Where to Find the Best Hawaiian Coffee in Waikiki
Located about an hour from Waikiki is the famous North Shore with stunning beaches, epic surfing, and quaint beach towns. There’s a little something for every style of traveler from adrenaline-pumping activities to lazy beach days and everything in between.
For a full-day adventure, take the long way, and drive along the island’s east side for stunning views with great pitstops. In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post post, we share the best things to do on O’ahu’s North Shore.
A Relaxing Day Trip to the North Shore
The North Shore offers expansive stretches of sandy beaches from the remote shores of Mokuleia to the world-famous Sunset and Pipeline.
Haleiwa Beach Park offers calmer waters and an easily accessible ocean for kayaking, surfing, or SUP adventures. It’s a nice contrast to busy Waikiki.
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku
The upgraded resort has an impressive lobby and oceanside bars, perfect for watching the sunset with a tropical cocktail.
Enjoy the protected lagoon, golf courses, horseback riding, canoeing, biking, and snorkeling tours.
Food Trucks
Spend your day between beaches and food trucks.
The North Shore is dotted with tasty food truck options from refreshing smoothies at the Sunrise Shack to delectable tacos at Surf n Salsa.
Bite into fresh acai and authentic Brazilian street food at Crispy Grindz.
Further north is incredible Thai food at The Elephant Shack and the popular garlic shrimp plates at Romy’s Shrimp Truck.
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie
Located in Laie, you could easily spend an entire day at the PCC.
Select from three different experiences: the educational center, the luau, and the Broadway-style evening show boasting over 100 performers.
Go for one or experience them all!
The Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa
Welcoming over 1 million visitors each year, this popular tourist attraction is a great stop when traveling from Waikiki to the North Shore.
Take a ride on the Pineapple Express train, wander through the world’s largest maze, and pop into the gift shop for souvenirs and a Pineapple Dole Whip!
Farm Tours
Unlike the urban center of Waikiki, the North Shore boasts green spaces, countryside, and local farms.
Learn about goat cheese making at Sweet Land Farms.
Take a private tour of the ten-acre avocado, flower, and citrus farm at Hua Orchards.
Explore Manoa Chocolate’s estate while tasting bean-to-bar chocolate.
Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley Rd, Haleiwa
After swimming, snorkeling, and suntanning at the iconic Waimea Bay head back into the valley.
There are lush grounds, a waterfall hike, guided tours, and special events.
Outdoor Adventures on the North Shore
Balance beach time with adventures; as there are a variety of options you won’t find in Waikiki.
From chartering a fishing boat and swimming with sharks to horseback riding, there are all sorts of adventures on the North Shore.
Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe
Take a journey through the valley where Jurassic Park was filmed.
The tour options include E-bikes, hikes, ATV rides, and horseback rides.
The 4000-acre property also has homegrown oysters, a Secret Island, and zipline adventures.
Ka’ena Point
Farrington Hwy, Waialua
Hike or bike alongside the ocean to Ka’ena Point where the north and west sides of the island merge.
This is a sacred and remote part of the island with fresh air and abundant wildlife.
Sea & Board Sports Hawaii
62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
This is your go-to place for ocean adventures in the heart of Haleiwa.
Paddle out in a glass bottom kayak, cruise the river, or take surf lessons in famous North Shore waves.
The adventure is yours!
North Shore Ecotours
66-250 Kamehameha Highway and, Cane Haul Rd, Haleiwa
If you’re looking for some on-land adventures, head this way.
The eco-tours include off-road jungle ATVs to waterfalls or hiking to a mountain pool.
The engaging community day is an opportunity to give back and learn about Hawaiian culture.
Bob Marlin Charters
66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa
Hop aboard!
These chartered boat tours include half or full-day fishing and snorkel trips on the open ocean.
In the winter, Humpback Whale tours are available.
Adrenaline-Pumping Activities on the North Shore
Calling all thrill seekers! Here are some outdoor adventures to get your blood pumping on the majestic North Shore.
These are a few options that you can’t find in Waikiki!
One Ocean Diving
66-105 Beach Rd, Haleiwa
Winner of the 2023 Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice award, this company offers daily tours while supporting marine conservation.
Learn to swim with sharks from the world-renowned Ocean Ramsey and Juan Oliphant.
Gunstock Ranch
56-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku
Tucked against the Ko’olau Mountain Range is this working Western-style ranch.
Select from a variety of 1 to 2-hour tours offering everything from scenic horseback and advanced trail rides to off-road eco-tours.
Skydive Hawaii
68-760 Farrington Hwy, Waialua
Since 1984 this locally owned and operated company has been attracting thrill seekers.
Jump with an experienced guide from 14,000 or 20,000 feet and see the beautiful North Shore from above.
CLIMB Works Keana Farms
1 Enos Rd, Kahuku
Glide along Oahu’s longest zipline while taking in the sweeping views of the iconic North Shore during this 2.5-hour guided zipline tour.
There are 8 dual lines, 3 sky bridges, 2 rappels, a floating staircase, and a UTV adventure.
Explore the working farm while tasting the freshly grown fruits.
Explore the North Shore: An Epic Day Trip Away from Waikiki
The North Shore is famous for its stunning beaches and epic waves but there’s more to see and do beyond suntan and swim.
It’s the perfect day trip from Waikiki and can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you desire.
For more travel inspiration and local resources check out our blog!
