You Would Love to Do These Things in North Shore, Oahu

Make a Note of These

Languages spoken: English and Hawaiian
Area Code: 808
Clothing: Dress casually. Formal wear should be occasional.
Tipping: 15 - 20% on meals, minimum of $1 per bag for porters, and minimum $1 for housekeeping per night.

Oahu (or O'ahu) is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands. The North Shore is the north-facing coastline that spans from the Ka'ena Point to the Kahuku Point. The main city of North Shore is Haleiwa (or Hale'iwa). This place is replete with gigantic waves, stretches of beautiful scenes, blue beaches, Hawaiian culture, and food.

It is only an hour's drive from Waikiki. North Shore gives you a plethora of options for staying and things to do. If you're opting for luxury, head straight to the Turtle Bay Resort. However, if you're on the other side, you can find small houses to stay.

There is always something to do for everyone here. You have to land at the Honolulu International Airport and will have to travel to the North Shore by either TheBus, taxi/cabs, or you can rent a vehicle. TheBus is the public transport available there that is not very costly. But, if you want to reach places faster, it's better to rent a car.

Things To Do in North Shore

Surf or Watch Them Surf

✦ This place is called a surfer's dream, and surfing is the first thing that comes to mind. This is the place where several surfing competitions are held, and you will see many of them demonstrating their talent on those gigantic waves.

Competitions like 'Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau' and the 'Vans Triple Crown of Surfing' are held here. This is because the waves there are said to be perfect.

✦ You can pay a visit to beaches like Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach, which are just a few of the popular ones out there.

✦ The Banzai Pipeline is very famous because of the rough waves that are caused by the sharp reef there. It is considered as one of those spots that can pose danger to lives; hence, it is advised not venture out there unless you are trained, so let the pros do it! You can enjoy the beautiful sand and rest there instead!

✦ In winter, you'll notice huge waves, but in summer, there are gentle waves seen in the North Shore. If you are a beginner and keen to learn, there are several surf schools that can teach you in safer coves.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

✦ Not everyone can surf, but hey! We have more options for you! You can enjoy the secrets of the green waters because the real beauty lies in observing the flora and fauna.

What can be better than enjoying it when they are in their own habitat? Just get your snorkeling mask and fins out and enjoy the great view underwater. You'll also get to see innumerable types of fish.

✦ The national fish of Hawaii (humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa or reef triggerfish) and of course, green turtles are the most important of them. The Turtle Beach and the Sharks Cove are very famous for snorkeling. You can see many sea turtles near the Turtle Beach and may get the chance to swim with them.

For people who are scared of water or kids, there are shallow places where you can snorkel. Choose as per your preference, but don't miss out on this activity.

✦ Scuba diving gives you a chance to swim with so many beautiful creatures, with green sea turtles being one of them! Sharks Cove is one of the sites where you can dive.

And before you panic, we assure you that there ain't no sharks there. The name comes from a rock that resembles the shape of a shark. There are professional divers who make it easy for first-time divers. Winter months are not suitable for obvious reasons, but it is appropriate in summer.

There are fascinating caves, but there are chances of you getting hurt, so be sure to take a professional along. Three Tables is also one of the scuba diving sites you can choose.

✦ Kuilima Cove is another safer and less crowded option for those who want to avoid large crowds.

Turtle Watching

✦ Green Sea Turtles! These beautiful creatures are sadly endangered, and on the verge of extinction. But, this is the place you'll find them. What an experience it would be to see them up and close.

Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) is the best for it as turtles are constant visitors here. They come up and are seen sunbathing amidst the crowd on the beach. It will be a great experience to watch them and click pictures from so close a distance.

No doubt they come pretty close, but that doesn't mean you can touch them. You shouldn't! Just enjoy observing them and click away from a distance. Summer is the best time as the water is calm and turtles can come up on the beach.

Cage Dive with Sharks

✦ So, who's up for some deadly adventure? The best part―you don't need to know swimming to do this! Anyone can do it. You have to take a 10 - 15 minutes ride in a boat and the cage is already in the water.

Everyone jumps into a cage where you'll see sharks swimming all around you. If you're way too lucky, you can see whales and dolphins at a distance too. This is safe because you are inside the cage.

Some Tips Before You Go in There

✦ Get a camera for sure―a waterproof camera and a strap that you can hold on to.

✦ You will need a medicine like Dramamine even if you don't get seasick easily. It is needed for everyone.

✦ The group you're going with will offer a video if you want. You can get it in a group for very cheap. They will shoot a video of you with all sharks surrounding you. And that can be a proof to support you when you boast about it to your friends (wink!)

✦ If possible, be the first one to go inside and the last one to come out. This will cover the time you'll be spending while waiting.

✦ No swimming is required for this too. You just have to hold the bars and stand.

So all animal enthusiasts out there, this one's for you!

Sky Diving

✦ That fear of heights, those butterflies in the stomach, but the excitement to do skydiving can be experienced when you're on your trip to North Shore Oahu. Dillingham Airfield is the place to be.

What an experience it would be to jump off an airplane from more than 14,000 feet and that too at a speed of 120mph! That free fall you do would be an epic, with those breathtaking scenes around.

✦ It is recommended that you be remain fully covered plus wear comfortable clothing because it can be chilly up there.

They have professional divers, and every person is given one diver with whom you take the plunge. Hawaii is said to be one of the cheap but great places for skydiving. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don't give it a miss! You can buy the photo/video packages with it, and yes, you wouldn't regret this activity. So get going and overcome that fear.

Things to Remember

✦ This can take a lot of time, almost half a day, so keep lesser plans for that day.

✦ This activity is fully dependent on the weather conditions, so don't be disappointed if it's delayed or gets canceled.

✦ You might have to sign an agreement stating that you are undertaking this activity by your will.

✦ This is not an activity for everyone, and is not recommended for people with a lot of fear, pregnant women, or people having pain problems.

Sightseeing

The adventure stuff is enough for now. For people who are not so interested in undertaking adventures, we have many things for you to do there. You can go sightseeing to begin with.

✦ Are you a movie buff? You may want to check out the beaches that you have seen in the movies or on TV. You can visit the places where 'Lost', 'Jurassic Park', 'Godzilla', and many more were shot. Apart from being a dream come true, it would be more exciting to travel to all those places in a hummer.

✦ Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and immerse yourself in the rich culture they have to offer. The villagers have so many things to show you―the culture, dress styles, food preparations, and the dances. It is a 42-acre place, which has different kinds of temples and churches.

Imax and canoe rides are also available there. Evening shows consist of a special program of hula, etc., but you may have to pay extra.

✦ Do not miss the Laie Hawaii Temple. Its beauty is enchanting. It is closed on Mondays, and from Tuesday-Friday, it is open from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m and 4 p.m - 8 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.

✦ The Haleiwa Art Gallery is a gem of a place for art lovers. You will get beautiful silk pieces and handicraft work.

✦ Dole Plantation is a place where you'll find pineapple plantations in abundance. You may even like to see the world's biggest maze here and enjoy several other activities like touring in the train called 'Pineapple Express'.

Dole Whip swirl (made of vanilla and pineapple) is something you have to try when you're there. They have a store where you can buy innumerable things.

✦ Last but not the least, the Waimea Falls is a place where you can enjoy watching several plants and birds. Just visit this place and enjoy nature.

The only thing you should consider before coming here is that there is quite a lot of uphill walking, so if you have elders in your group, you can plan something ahead. There are botanical gardens there and the water is open for swimming. And for foodies, there is a snack shop that dishes out all the local eateries.

✦ For people who want to fly without adventure, there are helicopter rides available. It will take you all over to see the scenes from a bird's eye angle. And for people who love water, you can take classes for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking.

Golfing with a Difference!

✦ The island of Oahu boasts of many beautiful golf courses. Imagine playing golf where the holes are along the beach. What a pleasant thing it would be for everyone.

There are 3 golf courses in North Shore. The Kahuku Golf course has a beautiful seaside landscape. There are 2 in the Turtle Bay Resort, both named after famous golfers.

The Turtle Bay Resort-Arnold Palmer Course is basically for champions and LPGA tour events. The other one, Turtle Bay Resort-George Fazio Course is simpler and open for everyone. These golf courses are very beautiful, which is why they are in this list.

Horseback Riding

✦ Horseback riding is the thing you should try out over here. You can get totally lost in those scenic views, and with the wind in your hair, listen to the chirping of birds. There are varied packages you can choose from.

You can go for sunrise or sunset rides and see the horizon with such beautiful colors. You can also go for some 'me' or family time. They have pony rides for kids too. You could get Polo lessons if you're keen. These rides are not limited to beaches. Some companies take you through old forests and also from the Waimea Valley to soak in the beauty of nature.

Nature Walks and Hiking

✦ There are places where you can just walk and hike for hours. The Kaena Point trail is one of them. It is a simple trail and can be done by anyone. At the end of it, there is a sanctuary that has the monk seal (an endangered species) and a lot of albatross.

These are protected areas and dogs are not allowed here. If you're lucky, you may see whales from the point too. La'ie Point, Kaunala Trail, and Lanikai Pillboxes are some other options. At some points, like at La'ie, you can cliff jump also. And yes, you can treat yourself with some special delicacies and desserts when you descend.

What's Life Without Eating Anyway!

✦ Traveling is not only about roaming, partaking in activities, or sightseeing; you need some rest and good food too!

You can savor many authentic food dishes here. You get a plate lunch which consists of everything, right from rice, salad, and chicken/beef/pork. This is a staple food of the locals. Try it as it is very easy to get it anywhere.

✦ Loco Moco is a hamburger of steak and eggs over rice, and served with brown gravy.

✦ And the most favorite, shrimp trucks in Kahuku are loved by locals and tourists. They offer shrimp with rice; the garlic ones are the favorite here.

✦ Dig into some great desserts here. There's an ice-based dessert that's damn popular here―Shave ice! You have to eat this! It is a rainbow-colored ice that has different flavors and colors.

Ask for Li Hing powder (dried plum powder) as a topping or Azuki beans or ice creams (Tahitian vanilla ice cream) to garnish and relish the authentic taste.

✦ Malasadas is a hot Portuguese doughnut, to treat your sweet tooth. Also, several kinds of cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, and chocolate-covered strawberries are there for you to indulge in.

✦ If you have time on hand, visit Café Haleiwa to try out the banana pancakes topped with blueberries. Oh and yes! The omelets and coffee are worth feasting on too! This café serves breakfast from Monday to Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. in the morning up to 12.30 p.m. and throughout the day on Sunday.

So, do add North Shore Oahu to your bucket list of places to travel and visit soon! There are so many things to do that it is going to be a memorable experience for you! Pack your bags and get rolling!