with the sharks is the answer you'll get most often.
This is a great place to safely swim with them in cages or cage-free in clear, warm water.
There are several highly-rated companies to choose from at the Haleiwa Harbor, and this experience is truly unbelievable and unmatched!
12. Kayaking the Anahulu Stream
One last activity on this list (and my personal favorite) is kayaking or paddle boarding under the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge on the Anahulu Stream.
It's an incredibly peaceful experience, suitable for people of all ages. The gentle paddle typically lasts about an hour round trip, offering beautiful views along the way.
Additionally, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards right there from one of the shops on the shore.
Other fun things to do on the North Shore
Best North Shore Beaches to Visit
The North Shore has many world-famous beaches that you must visit while in the area. I recommend stopping by as many as you can while driving along the coast, like Pipeline, Waimea, and Sunset Beach, to name just a few.
Best Restaurants on Oahu's North Shore
Plan to dine at some of the best restaurants on Oahu's North Shore! From fresh seafood to delicious Hawaiian cuisine, there are plenty of tasty food to try.
North Shore Nightlife
Nightlife on Oahu’s North Shore is pretty laid-back, but if you’re looking for some evening fun, head to Turtle Bay Resort or the restaurant bars in Haleiwa. You’ll often find live music perfect for a chill night out.
Here are some additional activities to consider on the North Shore I thought I should mention to help you plan your schedule.
- Go horseback riding in a group or choose a private romantic ride for couples.
- Visit the Leia Point lookout (it's beautiful!).
- Go for a bike ride on the bike path along the coast.
- Watch the sunset on the beach.
- Golfing
- Camping
- Fishing
- Rock climbing
Hope this list gave you some great ideas for when visit the North Shore! Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below! Also, check out these other posts for more insights into the area.
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