The Best Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore

By: Leah Shoup

Hit the beach at Waimea Bay Beach Park.

Although it's one of the best surf spots on the island in the winter, it's ideal for swimming and snorkeling on the North Shore during the summer months.

Hike the Waimea Valley Trail.

It's one of our favorite Oahu hiking trails, running for 1.9 miles to Waimea Falls (also called Wailele Waterfall), a 45-foot cascade.

Observe the sea turtles at Laniakea Beach.

The best time to observe the turtles is during lunchtime–between 11 a.m.-1 p.m.–especially during the summer months.

Hike the Ehukai Pillbox trail.

The Ehukai Pillbox Hike, also called Sunset Pillbox Hike, is a 2.3-mile moderate trail that takes you to two World War II-era pillboxes.

Watch the waves and surfers at Banzai Pipeline.

The Banzai Pipeline (a.k.a. Ehukai Beach Park) is part of the famous North Shore surf break strip, known for its perfect barreling waves.

Sunbathe at Sunset Beach.

Sunset Beach is one of the top North Shore beaches to visit, famous for hosting big wave surfing competitions in the winter.

Grab a smoothie at the instagrammable Sunrise Shack.

This vibrant food stand offers a selection of healthy foods, including smoothies, smoothie bowls, juices, bullet coffee, and other organic snacks.

Go snorkeling at Sharks Cove.

Shark’s Cove, part of Pupukea Beach Park, is one of the best snorkeling spots on the North Shore, featuring butterflyfish, parrotfish, and more!

Sample Matsumoto's famous shave ice.

If you want to try authentic Hawaiian cuisine on your trip to the North Shore, head over to Matsumoto's in Haleiwa Town for shave ice.

Enjoy the scenic drive along Kamehameha Highway.

If you travel down this highway, you'll pass all of the most famous locations on the North Shore and the Polynesian Cultural Center.