19 Top Things to do in North Shore Hawaii

Looking for fun things to do in North Shore Hawaii? We’ve got enough ideas to fill up an entire vacation!

If you read enough Hawaii travel blogs, you’ll get the same advice: take a day trip to Oahu’s North Shore. It’s advice we give a lot here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, but it’s not always the best advice. 

Yes, we’re guilty of shortchanging this incredible destination because one day here is not enough. There are too many activities, too many foods to try, and too many beaches to see and do it all in one day. 

So if you’re short on time, a day trip to the North Shore is certainly worth the effort. But if at all possible, carve out a little extra time to return to the North Shore for even more Hawaii fun. Read on to learn more!

Why is Hawaii’s North Shore so Awesome?

Every island and every neighborhood in Hawaii has a unique charm. Still, there is something extra special about Hawaii’s north shore. This is where you’ll find the quintessential laid-back Hawaii surf culture. Boards strapped to the top of a jeep. Bare feet crossing the road to the beach. Kids lined up to cliff jump into the ocean. 

And the food is unbeatable. Food trucks and small cafes abound. It feels so quaint yet lively at the same time. These are classic surf towns, and if you’ve never experienced something like that, it’s easy to fall in love. For many Hawaii vacationers, their time in the North Shore is the most memorable. After all, there are so many unique things to do and beautiful sights, this area will quickly find a place in your heart. 

Top Things to do in North Shore Hawaii

1. Swim under a waterfall

Beach days may fill your Hawaii fantasies, but don’t forget about the rich jungle that awaits you here. One of the best places to enjoy a waterfall swim? Waimea Valley. This paved hiking trail is located on private property, and you’ll have to pay to access it. But it’s a fantastic way to see Hawaii’s colorful plantlife. And lifeguards oversee the waterfall swim at the end of the hike. We love a Hawaii adventure with added safety measures!

2. Watch big wave surfing

Hawaii’s North Shore is famous for big wave surfing. This is an incredible sport to watch, so if you’re lucky enough to be on Oahu when conditions are right, head up to the North Shore and see these big wave surfers in action. 

Big wave surfing season runs November through March, with conditions varying every day. 

3. Eat breakfast at a local cafe

Did you get up to watch the sunrise on Oahu’s north shore? Getting an early start to your surf-town adventure? Breakfast is certainly part of your itinerary, and it’s worth heading to the area early just to chow down at a local cafe. 

Acai bowls, local coffee, farm-to-table menus, and fresh fruits are the hallmark of North Shore breakfasts. We especially love Haleiwa Bowls and Kono’s. 

4. Shop in Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa is the hub of Hawaii’s north shore, and it’s here where you’ll find colorful shops, beautiful art galleries, and local surf stores. Spend some time wandering the streets and enjoy the unique vibes of this town. 

5. Swim at Waimea Bay

If you’re visiting Hawaii in the summer months, you may be lucky enough to swim at a North Shore beach. Beach days always top our “best things to do” lists in Hawaii, and a beach day at Waimea Bay is awesome. 

In the summer months, Waimea Bay Beach Park is a great location for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sights. You can also watch brave beachgoers leap from “The Rock,” a popular cliff jumping location on the North Shore. 

6. Eat at a famous North Shore shrimp truck

We told you the North Shore is famous for its surfing, which is true. But it’s also on the map because of a specific kind of food: shrimp. On Oahu’s north shore, shrimp trucks are iconic. These lunch wagons serve up garlic shrimp with a heaping scoop of rice. Which North Shore shrimp truck is the best? That’s certainly up for debate, but most agree that Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is the original North Shore food truck. 

7. Go horseback riding on the beach on Hawaii’s North Shore

There’s something super dreamy about horseback riding on the beach, but did you know you can do it in Hawaii? There are a couple of places you can horseback ride on the North Shore, including Hawaii Polo, which offers an oceanfront trail. 

8. Go snorkeling

If you’re visiting Oahu in the summer, conditions could be right for a North Shore snorkeling adventure. This is one of our favorite things to do in Hawaii! Just be sure to check in with lifeguards and stay aware of your surroundings. Here are a few of our favorite beaches for snorkeling in the North Shore:

• Shark’s Cove
• Waimea Bay Beach Park
• Three Tables 

9. See real-life sea turtles

Have you ever seen a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle? It’s amazing to see these large, graceful creatures in the wild, and the North Shore has one of the best spots for it. Laniakea Beach is a hotspot for turtles (called honu in Hawaiian). Here’s our complete guide on Laniakea Beach – check it out before your next North Shore adventure. 

10. Cool down with shave ice

You have to try some Hawaiian Shave Ice while you’re in the islands. Why not cool off with this tasty treat while exploring the North Shore? Snacking is always one of our favorite things to do in Hawaii, and this is a top snack to try. 

Matsumoto Shave Ice is the classic shop, but there are so many options you’d have to try to miss out on a shave ice on the North Shore. 

11. Hike to Oahu’s western end

On Oahu, you can only drive so far. If you want to stand on the island’s western end, right at the edge of the water toward the setting sun, you’ll need to put on your hiking shoes. 

Kaʻena Point Trail has an access from the North Shore that will take you to the edge of the island. Access the trail from the Mokule‘ia side and trek 2.5 miles to the end. It’s not a particularly tough hike, but it is out in the sun, so be prepared for that. 

12. Learn to surf in North Shore Hawaii

When you think of Hawaii surf lessons, you probably imagine a full class in Waikiki. But the North Shore is also a great place to learn to surf. North Shore surf schools offer a bit of a “local vibe,” and some even guarantee you’ll stand up on the board. 

13. Swim with sharks

You’ve snorkeled and seen the fish. You went to Laniakea Beach and saw the turtles. Now you’re ready to see sharks. Cage diving is one of the most unique things to do in North Shore Hawaii, if you’re brave enough to come face-to-face with the ocean’s most feared creatures. North Shore Shark Adventures offers cage dives for anyone wanting a big thrill during their time in Hawaii. 

14. Take a free coffee tour

You don’t have to go to Kauai or the Big Island to take a free coffee tour. Greenworld Coffee is a gorgeous farm located in Wahiawa, Oahu. That makes it a little outside of North Shore, but you’ll go by it on your way there. 

Once you get to the store, you can scan a QR code for a self-guided farm tour or ask a staff member for an expert-led tour. 

15. Kayak along a tropical river

Anahulu River is a small river on Oahu’s north shore that’s perfect for a leisurely kayak trip. Rent your vessel from Surf n Sea and begin your journey right from their shop. 

16. See North Shore Hawaii from above with the ‘Ehukai Pillbox Hike

The ‘Ehukai Pillbox Hike has a lot going for it: it’s short (0.7 miles each way), historic (check out the World War II bunkers), and handy for any North Shore visitor. But its main draw is its incredible views. This is the perfect place to sit and take in the beaches and traffic from above. 

Pro tip: watch the sunset or sunrise from the ‘Ehukai Pillbox.

17. Attend a luau

While most of Oahu’s luau are in Waikiki or Ko Olina, there is one option in the North Shore that you shouldn’t overlook. Toa Luau is a fun and immersive luau at Waimea Valley. You’ll enjoy dinner and entertainment, plus ALL luau packages include access to the hiking trail and waterfall. 

Our favorite thing about Toa Luau? They have a 12:30 pm luau that’s perfect for families with young children, early birds, or anyone who doesn’t want to be out late at night. They also have a 5 pm option for anyone who wants the more traditional dinner-time experience. 

18. Enjoy dinner at Haleiwa Joe

Our list of top things to do in Hawaii’s North Shore could be completely filled with food. After all, we love eating our way through Oahu. But we’ve narrowed down our favorite and decided to recommend Haleiwa Joe’s for dinner. 

This popular restaurant has fresh food, great service, and gorgeous views of Haleiwa Harbor. If you’re going to treat yourself to a nice meal during your Hawaii vacation, consider dining at this North Shore favorite. 

19. Watch the sunset from the beach

You’ve enjoyed a lively day (or multiple lively days) on Oahu’s north shore. Now it’s time for our favorite thing to do in all of Hawaii: watch the sunset. Find a spot on any of the area’s gorgeous beaches (like aptly named Sunset Beach) and enjoy the beauty of a Hawaii sunset. Bring along a picnic and your dearest travel buddies and take it all in. 

Touring North Shore Hawaii

Now you see how much there is to see and do on Oahu’s North Shore. But you don’t have to navigate and plan this all on your own. 

A private North Shore Oahu Tour is a great way to sightsee without having to drive through traffic or make tough decisions about where to stop. Your expert guide takes care of it all for you. 

Whether you are part of a guided tour or enjoying the sights on your own, remember to travel with aloha, enjoy the slower pace, and embrace the laid-back North Shore spirit. We can’t wait to see what you think about this iconic Hawaii destination!