15 Best Things to Do North Shore Hawaii
The North Shore is about a 1-hour drive from Waikiki, and it makes the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Honestly, you could easily spend a full week here because there is so much to do.
The beaches are beautiful, the pace is slower, and it feels much quieter than Waikiki.
We love visiting the North Shore as a family because there is something for everyone. From surfing and snorkeling to food trucks and sea turtles, it is one of those places that keeps pulling us back for another visit.
Why Visit the North Shore of Oahu
The North Shore has a completely different feel from Waikiki. It is more relaxed, less crowded, and full of outdoor adventures.
You can spend your day relaxing at the beach, watching surfers, exploring small towns, spotting turtles, or trying local food trucks. There is just so much packed into one area.
Best Things to Do North Shore Hawaii
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Explore Haleiwa Town
Haleiwa is a fun surf town with cute shops and boutiques. It is a great place to walk around, grab lunch, and enjoy the laid-back North Shore vibe.
This is also where you can stop for the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice or Paalaa Kai Bakery for their malasadas. We always enjoy spending time here because it feels relaxed and easy to explore as a family.
Relax at Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is one of the most famous beaches on the North Shore.
In the summer, it is really great for swimming because the water is usually clear and calm. Arrive early to avoid traffic and bring a picnic to the beach! If you are lucky, you might even spot dolphins offshore!
In the winter, the waves get much bigger and it becomes a popular spot to watch surfers. The water can be dangerous for swimming during this time, so it is best enjoyed from the shore
Watch Surfers at Banzai Pipeline
You have probably seen videos of the huge waves at Banzai Pipeline. Watching surfers ride straight through the waves and come out the other side is honestly incredible to see in person.
It is not really a swimming beach, but it is an amazing place to to stop during surf season and watch the pros.
Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove is best visited during the summer months when the water is calmer.
There are little tide pools for kids to explore, and you never know what kinds of fish and marine life you will spot while snorkeling. It is such a fun stop for families.
There are also a few shops in the nearby town of Pupukea where you can rent snorkel gear or book a guided snorkel tour if you want a little extra help exploring the area.
Spot Green Sea Turtles at Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach is one of our favourite stops on the North Shore.
Almost every time we have visited, we have seen giant sea turtles either resting on the sand or swimming in the water looking for food. There are usually volunteers there helping protect the turtles and answering questions visitors may have.
Seeing sea turtles this close in real life is something our kids still talk about!
Spend Time at Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is beautiful for its long sandy shoreline and open space.
It usually feels quieter and more spread out, which makes it a really nice place to spend a beach day. The waters can also be calm, depending on the season.
It’s also an amazing place to watch the sunset, which is exactly how the beach got its name.
Visit Turtle Bay Resort
Even if you are not staying at Turtle Bay Resort, it is worth visiting.
There are walking trails along the coastline, and they offer activities like horseback riding, paddleboarding, biking, snorkeling, and more. It is a really family-friendly resort with lots to do.
There is also a calm swimming area protected by rocks, which makes it a great place for snorkeling.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay on the North Shore, this is definitely a resort worth checking out. Check it out here: The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
Dole Plantation
While the Dole Plantation is technically not on the North Shore, it sits just outside the area and is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
There are lots of activities to do there, both paid and free.
You can take a train through the plantation to see where pineapples, cocoa and their other plants grow, navigate through the giant maze, wander through the gardens, shop for souvenirs and our favourite… get a pineapple ice cream!
It’s less than a 15 minute drive from Haleiwa, so it makes an easy stop on the way.
Outdoor Adventures on the North Shore Hawaii
Explore Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is such a beautiful place to explore.
There is an easy walking path through botanical gardens that leads to a waterfall where you can swim. They provide life jackets, but be prepared because the water is cold.
When we visited, they also had tables set up where you could learn more about Hawaiian culture. The kids were able to play with traditional Hawaiian toys, which made it such a fun stop for families.
Hike the Ehukai Pillbox Trail
The Ehukai Pillbox Trail is famous for its amazing views of the coastline.
I would recommend starting earlier in the morning and bringing plenty of water because the hike gets hot quickly. It is a fairly easy hike to do with kids. There are some steeper sections, but the trail is only about a 2-mile return trip.
Depending on your pace and how often you stop for views and photos, it usually takes around 2 hours to complete.
Water Activities on the North Shore Hawaii
Try Surfing or Surf Lessons
Trying a surf lesson is one of the best things to do on the North Shore.
We actually did a family surf lesson, and even my six-year-old was able to do it. We surfed near Laniloa Beach where the water was shallow and the waves were small enough for beginners to practice getting up on the board.
We booked our lesson through Get Your Guide here. Private lessons are such a great option for families because the instructors can really work at your own pace.
Go Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is another fun activity on the North Shore.
There are calm water areas that work really well for older kids and teens who want to try something active on the water.
This North Shore Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson on Viator is family friendly for ages 8 and up. It also includes your equipment and instructor which makes it a really easy activity to book for beginners.
Take a Shark Cage Tour
If you are an adventurous family, a shark cage tour is such a memorable experience.
We actually did this on our honeymoon. A boat took us out away from shore, and we climbed into a cage with snorkels and masks to swim with sharks.
It sounds scary, but we felt completely safe the entire time. Check it out here: North Shore Shark Adventures
Experience Hawaiian Culture
Attend a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
Attending a luau is such a fun way to experience Hawaiian culture.
You can spend the afternoon doing traditional activities like crafts and games before ending the night with performances, fire breathing, and hula dancing and an authentic Hawaiian dinner.
Click to visit Toa Luau on the North Shore.
Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is another great stop on the North Shore.
You can explore different villages and learn about Polynesian culture through performances, activities, and demonstrations. There are also shops, local Hawaiian food, and evening shows.
We even did a ukulele lesson at the Ukulele Factory, which ended up being such a fun experience for us all.
Tips for Visiting the North Shore of Oahu
Best Time to Visit
In the summer, the water is calmer, which makes it better for swimming and snorkeling.
In the winter, the waves get much bigger, and that is when you will see the famous surf competitions. There are still areas where you can swim, but you definitely need to be more cautious.
How to Get to the North Shore
I highly recommend renting a car for your North Shore trip.
It is much easier than navigating by bus, and you will have the freedom to stop at all the beaches and attractions along the way.
There is parking at most beaches and tourist areas, although some spots may charge for parking.
A great place to compare rental car prices is DiscoverCars.
Where to Stay on the North Shore of Hawaii
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay – 5 star resort, high end.
Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore – More affordable option
Condo Rental at Turtle Bay – We loved staying in this cute condo right near the Turtle Bay Resort, but at a more affordable price.
What to Pack for a North Shore Day Trip
Reef-safe sunscreen is a must. We like using Blue Lizard sunscreen.
Water shoes are also helpful, especially around rocky beach areas like Laniakea Beach and Shark’s Cove.
If you have your own snorkel gear, I definitely recommend bringing it along. Towels and snacks are also a good idea for a full beach day.
We also love bringing lightweight quick-dry towels because they pack down small and dry quickly in between stops.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do North Shore Hawaii
The North Shore has such a good mix of beaches, food, wildlife, and adventure.
We really think individuals and families of all ages will find something to enjoy here.
One thing you also cannot miss is stopping at the food trucks in Kahuku right along the main road. There are so many good options to choose from, and it is such a fun way to try different local foods after a day at the beach.
If you are looking for somewhere a little quieter and more relaxed than Waikiki, while still having tons to do, the North Shore is absolutely worth visiting.
Looking to visit the more of Oahu, you might be interested in our 7 Day Oahu Itinerary
