Spending a day on the North Shore is undoubtedly one of the best things to do on Oahu. And convenient bonus — it makes for the perfect day trip from Waikiki.
Unlike the fast-paced city life you’ll find in Waikiki and Honolulu, the North Shore is filled with beautiful beaches, delicious food trucks, local shops, spectacular surf breaks, stunning beaches, and irresistible island charm that captures the spirit of Hawaii.
During my recent trip to Oahu, I spent one full day exploring the North Shore from Waikiki following this exact North Shore day trip itinerary (spoiler alert — it was one of the best days of our trip!). However, I’ve also included other helpful information in this guide, like the best places to stay on the North Shore, where to eat on the North Shore, and all the best things to do on the North Shore in case you decide to spend an extra day (or two!) on this side of the island.
Ready to soak up the laid-back island vibes or chase a thrilling adventure during a day trip to Oahu’s North Shore? Here’s the North Shore day trip itinerary that will let you do all that — and much, much more!
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Perfect North Shore Day Trip Itinerary from Waikiki
Drive to the North Shore from Waikiki
Since Waikiki is the most popular place to stay on Oahu, it’s most likely you’ll be driving to the North Shore after exploring the best things to do in Waikiki. There are two ways to reach the North Shore from Waikiki in a rental car:
- Freeway Route — Driving on the freeway is the quickest (and most direct) route to the North Shore from Waikiki — it takes about 45 minutes. This route follows Interstate Highway 1 West to Interstate Highway 2 North before arriving in Haleiwa.
- Scenic Route — Prefer taking the longer, more scenic route? If so, head up to Kahaluu from Waikiki and drive along the island’s northeast coast through Kahuku. This route takes about an hour and a half from Waikiki and passes popular tourist attractions, such as the Byodo-In Temple, Kualoa Ranch, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Though we don’t recommend stopping at these spots for this North Shore day trip itinerary — these are spectacular places to add to another day on an Oahu itinerary!
This North Shore day trip itinerary can also be easily adjusted to accommodate other starting points, like Ko Olina or Kahaluu — just plug the North Shore into Google Maps to get the best route and drive time from your hotel, resort, or vacation rental.
If you don’t have a rental car, scroll down to check out some of our best recommendations for tours from Waikiki and Honolulu that include round-trip transportation.
Fuel Up with Fresh Breakfast at Hale’iwa Bowls
Once you arrive at the North Shore, drive into Haleiwa — the main town along the North Shore and the first stop on this North Shore day trip itinerary. In Haleiwa is where you’ll find Hale’iwa Bowls — a small kiosk serving delicious acai bowls, smoothies, juices, and cold brew coffee!
I recommend getting a bowl at Haleiwa Bowls to enjoy the fresh local fruit. I ordered the Blue Majik Bowl with a base of banana, pineapple, and blue Majik spirulina topped with granola, fresh blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, and local honey. My sister’s ordered the Hapa Acai Bowl — a blend of acai, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries topped with granola, fresh bananas, raw coconut flakes, and local honey — and it was also delicious!
Go Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove
After you’ve fueled up with a delicious bowl, head east along the North Shore to Shark’s Cove — a small, rocky bay that’s part of Pūpūkea Beach Park. Although Hanauma Bay is the most popular Oahu snorkeling spot, the marine life in Shark’s Cove is equally breathtaking. Plus, unlike Hanauma Bay, Shark’s Cove is less crowded and doesn’t require an entry fee!
Although there are no sharks (despite the name!), there are tons of tropical fish in Shark’s Cove! The water is shallow and clear, so it’s easy to see the marine life swimming around you. During our time snorkeling at Shark’s Cove, we saw triggerfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, needlefish, and trumpetfish — just to name a few. We also saw three sea turtles!
Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove is a must on any North Shore day trip itinerary. Here are a few things to keep in mind while snorkeling at Shark’s Cove:
- Check the current before snorkeling. The water is usually the calmest from May to September. We had great snorkeling conditions during our trip in April!
- Parking in front of Shark’s Cove is limited, so arrive early to snag a spot.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to respect the coral reefs.
- Bring your own snorkel gear (including fins) to save money on rentals.
- Watch out for the jagged rocks — they’re sharp!
- Three Tables is another great snorkeling spot near Shark’s Cove to check out.
- Plan to spend at least two hours snorkeling at Shark’s Cove — you won’t want to stop!
Grab a Quick Lunch at Kono’s Northshore (+ Other Options)
You’ll be hungry after snorkeling all morning, and Kono’s Northshore — one of the best places to eat on Oahu — is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite.
Kono’s Northshore is a staple stop you can’t miss during your day trip to North Shore, Hawaii. Although Kono’s has locations across the island of Oahu, the location on the North Shore was the first location that was opened in 2002.
Kono’s is famous for its “bombers.” These giant flour tortillas are stuffed with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and a choice of meat, like pork, bacon, chorizo, or sausage. I ordered (and loved) the Haleiwa Bomber — filled with slow-roasted Kalua pork. Kono’s also serves lunch plates and bowls but closes at 2 PM daily.
Looking for other lunch options on the North Shore? Check out these other options in and around Haleiwa:
- The Cosmic Kitchen — The Cosmic Kitchen is a great spot to find healthy vegan and vegetarian food including soups, sandwiches, and smoothies.
- Farm to Barn Cafe & Juicery — Farm to Barn Cafe & Juicery crafts delicious meals with ingredients from local, organic farms in a community-oriented atmosphere. Choose from bowls, salads, burritos, burgers, and other delicious brunch and lunch items.
- Surf N Salsa — Surf N Salsa is a popular Mexican food joint on the North Shore that serves handmade and locally sourced tacos, nachos, burritos, and plates. Try a fish taco because, well — you’re in Hawaii, and the fresh fish doesn’t get much better than here!
- The Sunrise Shack — The Sunrise Shack is famous for its colorful, fresh bowls and smoothies and has two locations on the North Shore (Shark’s Cove and Sunset Beach). Though we opted to visit the Sunrise Shack in our hotel in Waikiki, this local gem is a great place to stop for a light bite on the North Shore!
- Wicked HI Pizza — Wicked HI Pizza serves delicious, naturally-fermented sourdough pizzas and “honey slush,” made with local honey, fruit, and water in Haleiwa. This is the best place to stop if you’re craving pizza for lunch on the North Shore.
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck — Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck has been a fan favorite on the North Shore for years and serves Shrimp Scampi, Lemon Butter Shrimp, and “No Refunds” Hot & Spicy Shrimp (it’s so hot that it comes with a warning!).
Shop ‘Til You Drop in Historic Haleiwa
After eating at Kono’s Northshore, you’ll be in the heart of Historic Haleiwa — the perfect place to walk off a big lunch and spend the afternoon.
Historic Haleiwa is the hub of art, culture, and shopping on the North Shore. It’s the perfect place to peruse for local Hawaiian souvenirs, explore the surf shops, or check out the local art galleries — all some of the best things to do in Haleiwa. You’ll also find tons of food trucks and places to grab a treat — like shave ice or coconut water (in a coconut, of course!).
Tip: One of the best photo spots in Haleiwa is the Colette Miller Wings painted on the side of Anahulu Shave Ice. Snap a photo here when exploring Downtown Haleiwa!
Enjoy a Refreshing Treat from Matsumoto Shave Ice
While exploring Historic Haleiwa, you must pay a visit to Matsumoto Shave Ice. This family-owned business has been serving delicious (and colorful!) shave ice to the North Shore since 1951. It’s a must-stop on any North Shore day trip itinerary.
Matsumoto Shave Ice has 30+ delicious flavors to choose from and great prices. A small shave ice costs $3.75 and a large shave ice costs $4.25. You can also add ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, mochi, or azuki beans (Japanese red beans cooked in sugar) for an extra dollar or two. My coconut, pina colada, and guava shave ice with sweetened condensed milk was tasty and a great way to end a day on the North Shore!
Tip: The line to Matsumoto is almost always long — after all, they serve almost 1,000 shave ice daily. However, don’t let the line deter you. It moves quickly, and it’s worth waiting for!
Spot Sea Turtles & Watch the Sunset at Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach is one of the best spots to visit to wrap up a day trip to Oahu’s North Shore.
Laniakea Beach is famous for the sea turtles that emerge from the ocean to sunbathe on the sand. The turtles frequent the beach in the afternoon (as opposed to mornings), so saving this as a last stop on the North Shore is smart. We saw one sea turtle while we were here!
This beach is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset — golden hour was spectacular!
Sit Down for a Delicious Dinner
Although you can certainly head to any of the restaurants or food trucks listed earlier that you skipped out on for lunch (that are still open!), these restaurants offer a “sit down” experience and are better suited for a delicious dinner before heading back to Waikiki:
- Hale’iwa Beach House — Hale’iwa Beach House is a seafood restaurant on the North Shore serves fresh seafood, from shrimp to poke, and other Hawaiian dishes, like Loco Moco and Kalua pork, as well as handcrafted signature cocktails, local beer, and wine.
- Haleiwa Joe’s — Although I highly recommend visiting the Haleiwa Joe’s location in Kaneohe (it was one of my favorite experiences on Oahu!), the original location in Haleiwa is still one of the best places to eat on the North Shore. This local restaurant serves fresh-caught fish, seasonal produce, high-quality steaks, and specialty cocktails.
- Mayas Tapas & Wine — Mayas Tapas & Wine is a quaint restaurant on the North Shore that serves tapas, from baked burrata to lobster mac and cheese. They have happy hour from 5–6 PM and serve cocktails, wine, and beer.
- Seven Brothers Burgers — With locations in Haleiwa, Shark’s Cove, Kahuku, and Laie, Seven Brothers Burgers is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat on the North Shore. This family-owned burger joint serves delicious burgers with giant onion rings, salads, and fries. These are the best burgers on the North Shore, hands down!
Want to get back to Waikiki before it gets dark? Make plans to grab dinner at one of the best places to eat in Waikiki, like Duke’s Waikiki or SKY Waikiki instead.
Other Fun Things to Do During a North Shore Day Trip from Waikiki
Would you rather try surfing than snorkeling? Want to squeeze in a hike instead of shopping? No problem! Although my North Shore day trip itinerary is listed above, there are plenty of other cool things to do on Oahu’s North Shore — in fact, it would be impossible to do it all in one day!
If you’re planning to spend multiple days on the North Shore (or want to swap out one of the things to do listed above), here are some other ideas of things to do on the North Shore:
Tour the Dole Plantation (& Eat a Dole Whip!)
Dole Plantation is located right on the way to the North Shore, so it’s a worthwhile stop if you’re searching for one of the most family-friendly (and delicious!) things to do on the North Shore.
At Dole Plantation, visitors can ride the Pineapple Express Train, wander through the Pineapple Garden Maze, and explore the Plantation Garden — all while learning about how pineapples are grown on Hawaii. Tickets can be purchased for one, two, or all activities at the ticket booth.
Don’t miss stopping by the plantation county store at Dole Plantation. You can purchase a pineapple to bring home with you or (even better!) order a refreshing Dole Whip. Yum!
Explore One of the Best Hiking Trails on the North Shore
Hiking is one of the best things to do on Oahu for free and certainly one of the best ways to spend a day on the North Shore. These are some of the best hikes along the North Shore to check out during a day (or two!) exploring this scenic part of the island:
- Ehukai Pillbox Trail — This moderately difficult loop is the perfect two-mile North Shore hike. It isn’t as well known or busy as the popular Lanikai Pillbox Hike on the island’s west side but offers a similar experience. It only takes about an hour to complete and offers stunning views of Ehukai Beach and military bunkers from World War II.
- Hauʻula Loop Trail — Also a moderately difficult loop trail just short of three miles, this scenic hike offers stunning rainforest views of the Kaipapaʻu Gulch. We didn’t have time for this hike during our North Shore day trip, but it’s on my list for next time. The photos I’ve seen remind me of one of my favorite hikes on Maui, the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.
- Ka’ena Point Trail — This out-and-back trail follows an old railroad bed and leads to the stunning Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve that is filled with coastal sand dunes and native wildlife, such as birds, whales, and even Hawaiian monk seals.
Give Surfing a Try on the North Shore
The North Shore is one of the world’s most popular surfing destinations and offers some of the most famous and powerful surf breaks in the world. So, if you’re into surfing or want to give it a try — there isn’t a better place to be than the North Shore!
Though professional surfers will have a great time riding the waves at Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach (these are also great places to watch surfers on the North Shore), beginner surfers should consider lessons at Pua’ena Beach Park or Chun’s Reef, where surfing conditions are most mild and predictable.
Check out these surfing tours during a day on the North Shore:
- North Shore Beginner Surf Lessons — This two-hour surfing lesson includes a surfboard, rash guard, and leash, as well as a rundown of surf techniques from an expert instructor and a chance to try out your new skills on the beginner-friendly waves.
- Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu — Try your hand at surfing on the North Shore with a small group after receiving a quick lesson from your instructor. A surfboard (and all the other gear needed) is included in the price of this two-hour lesson.
Spend Time Relaxing at Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea Bay Beach Park is one of the top spots to watch professional surfers in Hawaii during the winter and is one of the best places for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing on the North Shore when the waters are calm in the summer. It’s also a popular spot for cliff jumping — there are lifeguards on duty, but jumpers and swimmers should proceed with caution.
Waimea Bay is a beautiful spot to lay out in the sand and can be an alternative to Laniakea Beach in our North Shore day trip itinerary. Other great beaches to check out along the North Shore include Sunset Beach and Ehukai Beach Park.
Explore Waimea Botanical Garden
We opted to visit the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden during our trip to Oahu, but the Waimea Botanical Garden on the North Shore is equally as stunning!
Waimea Botanical Garden is home to 52 themed gardens and 5,000 types of tropical and subtropical plants, including colorful flowers, towering trees, and peaceful ponds. Admission to Waimea Valley, including the botanical gardens and Waimea Falls — a short hike to a waterfall with a swimming hole — is $25 for adults and $15 for kids.
Learn to Hula at Toa Luau
Speaking of Waimea Valley, did you know this popular destination on the North Shore is home to one of the best luaus in Hawaii? That’s right — Toa Luau!
Instead of purchasing tickets to Waimea Valley, consider getting tickets to Toa Luau instead. Tickets include admission to Waimea Falls and Waimea Botanical Gardens for the entire day and then admission to a spectacular luau show and meal at either 12:30 PM or 5 PM.
Toa Luau is one of the most authentic luaus on Oahu. You’ll receive a flower lei, participate in cultural activities and cooking demonstrations, enjoy a delicious luau feast, a fire knife show, and a Polynesian show with dances from Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa.
Tickets sell out quickly — so snag tickets to the Toa Luau well in advance. We wanted to attend this luau on the North Shore, but it was sold out by the time we tried to get our tickets!
Kayak or SUP at Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach Park offers calmer waters protected by Waialua Bay perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and other water sports (especially for kids!). It is also close to Haleiwa and several rental companies, like Blue Planet Adventure Co. and Rainbow Watersports. After kayaking or paddleboarding, head into Haleiwa for a shave ice!
Map of the Best Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore
Best Hotels & Places to Stay on Oahu’s North Shore
If you want to spend more than one day on the North Shore, you will find that hotels and resorts on this stretch of coastline are few and far between. This is why many people choose to stay near Honolulu and go on a day trip to the North Shore from Waikiki. You can check out my list of the best luxury resorts on Oahu to find the perfect place to stay on the island.
If you’d like to stay on the North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort is the best option. Turtle Bay Resort has plenty of amenities to offer, including championship golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, on-site dining, and oceanfront rooms. There is also plenty to do nearby — from hiking and mountain biking to surfing and snorkeling. And bonus — this resort was featured in popular movies and television shows like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Lost.
For a more budget-friendly choice, Courtyard by Marriott North Shore offers clean, comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and is right next to the Polynesian Cultural Center and is not far from Kualoa Ranch (where parts of Jurassic Park were filmed!).
Top Oahu Tours to Visit Hawaii’s North Shore
The North Shore is at least a 45-minute drive from Waikiki, so you’ll need a rental car in order to follow this North Shore day trip itinerary. However, if getting a rental car is not an option for you — don’t worry! You can still experience the North Shore on a round-trip tour from Waikiki that includes transportation. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Tour of North Shore & Waimea Waterfall — This tour includes pickup and drop-off in Waikiki with stops at the Dole Plantation, the Banzai Pipeline, and either Waimea Bay or Waimea Valley for a swim at the base of Waimea Waterfall.
- North Shore Experience & Dole Plantation — This full-day tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels and resorts in Waikiki and cool spots on the North Shore and beyond, like Kualoa Regional Park, Sunset Beach, and the Dole Plantation.
- Oahu Island Full-Day Guided Tour with Lunch — This tour is a great way to see popular spots on the North Shore, like Waimea Valley and the Dole Plantation, and other popular spots on the island, like Byodo-In Temple, on a full-day tour from Waikiki.
North Shore Day Trip Itinerary – FAQs
How long should I spend on Oahu’s North Shore?
Oahu’s North Shore is the perfect day trip from Waikiki. During a day on the North Shore, you can grab a delicious acai bowl from Haleiwa Bowls, snorkel with tropical fish at Shark’s Cove, explore the shops in Historic Haleiwa (including Matsumoto’s Shave Ice — yum!), and watch the sunset with the sea turtles at Laniakea Beach before heading back to Waikiki.
Is North Shore, Hawaii worth visiting?
It would be a mistake to visit Oahu without spending at least one day on the North Shore! The North Shore has more of a “laid-back” vibe than you’ll find in Waikiki and is filled with local food trucks, fantastic surf breaks, and some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Which beach is best at North Shore?
Each of the beaches on the North Shore offers something unique, making it impossible to name just one of them the “best!” Head to Laniakea Beach for a chance to spot a sea turtle, Pūpūkea Beach Park for the best snorkeling at Shark’s Cove, Waimea Bay or Ehukai Beach Park to watch professional surfers in action at famous surf breaks, like Banzai Pipeline, or Sunset Beach to — you guessed it — enjoy a spectacular North Shore sunset.
Do I need a car in North Shore, Oahu?
Yes, you do need a car to get around Oahu’s North Shore. First, you’ll need a car to drive from Waikiki to the North Shore during a day trip — it’s about a 45-minute drive. Second, the North Shore attractions are spaced out along the coast, and there is no public transportation, so you’ll need a car to get from one place to the other.
Spend the Perfect Day on Oahu’s North Shore with This North Shore Day Trip Itinerary
The North Shore is one of the most fun and adventurous places to visit on the island of Oahu. This popular destination in Hawaii offers a relaxing change of pace from the hustle and bustle in Waikiki and Honolulu.
Have you visited the North Shore? What did you love about it? If you haven’t visited, which of the things to do in North Shore, Hawaii, sounds the most exciting to you?
Save This North Shore Day Trip Itinerary for Your Hawaiian Vacation
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Did you love this post about how to spend the perfect day trip to North Shore, Hawaii? If so, check out these other blog posts about Oahu:
- Ultimate List of Things to Do in Waikiki (Hotels, Restaurants & More)
- Incredible 5-Day Oahu Itinerary for First Timers
- 16 Best Places to Eat on Oahu, Hawaii
- 16 Best Resorts on Oahu for a Luxurious Beachfront Vacation
- 15 Best Things to Do on Oahu for Free
- Is Oahu in Honolulu? The Difference Between Oahu, Honolulu & Waikiki
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