A trip to Oahu is truly not complete without a visit to the majestic North Shore.
Nearly 100% of the time when we visit O‘ahu, we have a rental car. Why? Because as much as we love the energy of Waikīkī, some of the best food and experiences on the island are found outside of the tourist zone.
Having a car means we can chase the best local eats, take spontaneous detours, and spend the day exploring the North Shore at our own pace. And trust—there’s SO much to see and do out there.
Contrary to popular belief, the North Shore isn’t just the Banzai Pipeline and massive surf houses. You can spot sea turtles basking at Laniakea Beach, snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Waimea Bay, and wander through the lush tropical grounds of Waialua’s coffee farms.
And of course, no trip is complete without stopping at the famous shrimp trucks that locals and visitors alike swear by!
If you’re planning to spend a full day on the North Shore, you’re doing O‘ahu right. This guide will take you beyond the usual stops, helping you experience the best food, scenery, and local gems this side of the island has to offer.
Now, before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: I know this itinerary has way more stops than you could realistically fit into one day. But that’s intentional! I’ve included a variety of options so you can pick and choose the ones that interest you most and create your own perfect itinerary.
- Not into snorkeling or beach-hopping? Skip the beach stops.
- Not a fan of hiking? Feel free to remove the hike I suggest.
- Want to prioritize food? Oh yeah—O‘ahu’s North Shore is packed with incredible local eats.
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Table of Contents
When To Start Your North Shore Day Trip
If you’re staying in the Waikiki area, it’ll take you about 45 min to 1 hour to get to your first few stops in this itinerary.
If you do this North Shore day trip on a weekday, the initial drive to get to the North Shore will be on the longer side compared to taking the day trip on a weekend. This is because, just like in any other city, there is rush hour traffic as locals make their way to work in the morning.
I recommend departing for your day trip no later than 8:30 am to maximize your time in the North Shore.
Another little benefit of this is that you’ll be able to arrive at Dole Plantation just as they open, avoiding all the lines and mayhem you might encounter if you were to show up later.
Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!
15 Stops For The Perfect North Shore Day Trip
Here are all the stops that we recommend on a trip to the North Shore!
1. Green World Coffee Farm
Green World Coffee Farm is a small local coffee farm consisting of 7 acres of land with approximately 3,000 arabica coffee trees. Green World Coffee buys green beans from local farms across Hawaii such as Maui, Molokai, Kauai as well as Waialua, which is located on the North Shore of Oahu.
If you’re looking to get your hands on 100% Kona coffee beans, they have it here. If you’re looking to learn more about coffee, they offer first-come, first-serve farm tours that are completely free of charge!
At the gift shop, you’ll find free coffee and tea tastings. Personally, the chocolate mint tea was unique and delicious! And because they roast their coffee daily, you know you’ll be tasting fresh beans whether you buy beans to take home or order a drink while you’re there.
After you pick up your drinks and gifts, head out back to the little coffee farm area to enjoy a few moments outdoors before heading back in your car for your next stop.
2. Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation, located just a few minutes from the previous stop on the North Shore of Oahu, is a fun stop for the entire family. Established by James Dole in 1899, the company now ships 170 different food products to over 90 countries.
If you’re traveling with children, you may want to consider doing the Pineapple Express Train Tour and the Pineapple Garden Maze. The Plantation Garden Tour is free and fun, allowing you to take a pleasant stroll through cute little pineapple plants on display.
While you’re strolling through the gardens, be sure to stop to read the informational displays and presentations, where you’ll learn all about the history of the pineapple.
After you’re done exploring the outdoor grounds, head into the plantation country store where you’ll find a huge (and I mean huge) variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local snacks, and gifts. Sure it’s touristy, but still a lot of fun to look through.
In the cafeteria area, you can find foods and refreshments to enjoy including their iconic Dole Whip. And if you’re looking to bring an actual pineapple home, they have those for sale too!
Pro Tip: Parking gets crazy here, so you’ll want to arrive around 9:30 am when they open. You’ll get the shortest lines at all the attractions–gift shop, train rides, maze, etc.
On a more recent trip, we decided to take our first-timer family members to the plantation. We arrived after 12pm and the whole place was mayhem. No one was able to find a spot. We just left.
3. Haleiwa Town
Located about 1 hour from Waikiki (15 minutes away from Dole Plantation) is Haleiwa Town, one of the main highlights of the entire North Shore!
Haleiwa is a historical community dating back to the 1900’s contributing to the sugar plantation industry.
Once you pass Haleiwa’s iconic sign with the surfer, you’ll find a bunch of cool surf shops, boutiques, art galleries, and local food joints housed in plantation-era buildings.
You’ll find lots of shrimp trucks, shave ice joints, and acai/smoothie shops, and lots of people sitting around enjoying them! Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck also has a location here, located in one of the food truck pods.
You could get garlic shrimp, but what I recommend even MORE is Poke For The People. More on that below!
Take a stroll around the various plazas that make up Haleiwa for an hour or two, including the old Waialua Sugar Mill. The sugar mill features local crafts, products, and services in a unique, old-Hawaii setting.
You’ll find a bunch of unique shops there include Coco’s Trading Post, North Shore Soap Factory, Charley Walker’s All Surf Glassing, Haleiwa Surfboard Company, and even the weekly Saturday morning Farmers’ Market.
You can also find lots of shops at the North Shore Marketplace, including Patagonia (we love stopping in to see what new Pataloha gear is for sale), Aloha Vintage Vibes, and Polynesian Treasures.
You may want to get Matsumoto’s Shave Ice now, but if you’d like to get some real food in your belly first, you can always come back later in the day for it!
4. Stop for the best banana bread on the island.
If you’re as obsessed with banana bread as I am, you can just skip all the other bakeries on the island and head straight for this little banana bread stand in the North Shore.
On a recent trip to Oahu, I made it a mission to try at least five banana breads from different bakeries, and nothing came close to how deliciously moist and banana-packed the one at Makua Banana Bread was. We ordered the Original, and oh boy was I HOOKED after the first bite.
They also offer a mochi variation of their banana bread, but since it takes a bit more effort to prepare, it’s not available every day. If you happen to be in North Shore when it’s on the menu—grab one before it’s gone!
Stop by early if you’re road tripping through the North Shore because they do sell out fast. We arrived right at opening and snagged a loaf, but later in the afternoon, we went back hoping to get our hands on the mochi banana bread. By the time we got there, they were completely sold out of everything!
5. Get an acai bowl at Haleʻiwa Bowls
Acai bowls are such a refreshing treat after a beach day or during a hot and sunny day out in the North Shore.
Haleʻiwa Bowls serves up some of the most delicious and beautiful acai bowls and smoothies on the North Shore of Oahu. If you’ve been looking for an antioxidant fix in Hawaii, this is the place to get it!
We always go with the large Local Bowl to share and are always pleasantly surprised to find poi in our bowl! With the almond butter we add, our acai bowl is extra nutrient-packed and filling.
What I love about Haleʻiwa Bowls is that they use real, straight-up acai (as opposed to an acai blended base with other fruits). It’s also the perfect amount of frozen, which is really important because Hawaii is so hot all the time!
Not feeling acai right now? No problem. They have smoothies too.
A great alternative spot for acai further down the road is Sunrise Shack, located about 7 miles east of Haleʻiwa Bowls. If you’re not feeling up for acai in the morning, you’ll have a second chance later!
6. Get lunch at Poke For The People
Time for lunch! While there are tons and tons of great options in the North Shore, I would highly recommend Poke For The People. While writing this now, I am drooling and dreaming about the freshness of the fish…
We always order a 2-item bowl with the shoyu ahi and the daily special, creamy garlic marlin. The quality of the fish is always perfection! The sides they offer also compliment the fish so well.
Personally speaking, Poke For The People has made it on our top 3 best poke spots we’ve had on the entire island! Don’t miss this one!
7. North Shore Macadamia Nut Company
Can you really go to Hawaii and not eat a whole bunch of macadamia nuts? The best place to get mac nuts to snack on (or to bring home as gifts) is straight from the source!
The North Shore Macadamia Nut Company has been a working macadamia nut farm in Waialua since 1972. I love stopping here for mac nuts gifts when I’m in the North Shore–this last time around, we left with 6 bags total to bring back to our family/friends back home.
You have to know that these aren’t just the regular boring macadamia nuts you find in your local Walmart or Target. We’re talking about all kinds of great flavors, including coffee-flavored, cinnamon-flavored, lilikoi-flavored, coconut-roasted, and more.
The best part? They have free samples so you’ll know exactly what kind of deliciousness you’re going to get before even buying.
8. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
The next stop is Laniakea Beach, otherwise known as “Turtle Beach”. This is a great spot to warm your toes in the golden sands and–with a bit of luck–spot some green sea turtles basking in the sun!
If you haven’t been able to guess it, the beach is named for the large sea turtles that frequently sun themselves on the sand. For decades, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles have frequented Laniakea Beach more than any other spot on Oahu, which is why this beach has taken on the name “Turtle Beach”.
If you get lucky, you may even see a few for yourself. Also at the beach will be a group of volunteers that serve to provide information about the turtles and make sure tourists are viewing from a distance.
I cannot stress this enough, please respect the laws and the turtles and admire them from afar. It is prohibited by federal law to touch, provoke, or even get too close to the turtles.
Pro Tip: Parking can get really bad here, so be prepared to hunt for nearby parking along the main road and walk to the beach.
9. Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is a hidden gem of an area that’s chock-full of authentic Hawaiian history, culture, nature, and tradition. The main highlight at the end of the road? A beautiful waterfall that you can actually swim in!
Because we didn’t do much research before deciding to visit, we didn’t know what to expect at Waimea Valley. We had never really done attractions on Oahu that had admission fees, but we were so pleasantly surprised by what Waimea Valley had in store for us!
On top of being a beautifully manicured botanical garden, there was so much education and history surrounding us. We learned about the significance of the valley and the gods that Hawaiians believed in, and the way that they lived.
If you’d like a more enriching experience, consider taking the guided botanical or cultural tour, beginning at 12:30 pm and 1 pm respectively.
Getting to the waterfall does take a bit of effort. The walk up the waterfall is a paved path through the botanical gardens and historical sites. The walk is 0.75-mile (1200 meters) one way or 1.5-mile (2400 meters) round trip. There’s a shuttle option as well.
If you’re up for a quick adventure, consider taking a dip in the waterfall! This was probably the most fun part of Waimea Valley because of how refreshing the water was!
While swimming at the waterfall is totally allowed, the status of swimming changes throughout the day depending on the weather. All guests who would like to experience a swim at the falls are required to wear a life vest, which is included in your admission fee.
👉 Pro Tip: If you opt for the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley, you get free admission to Waimea Valley and Waimea Falls! Take advantage of this by arriving early to explore the lush botanical gardens and take a dip in the waterfall before the luau. If you’re doing the 5 PM show, you can even squeeze in a leisurely afternoon stroll through the valley beforehand.
10. Snorkel or beach at Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay Beach Park is one of the prettiest beaches on the North Shore. It’s also a perfect place to visit after your adventures in Waimea Valley.
During the summer months, you can do all sorts of things here, including snorkeling, swimming, boogie boarding, or even surfing.
Looking for a place to snorkel on your day trip? If your visit falls within the summer months, Waimea Bay is a wonderful place to do that. While the waters here are rough in winter, Waimea Bay can be as calm as a swimming pool on summer days, meaning lots of great snorkeling opportunities.
In fact, the bay is part of the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District, which means that the amount of fishing is limited, protecting the local aquatic life.
There are no snorkel rentals available at Waimea Bay, so if you want to snorkel, you’ve gotta bring your own snorkeling set. We recommend the Hanalei Anti-Fog 4-Piece Snorkeling Set.
11. Watch the surfers at Bonzai Pipeline (Winter Months)
Ever heard of the Banzai Pipeline? It’s majorly famous in the surfing world.
The Pipeline is a surf break on the North Shore in Ehukai Beach Park with waves that are considered some of the most dangerous on the planet. You really have to be a pro to even consider taking on these waves! Its powerful, hollow barrels and shallow reef demand true skill from surfers, earning it the nickname “The Banzai.”
Because of how massive and legendary the waves are here, the Banzai Pipeline hosts some of the world’s most prestigious surfing events and competitions.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, definitely try to make a stop here. On my latest North Shore road trip with my Oahu-first-timer cousin, we made a stop here. He loved it! We stayed for about 30 minutes, mesmerized by the skills of the surfers taking on the Pipeline.
Other beachgoers had beach blankets and even binoculars to help them enjoy their surfer-watching!
12. Alternative Beaches: Sunset Beach
IN THE WINTER
Sunset Beach is one of the most famous big-wave surf spots in the world. During the winter months, it becomes a stage for professional surfers tackling monstrous waves, some reaching up to 30 feet.
This is one of the three locations for the Triple Crown of Surfing, alongside Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach. Swimming is not advised in the winter due to the dangerous currents and powerful surf, but it’s an amazing place to watch world-class surfers in action!
IN THE SUMMER
Once winter fades, Sunset Beach undergoes a complete transformation. The massive waves disappear, leaving behind calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly beach with plenty of space to relax, this is a great option. Check out the rocky areas on the outskirts of the beach for snorkeling opportunities—visibility varies depending on the water conditions.
And no matter the season, make sure to stay for the sunset—it’s one of the best you’ll see in all of Hawai‘i.
13. Alternative Beaches: Shark’s Cove (Pūpūkea Beach Park)
IN THE WINTER
While Shark’s Cove is known to be one of the top snorkeling spots on O‘ahu, winter brings rough surf and strong currents, making the water unsafe for swimming. Visibility is usually poor due to choppy conditions, and waves can crash over the rocky shoreline.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, it’s best to stay on shore and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
IN THE SUMMER
Summer turns Shark’s Cove into an underwater paradise. The calm, clear waters make for some of the best snorkeling on the North Shore, earning it a spot on Scuba Diving Magazine’s “Top 12 Shore Dives in the World“ list.
You can often find yourself swim alongside butterflyfish, parrotfish, tang, and even sea turtles!
On the south side of Shark’s Cove, you’ll also find the Pūpūkea tide pools, a perfect shallow-water area for kids and those who prefer to explore marine life without venturing too far out.
14. Sunrise Shack
While driving down the main road, Sunrise Shack is unmissable. It’s literally a bright yellow food truck off the side of the road in the North Shore. Sunrise Shack is just south of Shark’s Cove and just a 1-minute drive from Sunset Beach Park.
Yes, these acai bowls are as great as everyone says! There will likely be a line, but it’ll be so worth the wait!
15. Head back to Waimea Valley for Toa Luau
After a full day of exploring O‘ahu’s North Shore, why not cap it off with a quintessentially Hawaiian experience? If a luau is on your O‘ahu bucket list, head back to Waimea Valley for the Toa Luau, an intimate and culturally rich Polynesian experience nestled in the lush botanical gardens.
Unlike the larger, more commercial luaus, Toa Luau offers a more personal and interactive experience, featuring a mix of hands-on cultural activities, a traditional feast, and a Polynesian performance—including a spectacular fire knife show to close out the night.
There are two luau times daily: 1pm and 5pm.
- For the 1pm luau, you’ll be done with all the festivities by 4pm.
- For the 5pm luau, you’ll be done with all the festivities by 8pm.
If you want a smaller, more immersive luau experience with incredible food and entertainment, Toa Luau is the perfect way to end your North Shore adventure.
👉 Pro Tip: This luau has a dress code! At the very least, you’ll need casual or aloha wear, which means no swimsuits allowed. If you plan on exploring North Shore all day, bring a change of clothes for the luau.
Got More Time? More North Shore Activities To Consider
Go kayaking or SUP on the Anahulu River
If you’re looking to get out onto the water while you’re in the Haleiwa area, how does kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding sound?
Few places have as many sea turtles as readily visible as the Anahulu River that flows right out into Haleiwa Beach Park. You can do a 1-mile paddle up the slow-moving river, where pods of sea turtles venture upstream to eat the grass that grows in the river bottom.
Along the way, you’ll be able to see old taro and flower patches. The entire excursion should take you approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.
This is a great way to get out into the water in the winter months, especially since the beaches on the North Shore are too rough to swim in. Plus… sea turtles!
Do the Ehukai Pillbox Hike
If you’re looking for a short but satisfying hike with killer views, this 2.3-mile loop near Haleiwa is a must. You’ll trek through a mix of forested paths and open ridges before reaching the colorful pillbox, where you’ll get panoramic views of the North Shore’s coastline.
Heads up—this one gets muddy after rain, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little too friendly with the trail. There are ropes to help you up when the trail conditions are muddy.
Eat a bunch of garlic shrimp
No trip to the North Shore is complete without devouring a plate (or three) of garlic butter-drenched shrimp. Jenny’s Shrimp, Big Wave Shrimp, and Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp all serve up seriously flavorful, no-frills plates of fresh shrimp with rice and a side of messy fingers.
Go cage diving with sharks
You’ve probably seen the posters plastered all over the North Shore, and for good reason—cage diving with sharks is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have on O‘ahu. You’ll be lowered into the water in a secure cage as Galápagos and sandbar sharks curiously swim around you.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush without actually being the bait, this is the way to do it.
Go skydiving
If you’re up for the ultimate heart-pounding, free-falling experience, skydiving over Oahu’s North Shore is it. We jumped with Skydive Hawaii a few years back, and let me tell you, nothing beats the rush of leaping out of a plane with the North Shore’s stunning coastline below you.
It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m talking the turquoise-est of waters against pretty golden sands!
If you’re even kind of considering it—just do it. You’ll thank yourself after that first scream-filled, wind-blasted moment of pure exhilaration.
Oahu North Shore Day Trip: Essential Packing List
Bring a lightweight jacket.
The weather is quite variable depending on what part of the island you’re on. Depending on when you go, one side of the island can be sunny while the other side sees fog and rain.
Nights sometimes get cold, as do hiking summits. And the last time we visited, it was both windy and sporadically windy for 1-2 days!
To best be prepared for all types of elements, go with a lightweight rain jacket to cover all your bases.
Sunscreen is a must.
Even if you don’t normally wear sunscreen outdoors, I implore you to wear sunscreen, especially during your first few days in Hawaii! If you burn easily, make sure to also pack some aloe vera gel.
Even if it’s overcast and cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors.
For Hawaii, we always go with a coral reef-safe brand, as traditional sunscreen contains chemicals that damage and even kill the precious reefs. Here are a few travel-sized biodegradable sunscreens you can easily buy online:
Don’t forget the bug spray.
Tropical weather = mosquitos! If you plan on exploring outside of Waikiki, get yourself some mosquito repellent. While mosquitos don’t hang around Waikiki, they definitely exist in the more lush tropical settings of the island.
Mosquitos on Oahu exist year-round, but the peak season for mosquito activity is during the warmer months, running from March through early November.
Our current favorite brand right now is PARA’KITO — ALL of their products are made in France using only natural essential oils, yet work so well to deter the bugs. We especially love the wristbands and the repellent clips.
As an alternative to using mosquito repellent, you can also wear long-sleeved tops and loose linen pants.
Hiking boots / water shoes if you plan to do outdoor activities.
If you have one that serves as both, even better. Having some sort of protection from the many rocky shores as well as decent traction on muddy trails and wet rocks on hikes is very crucial for outdoor adventures in Hawaii.
A sand-free beach mat.
There are actually beach mats that are quick-drying, waterproof, and sand-proof, making setting up on the beach super, super easy.
This beach mat is all those things, plus it has sand anchor pockets and 6 ground stakes so that your beach mat is wind-resistant even when you’re not laying on it!
Your own snorkeling set.
Bringing your own snorkeling set is pretty freeing. It means you can choose to snorkel anytime you want without having to track down a rental shop to rent gear. This is important because not all beaches have rental shacks nearby.
In addition, you’ll have the comfort of knowing the snorkel and mask haven’t been used by a million other people.
Seavenger, one of the best snorkel gear makers in the game, sells a Hanalei Anti-Fog 4-Piece Snorkeling Set that’s really loved by both kids and adults.
I recently upgraded to the WildHorn Outfitter’s Seaview 180° V2. Because I tend to get anxious/nervous in the water, I wanted something that would truly make my snorkeling life easier. This full-face snorkeling mask does just that.
All the problems I used to face while snorkeling–water leaking into my mouth, limited google view, foggy goggles mid snorkel–completely gone!
It’s a bit pricier than other basic snorkel masks out there, but let me tell you this thing was a game-changer for me. Being able to breathe normally through my nose underwater made this mask completely worth every penny!
How To Get Around Oahu + North Shore
If You’re Sticking to Waikīkī / Honolulu…
If you’re totally happy spending most of your time in Waikīkī, you can get by without renting a car. Between public transit, rideshares, and guided excursions with hotel pick-up, you’ve got plenty of options to get around.
TheBus – O‘ahu’s local bus system is cheap, reliable, and covers just about every major town on the island. If you’re just bouncing around Honolulu, it’s a great budget-friendly option. We’ve even seen TheBus as far out as Haleiwa (North Shore) and Laie (where the Polynesian Cultural Center is).
For more information, check out TheBus’ website for info on departure times, system maps, ticket prices, and more.
Rideshares – Uber and Lyft are both available and often cheaper than taxis, especially for shorter trips within the city.
Walking & Biking – Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu are very pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions within easy walking distance.
Guided Tours (With Transportation Included) – If you don’t have a car but still want to explore beyond Waikīkī, there are tons of tours that will take care of everything for you. Here are some examples:
- North Shore Full-Day Tour – See famous beaches, try shrimp trucks, and visit quaint surf towns.
- All-Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Tour – Hit all the major scenic spots, including Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Valley of the Temples, Mokoli’i Island, and Waimea Falls. Lunch along the North Shore is included!
- Grand Tour Around Island (16 Locations + Snorkeling) – See Makapu’u Beach, Kahuku Farms, Waimea Bay, and beyond. Snacks and snorkeling gear provided.
- Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) Luau + Evening Show – Aliʻi Lūʻau promises the most authentic lūʻau experience on Oʻahu. PCC packages include round-trip transportation from Waikīkī. Save 10% off if you book at least 10 days in advance!
- Other luaus across the island – Toa Luau at Waimea Valley and Paradise Cove Luau at Kapolei also offer transportation services with their luau.
If you want to see the rest of the island…
Now, if you’re like us and want to eat at the best local spots (which are not in Waikīkī), take spontaneous detours, and actually explore the island at your own pace—rent a car. No question about it.
Of the umpteenth times we’ve visited O‘ahu, we have never skipped a rental car. It’s just too good of an investment. With a car, you can:
- Make a full day out of the North Shore, stopping at your favorite beaches and food trucks, instead of following a set tour itinerary.
- Drive out to the scenic Windward Coast for epic hikes and hidden beaches.
- Pull over whenever you see a roadside fruit stand or shrimp truck calling your name.
- Avoid the tour bus rush and actually enjoy spots before the crowds roll in.
Traffic in Honolulu can be a pain, especially during rush hour, and speed limits are generally lower than on the mainland (and strictly enforced). But the freedom to go wherever you want? Totally worth it.
Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!
Looking for more Oahu travel tips? Read more:
