For more adventurous visitors, renting a car and freely exploring the North Shore is a fun way to create unique experiences. However, don’t make the mistake of driving to the North Shore, visiting popular spots like Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, only to make your way back to Waikiki by backtracking the same route to the North Shore. If you do so, maximizing your day will require some planning. You won’t be able to make stops at every location, and the stops you do make may take more time than our suggest times. Allowing sufficient time for traffic and detours is highly recommended.
North Shore & Beyond
Gavin Hillman • December 30, 2024
What is the best way to see Oahu’s North Shore?
The not so simple answer is “It depends on your preference.”
Choices you need to consider...
Guided tours are a great option and there are many fantastic tour companies found in our magazine. Circle island tours enable you to enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating traffic and you will have the added benefit of seasoned guides. You can learn history, interesting facts about Hawaiian andmarks, and enjoy local foods. Typically, itineraries will include popular sightseeing stops and allotted time for each location to make the day as predictable as possible. To find the best tour company for you, we suggest that you inquire about pickup locations, start times, types of stops, and if snorkeling is included or optional.
Most visitors travel to the North Shore through the central corridor of Oahu via Interstate H2 Highway. Along the way, see Dole Plantation which has trains, a maze, a gift shop, fast food counters. Do yourself a favor and make it a point to visit historic Haleiwa town. The detour is close to the famous Welcome to Haleiwa sign which many visitors post on their social media. Haleiwa town features the North Shore Marketplace, local restaurants, Matsumoto Shave Ice, and the iconic Surf N Sea surf shop where you will find everything you need for ocean activities. Plan to spend one to two hours in this town.
Just minutes away from Haleiwa, the beauty of Waimea Bay awaits. During the winter months, huge and powerful waves are on display for you to see, hear, and feel. For your own safety, please have absolute respect for the ocean. Further down the road are the famous surf spots Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. There you will see skilled surfers turn dangerous conditions into a show of athletic grace and bravery.
Beyond Sunset Beach is Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku shrimp trucks, and Polynesian Cultural Center where Hukilau Market Place is located. There you will find great burgers, gifts, and comfort stations before the next hour on the road.
Continuing to the Windward side, to your right will be the Koolau mountains with ocean seascapes of various shades of blues to your left. Popular stops will be Kahana Bay Park, Kualoa Beach Park, Temple Valley, Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden, Pali Lookout, Sea Life Park, Makapu`u Lighthouse, Halona Blowhole, and Hanauma Bay. It is likely that there’s not enough time to make all these stops. We suggest you visit the Pali Lookout, then head back to Honolulu and complete the circle the next day.
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Time to get out and explore! The island’s full of awesome spots—just keep an eye out, some might ask for a reservation or an entrance fee to get in.