20 Fabulous Things to do in North Shore Oahu

If you have been putting off a Hawaiian vacation on Oahu but worried about the tourist crowds, the North Shore may be your answer. Yes, many areas of Oahu are heaving with tourists. There are so many exciting things to do on Oahu North Shore Oahu, as well as stunning places to see, in a far calmer and quieter environment. Vacationing in North Shore allows access to all of the iconic Oahu sites, but lets you leave the crowds behind. In fact, you may not head back to Honolulu until it is time to fly out!

In our opinion, North Shore Oahu offers the perfect escape, and will be the exactly what you imagine a Hawaiian vacation to be! This is where you can relax, soak in the sun, and wander around in all of that Hawaiian beauty, like you imagined. Then you can delve into some of the gracious Hawaiian culture, get your adrenaline pumping, and come face to face with the island wildlife. There are just as many things to do on the North Shore Oahu as there are on the south shore, without the metropolitan area, or the swarms of tourists.

To help you plan a fabulous North Shore vacation, we have put together a list of amazing things to do on Oahu North Shore, which includes a couple which are our favorite places on the entire island! We even have a couple that we doubt you will find on any other website! And, you can head down to see any of the iconic spots, such as Pearl Harbor or Diamond Head, with a short drive, and be back to your quieter haven by evening. 

By the way, if you DO want to stay in the Waikiki area, be sure to read our itinerary for a week in Oahu,  and if the dollars are a big concern check out our Oahu Budget Guide! If you decide another island is right for you, you might try our Maui 5 day itinerary, our Big Island vacation or or our around the Big Island road trip.

We are going to give you 20 amazing things to do on the North Shore. You may never vacation anywhere else!

But, before we go on, a few Oahu geography facts!

Oahu is the home of Hawaii’s capital, but it is not the largest Hawaiian Island, as both Hawaii, or the Big Island, and Maui, are larger. Oahu was the capital island of the Hawaiian Kingdom, prior to it being overthrown by colonists in 1894. The capital city of Honolulu was retained during the annexation, and when the islands became a US state.

Oahu is composed of only one county within the state of Hawaii, but there are 5 distinct regions on the island: Honolulu, the Leeward Shore, the Windward Shore, Central Oahu, and the North Shore.

While these terms may mean nothing more than directions for visitors, they are distinct regions with distinct boundaries for locals. For a potential visitor, the term North Shore may mean any area along the northern coast of the island, but for a local, there is a specific boundary running about midway along the coast. Being a visitor, we thought as a one, until we were enlightened by the locals.

Understanding how this may be confusing to someone planning a trip, we have written in the terminology of a visitor. While most of our suggestions are in North Shore, a few of them are actually in Windward Shore, in local terminology. Nonetheless, all of them are located on what geographically can be defined as along the North Shore. To distinguish these, we have used plain old black font for things to do in North Shore Oahu, and we used blue font for the things to do that are geographically on the North Shore of Oahu. Clear as mud? Either way, off we go!

If you decide the North shore is right for you, you can reserve your hotel right now!

Things to do on the North Shore of Oahu

1. Head to the Beach

The first and perhaps most important thing to do in North Shore is to get to know some the beaches in the areas you will be spending time. Obviously beaches are one of the main reasons for traveling to any island, and the North Shore has some of the best on Oahu. Remember that beaches in Hawaii are always public, no matter how secluded or private they may seem, so if you come across one that suits you, enjoy. Intermittent beaches are sprinkled all along the shore, and many of them are designated as Beach Parks, with access marked with signs, and sometimes, a public parking area.

2.  Get to know Haleiwa Town.

If the beaches are the heart of the North Shore, Haleiwa may very well be its soul. The town exudes the essence of the laid back surfer lifestyle that is predominant all along the coast. There are plenty of shops for surfing and beach life, as well as others boasting local wares from hand-made soaps and crafts, to locally grown coffees and produce. There are also a number of galleries featuring the works of artists from the area. Visitors are welcomed in the typical gracious Hawaiian fashion. While you are there, you can also find some amazing food. The must tries: acai bowls, shave ice, north shore shrimp, and fish tacos. We are sure you will find other favorites!

3.  Take a surfing lesson.

Take a surfing lesson- North Shore is known for some of the best surfing in the world, and the sport plays a major role in the area culture. Lessons are available for all skill levels, so visitors can get out on a longboard under expert guidance. Try Sunset Suzy’s if you are a beginner. Be aware that during the winter months the surf along the North Shore is huge, and this is not the best time to learn, but is a great time to watch the experts ride the waves. If the surf is up, you will get a fabulous show at several local beaches, including the Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach. If you time your travels right, you might even be able to catch a professional competition, for free!

4.  Meet the sea turtles.

Come face to face with the once endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. These beauties can be found in several places throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but there are a couple of places where they thrive along the North Shore. Turtle cove is a self-explanatory choice, while Laniakea Beach is another option. Be aware that the sea turtles are protected by federal regulation, and you may not touch them, but they are fun to watch.

5.  Try some snorkeling.

If you want to get close up with other aquatic animals, then snorkeling is in order, but bear in mind that snorkeling is more of a summer activity, due to the high surf in winter months. There are three remarkable snorkeling spots in, or close enough, to North Shore. Sharks Cove is the most popular spot with a good variety of sea life. For you thrill seekers, there are not typically sharks at Sharks Cove. Beginners may enjoy the quieter area and calmer waters of Kuilima Cove, near the Turtle Bay Resort. Gear can be rented nearby both of these locations. For those who want to try a more isolated area, try Kaena, around the corner on the Leeward coast.

6.  Get up close and personal with the sharks.

Since it came up, those of you that really want to see some sharks can do it on the north shore. I am not sure why any of you want to do this, but I know that some of you, including Keyauni, do. So, yes, you can try the in the cage shark experience like you have seen on television and YouTube, through North Shore Shark Adventures. Or, if you are really brave, you can work with a conservation research project, and free dive with a variety of shark species with One Ocean.

7.  Reel in a big one deep-sea fishing.

Those who want a different kind of marine related adrenaline rush my want to try their hand at deep-sea fishing. For those of you who have not tried fishing, it may not sound like an adrenaline rush, but just wait. If you happen to latch onto a big one, your heart will be racing plenty. It will probably end up being the highlight of your entire Hawaiian trip! There are a number of groups available to arrange your deep-sea fishing experience right at the docks in Haleiwa town, and most are rated quite highly.

8.  Help revitalize a historic fishpond.  

For a calmer fish related experience, visit one of the native Hawaiian historic sites, He’eia Fishpond. The fish pond is 88 acres encircled by a wall separating it from the mighty Pacific, built by area residents approximately 800 years ago, to grow fish to maturity and provide food during times when ocean fishing was not possible. It reveals the remarkable ingenuity and ecological knowledge of the indigenous locals. Visitors can take a guided tour of the pond to learn about its significance, or better yet, volunteer in the refurbishment of the pond on Fridays or Saturday mornings. On Saturdays, lunch is provided, along with good company and the reward of giving something to the local community.

9.  Visit the Valley of the Priests.

For a different kind of historic site,  the Valley of the Priests, at Waimea Valley, is the best opportunity to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture on the North Shore.  The valley was considered holy by native Hawaiians, and the king designated the lands as belonging to the holy priests. In between, the area was marketed as a cultural amusement park, where cliff divers demonstrated their skills, dancers performed, and local foods were served. Now it is a far more serene setting. In the valley there are several archaeological holy sites to see, and one of the finest botanical gardens in the world, featuring collections from across the islands along a hiking trail. The trail leads to one of Oahu’s favorite waterfalls, Waimea Falls, where you can still swim. There is so much more to see at Waimea Valley, including traditional performances, educational events, and local crafts. It could be a whole day excursion.

10.  Check out other types of historic sites.

If history is your thing, there are a number of other historic sites in North Shore. Learn more about the history of the Hawaiian people at sites such as the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site, or the Kukaniloko Birthing Site where many of the ancient Hawaiian kings were born. There are world related historical sites, such as the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Station, once the most powerful wireless communication plant in the world. The buildings are on the federal register of historic places, but were abandoned for decades. There are also a number of WWII related historic sites in North Shore, including several pill boxes that can be hiked to, the Haliewa air strip, and the beach park WWII memorial.

11.  Get out on the trails.

For more of the stunning mountain, forest, and coastal scenery, we recommend getting out on the trails one way or another. For those who would like to hit the trails on horseback, there are a number of choices for guided horseback rides in North Shore, including the North Shore Polo Club where you can also take in a polo game. As for hiking the options seem almost endless, from trails that lead to sparkling waterfalls, to abandoned military pillboxes with stunning views, and to remote coastal areas. It is pretty difficult to find a comprehensive list of all the area trails, but Hawaiian Trails gives a start, and all of their cited trails are legal for public use. Oahu Hike adds a lot more to the list, but make sure to read all of the details.

12.  Get up in the air.

Of course if the trails don’t give you enough of a view you may want to go for an overhead view. A light may seem like a frivolous expense, but then again it will give you a view and experience that you may never have again. You will see much more than just the north shore, as most helicopter tours will include some of Oahu’s other iconic landmarks. For a quieter option, you may be interested in taking a glider flight along the shore. For an acrobatic glider, try Honolulu Soaring, and for a hang glider, try Paradise Air Hawaii, or Hang Gliding Hawaii.

13. Get your adrenaline rush with zip lining or sky diving.  

If you need even more adrenaline than a plain old flight, you can also try zip lining or skydiving. My first thought is, well you can do these things anywhere in the world so why waste your time and dollars doing them in North Shore. BUT, the amazing views will be unlike anywhere else in the world, (unless you are like me and close your eyes for the entire zip line). For zip lining through the jungle try Climb Works. For skydiving, there are a handful of vendors offering tandem dives, including Sky Dive Hawaii, Pacific Skydiving Center, and Oahu Parachute Center.

14.  Visit the Kualoa Ranch.

One more really fun way to take in some of the amazing Oahu scenery is to head to the Kualoa Regional Park, and the Kualoa Ranch, on the Windward Coast. Be warned, it is quite a tourist attraction, and it’s a bit pricey, but everyone loves it In fact, it was my son’s favorite activity on all of Oahu. There are a number of tour choices that explore the valleys and jungle. The movie sites tour is hugely popular, and takes visitors through some of the most recognizable scenes of Jurassic Park, King Kong, and other blockbusters. (Another more local favorite here is to kayak out to Mokoli’i, the pointy basalt island commonly referred to as Chinaman’s Hat. If you can find the trail, you can hike to the very top, and be king of the island mountain for a moment.)

15.  Experience the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Another touristy option, but one well worth your time, is the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was my favorite activity on Oahu. In essence the cultural center is a theme park, designed to educated visitors on the distinct Polynesian Island cultures, which includes Hawaii. There are 6 villages set up in the fashion of different island cultures, including Fiji, Samoa, and Tahiti. Visitors can see traditional crafts and skills being performed at each village, and try a number of different activities. After lunch, a river parade takes place, with decorated barges and canoes, as well as dance performances. Later in the evening, the center hosts one of the island’s most popular luaus, and an acclaimed open air theater performance.

16.  See the “Taj Mahal of the Pacific.”

Visit the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Hawaiian temple. Located in the town of Laie, there are free shuttles to the temple from the Polynesian Cultural Center. Dedicated in 1919, it is sometimes referred to as the Taj Mahal of the Pacific, due to its stately and serene beauty. Visitors cannot enter the temple itself, but there is a visitors center, and stunning grounds which can be explored freely.

17.  Enjoy a delicious Dole Whip.  

Yes, Dole Plantation is a great big tourist attraction, in fact one of the busiest in North Shore. Still we enjoyed our visit, and we think you will too. Activities on the plantation include a train ride tour which provides a lot of information about the history of pineapple farming and the plantation, and an educational garden that features all different varieties of pineapple with signs that explain their unique qualities. Make sure to try your hand, or footing, in the world’s largest maze, made of pineapple plants! Then stop in the snack shop to enjoy delicious Dole Whip, and check out the locally made goods at the gift shop.

18.  Have a delicious lunch and help the developmentally disabled. 

Visit the Helemano Plantation. In the same neighborhood as the Dole Plantation, Helmano is a unique program set up to provide training and work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities who might not find employment in the mainstream. The plantation maintains farmlands and gardens, as well as a gift shop, a bakery, and a restaurant with two buffets. Visitors are given a guided tour of the farms and gardens, then can browse the shop areas at their leisure. Fresh fruits are always available for purchase, and there are souvenir options at the gift shop. Not only is a visit an enjoyable experience, it also supports the program.

19.  Support local farmers, and enjoy delicious fresh produce.

Although most of the plantations that covered this part of the island are now gone, it is still fertile farmland. Numerous small and independent farms are spread across the North shore and portions of the Windward Shore. Everything from orchids to eggs, from cacao trees to macadamia trees, from fresh fruit to fresh coffee beans, is grown on small farms in northern Oahu. Many of these stores welcome visitors interested in how they raise their crops, but more so, many of them also have small shops where fresh wares can be purchased, and in some cases, shipment home can be arranged. If your visit takes place at the right time, you might also be able to experience the stunning Waialua sunflower fields. Email them at [email protected]. ahead of time to find out if your trip coincides with the blooms.

20.  Celebrate, Hawaiian style, with a luau.

No trip to any of the Hawaiian islands is complete without a luau, and there are two fabulous options along the north shore. Both of these luau options are special in that they offer foods and traditional performances from a number of the Polynesian Islands, and not just Hawaii. The Toa Luau, held at Waimea Valley is a newer option, and one that is particularly ideal for families as it features a number of activities beyond watching the performances. The Ali’i Luau, held at the Polynesian Cultural Center is a much larger group, so less intimate, but we still loved every minute of it. Afterwards many of the performers stay around to take photos with visitors.

Is this enough things to do on the North Shore of Oahu?

North shore is so beautiful that you may want to spend most of your time relaxing beneath a palm tree on a beach or a rocky outcrop. But, if you want to stay busy, although our list is in no way exhaustive, we think it is a great start. You will be wishing you had more time, and maybe even planning a second trip!

Ready to start planning?  Reserve your room in North Shore now!

If you want to see the rest of Oahu, be sure to see our 7 day Oahu itinerary!

If you need some beach supplies for your trip, be sure to see our Beach Days store.

 

Don’t miss out on any of these great things to do on Oahu North Shore.  Pin it for putting your itinerary together!