ALOHA!
If you’re staying in Waikiki, then going to the North Shore can feel like it’s really far away.
But the vibes you’ll get on the North Shore are way different from Waikiki, which can make a day trip to the North Shore so worth it!
Be ready to take it slowly on the North Shore!
See below for a list of some of the best things to do on the North Shore based on my trips there!
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The list below of things to do on the North Shore starts at the northern most point of Oahu and then generally goes south along the North Shore coast from there along the western side.
1. Kuilima Cove
Cost: FREE
Kuilima Cove snorkeling spot on the North Shore located at Turtle Bay Resort.
You can hang out at this beach even if you’re not a guest staying here.
This is a beginner-friendly snorkeling spot that tends to have calmer waters all year round.
See more about Kuilima Cove.
2. Sunset Beach
Cost: FREE
Sunset Beach is a wide stretch of sand on the North Shore.
Winter is surfing season in Hawaii, and the North Shore of Oahu is the most internationally famous surfing location in Hawaii.
The Banzai Pipeline which is in the Sunset Beach area is one of the most famous surf spots.
With the fame can come crowds!
This also means that most of the North Shore is not suitable for swimming in the winter.
3. Sunrise Shack
Cost: $10-15
The Sunrise Shack is a popular insta-famous spot on the North Shore to stop along the side of the road for some coffee or healthy fruit bowl!
If you don’t make it to the North Shore, there’s also a Waikiki store location.
See more about the insta-famous Sunrise Shack.
4. Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Cost: FREE
The Ehukai Pillbox hike is a 1-2 hour hike that will give you views of the North Shore coast.
This is the North Shore pillbox hike with a peace sign on a pillbox.
This hike starts at Sunset Beach Elementary School, which is also basically right in front of Sunset Beach.
See more about the Ehukai pillbox hike.
5. Shark’s Cove
Cost: FREE
Shark’s Cove is one of the best Oahu snorkeling spots on the North Shore outside of winter surfing season.
This is within the Pupukea marine life conservation district.
Know before you go snorkeling on the North Shore! Know what it is when you see it!
- humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii state fish… it’s not as hard to pronounce as you might think!)
- Hawaiian white-spotted toby (cute little Hawaiian pufferfish!)
6. North Shore food trucks
Cost: $10-15
Go for some shrimp or fish tacos at a food truck on Oahu at the North Shore food trucks in front located across the street from Shark’s Cove!
There are also some on another part of the North Shore, in Kahuku which is kind of near Turtle Bay Resort.
There are also bicycle rentals near the Sharks Cove food trucks, and biking up and down the North Shore can be another great way to experience the North Shore!
7. Three Tables Beach
Cost: FREE
Three Tables Beach is another snorkeling spot when waves are calm within the Pupukea marine life conservation district.
8. Puu O Mahuka heiau
Cost: FREE
You can go to Puu O Mahuka heiau if you want to see some historical land in Hawaii.
A heiau is a sacred Native Hawaiian spot.
This North Shore heiau is designated as both a state historic site and a national historic landmark.
Also go here for the sweeping views of the North Shore!
9. Waimea Falls
Cost: $20
A visit to Waimea Falls is a visit to the Waimea Valley nature park where you can find one of the most popular waterfalls on Oahu.
You can go to Waimea Valley just for the waterfalls, but you can also go for the botanical gardens and Hawaiian cultural site!
See more about Waimea Falls.
10. Waimea Bay
Cost: FREE
Waimea Bay is one of the best beaches on the North Shore with beach facilities.
In the summer, this is one of the best spots on the North Shore for a chance to swim with turtles.
In the winter, this is one of the top beaches for surfing.
11. Laniakea Beach
Cost: FREE
At Laniakea Beach, you might have a good chance of seeing turtles at this beach.
This is also known as Turtle Beach.
See more about Laniakea Beach.
If you’re interested in turtles on the North Shore, you may also be interested in this marine life in Hawaii:
- Where to see turtles in Waikiki
- Hookipa Beach turtles in Maui
- Punaluu black sand beach turtles on the Big Island
- Hookipa Beach seals in Maui
How to make some of the top North Shore activities a part of your Oahu vacation?!
The North Shore basically has one main road, and this runs along the coast.
You can use some of these activities to guide you to the general areas of the North Shore to go.
But be sure to stop off at any place that looks good to you, too!
You might even find a place to rest to the sound of ocean waves!
And to save a bit of money…
Before you head to the North Shore, stop by a grocery store or convenience store to pick up some snacks or picnic food!
You’re sure to come across some picnic tables to enjoy food with ocean views!
How to get to the North Shore from Waikiki
If you are staying in Waikiki, renting a car will be the best way to get to the North Shore on your own.
The North Shore is a bit of a trip from Waikiki, so it’s best to plan it as a day trip or part of a circle island road trip around Oahu.
👆 Map of where the North Shore is located on Oahu. Waikiki is located just southeast of downtown Honolulu, so you will literally be crossing the island to get to the North Shore! Explore the North Shore Oahu tourist map.
If you are going to do just ONE day trip from Waikiki to experience Oahu outside of Waikiki, the North Shore can be perfect! (Your other top contender is East Oahu!)
Driving from Waikiki to the North Shore will be about an hour. You also might encounter traffic on the North Shore as it’s just one lane in each direction.
Otherwise, if you won’t be renting a car, you can also take the bus from Waikiki to the North Shore… if you want to think of it as part of a grand island adventure on Oahu! Going by bus to the North Shore may take a solid 2 hours one way!
But if you go for it with a good attitude and you don’t mind walking a lot it’s not so bad! (I took the bus to the North Shore!)
You can also rent bicycles on the North Shore too – near the food trucks right near the Shark’s Cove snorkeling spot can be a good place to find bikes.
See more: Things to do in Waikiki without a car (for VIEWS!)
North Shore beach conditions
So one of the most important things to know about the North Shore as you are planning your first trip to Hawaii is that the time of year you go can make a difference in your experience!
You can have a good experience no matter the month you visit, but it will just be different depending on when you go.
Hawaii is known as one of the top surfing destinations in the world.
And where is one of the top surfing destinations in Hawaii?!
The North Shore of Oahu!
And surfing season is in the winter months.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a surf competition on the North Shore.
Even if you’re visiting in winter and not into surfing, this can make a difference for you because good surfing conditions can generally mean not-so-good conditions for snorkeling and other water activities.
And even if you are visiting the North Shore outside of the time of big surf, you’ll still want to make sure to be careful when in the water.
In some spots, the tide can change quickly and there may be strong currents.
Many North Shore beaches don’t have lifeguards, although some do.
So just be sure to pay attention to the posted signs on the beach so you can be aware of the warnings!
And those are some ideas for how to spend one day on the North Shore!
And for the days you won’t be on the North Shore…
See ideas for your Oahu itinerary!
More for your trip to Oahu:
HAPPY NORTH SHORE OAHU TRAVEL PLANNING!
There are partner websites included in this post. I may earn a commission.