North Shore
North Shore
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The northern region of Oahu is a destination in itself, offering a wide variety of natural wonders and resort activities.
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
67 within 5 kms
Attractions
56 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Andy S45 contributionsNorth ShoreThe north Shore is an amazing trip to take for the day. Visit a few of the local beaches, Turtle Bay Resort. Along the east side is numerous Food Trucks to choice from. Rent a car and take your time. It is 45 min from Waikiki and Discovery Bay Enterprise was amazing place to rent.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
- Sharon M19 contributionsFamily VacationWe went up to the North Shore and were told to go to Shark Cove for the sunset. It was amazing! The tide was out and we could walk the inlet. The grandkids loved it. Saw all kinds of fish life and coral. Sunset was spectacular!Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 November 2023
- CanucksonthelooseVictoria, Canada761 contributionsAway from the madding crowd of the big city.We did a day trip here by renting a car from Enterprise at Discovery Bay Centre, Waikiki (best prices thru Costco, great service) and it's worth the drive away from the big city. Favourite places to go were Laniakea Beach for spotting sea turtles and Haleiwa Beach Park for parking, playground, basketball court, green areas for shade and picnicking, and access to surf-watching/ lessons. Great lunch at Kahuku Farms. Should snorkel here to avoid the crowds at Hanauma Bay. If you have a week to stay on the Island, you should try to venture to North Shore if you want to get away from the madding crowd of Honolulu and the southern coast.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 November 2023
- jmashTurnersville, New Jersey1,433 contributionsDrive to and around the North ShoreMy wife and I along with another couple recently visited Honolulu on a cruise vacation. While there, we rented a car and drove up the coast to the North shore. There were numerous wonderful stops along the way with terrific views of the beaches and ocean. We stopped at a few of the food trucks and had a great day. We experienced a lot of traffic and many obnoxious motor bikes in the North Shore, which took away from the beauty of the trip. However, this was a great experience.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 22 April 2024
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia19,450 contributionsThe real, not commercialized HawaiiUnfortunately most people when mentioning Hawaii think of Waikiki, shopping malls and clubs around it. That's the southern shore, heavily commercialized one and famous. For real Hawaii do rent a car and explore the island. Head east and then north. North Hawaii is almost pure nature, with pristine beaches, amazing natural beauties without high rises,... I'd point out Sunset beach, Turtle beach, Waimea bay and Haleiwa,.... We went two full days there, it's less than an hour drive from Honolulu. Many food trucks for great and reasonably priced food, cute small restaurants, bars....Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,289 reviews
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Terrible
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Canucksontheloose
Victoria, Canada761 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We did a day trip here by renting a car from Enterprise at Discovery Bay Centre, Waikiki (best prices thru Costco, great service) and it's worth the drive away from the big city. Favourite places to go were Laniakea Beach for spotting sea turtles and Haleiwa Beach Park for parking, playground, basketball court, green areas for shade and picnicking, and access to surf-watching/ lessons. Great lunch at Kahuku Farms. Should snorkel here to avoid the crowds at Hanauma Bay. If you have a week to stay on the Island, you should try to venture to North Shore if you want to get away from the madding crowd of Honolulu and the southern coast.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa F
Mount Laurel, NJ227 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
I had asked where to look for shells before I left. No one would disclose any good locations just oh north shore beaches. I really didn't have time to go out of my way to any particular beaches to look for shells but would always look wherever I went. This is the only things I found. Sharks cove, waimea bay, electric beach on oahu and cove surf in maui. Glass seemed to be every beach but not great glass mostly sharp. Some frosties but all green and brown really really small pieces. Not even worth picking up or going out of your way for. Found nothing snorkeling just in water lines. I find better glass in nj. Shells I was really hoping for. Not much but again I really didn't have time to look . I had asked hotels they reported oh the locals get mad if we tell bc they make jewelry. So I thought I would share what and where I found.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol L
Austin, TX, United States8 contributions
Feb 2020
It is well worth renting a car for a day to leave Honolulu and explore the North Shore. It's a single lane road, weaving along the coastline.... lush trees and beautiful water. Several pullovers where you can take pictures, and a few small parking lots to pull over, some with picnic tables.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,450 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Unfortunately most people when mentioning Hawaii think of Waikiki, shopping malls and clubs around it. That's the southern shore, heavily commercialized one and famous.
For real Hawaii do rent a car and explore the island. Head east and then north.
North Hawaii is almost pure nature, with pristine beaches, amazing natural beauties without high rises,... I'd point out Sunset beach, Turtle beach, Waimea bay and Haleiwa,.... We went two full days there, it's less than an hour drive from Honolulu.
Many food trucks for great and reasonably priced food, cute small restaurants, bars....
For real Hawaii do rent a car and explore the island. Head east and then north.
North Hawaii is almost pure nature, with pristine beaches, amazing natural beauties without high rises,... I'd point out Sunset beach, Turtle beach, Waimea bay and Haleiwa,.... We went two full days there, it's less than an hour drive from Honolulu.
Many food trucks for great and reasonably priced food, cute small restaurants, bars....
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mo71ey
194 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
My favourite thing to do. Hire a car and get away from Waikiki. It’s a wonderful drive and there are so many great places to visit on your way. Your Navman will want you to go the freeway but at least one way go along the shore line, it’s a beautiful drive. Google ‘North shore day trip itinerary’ and you will find some great days planned out for you. Don’t forget the food trucks!
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jelk50
West Sacramento, California9 contributions
Aug 2019
North Shore is a large stretch of sand and beach. The name North Shore is spoken in the same sentence as surfing. To get there? Drive thru Wahiawa. Once over the quaint bridge you enter a different Oahu. The scattering pineapple fields, coffee orchards, red volcanic dirt and as you drive on to take in the sky as it opens up into the Pacific Ocean. The ocean awaits you with the suggestion of sea mist from pounding waves. You will enter North Shore at Haleiwa and essential end your drive at Turtle Bay. Prepare for a slow drive on a very crowded highway that hugs the beach and at times the mountains. And, during days of high surf expect long delays and multiple jay walkers. Take in the views, bring a lunch, stop at a park or two and for sure - shave ice. If there is one place to see a sunset, there are many, try Halaevia Joe’s.
Oahu, the gathering place, has it all on one island. City, country side, beaches, tropical rain forest and desert. North Shore is the only location untouched by commercialized hotels. Relax and enjoy.
Aloha
Oahu, the gathering place, has it all on one island. City, country side, beaches, tropical rain forest and desert. North Shore is the only location untouched by commercialized hotels. Relax and enjoy.
Aloha
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
low274
Columbia, MD124 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
An Oahu must-do... but weekdays only! Tried to go on the weekend but the one-way traffic was stop & go, even during the pandemic when there are limited tourists. Tried again during the week and it was smooth sailing! Gorgeous beaches are perfect for watching surfers, but big waves are not safe for winter swimming. Food truck favorites were shrimp plates, acai bowls & shaved ice. Shopping was fun too! Found some souvenirs!
Written 9 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,598 contributions
Feb 2023
Th North Shore is on the island of O'ahu. To get there, head north up the center of O'ahu, Hawai'is most populous island. O'ahu isn't all that big. Among sights to see are the giant breakers on North Shore, where the world's top surfers congregate. Another drawcard is Pupukea. Be prepared to come quipped with goggles and snorkels. The corals and tropical fish are spectacular, but access can be limited. The North Shore is a good day's outing, plan what you want to see before you go.
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christy Menendez
Gypsum, CO150 contributions
Nov 2020
it's advised to be careful when you get in the water on the side of the island. the waves crash hard and fast, but it's a fun beach. it's not as busy as others close by. you need to be careful or the waves will take you down. surfers like the beaches on the north shore because of the waves. different areas on the beach have more people than others. you park on the side of the streets and walk into the beach. it's beautiful and peaceful.
Written 6 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teacher91 ❤
Temple, TX48,785 contributions
Apr 2021
My friends and I enjoyed a great day out at the North Shore. We did a 'self guided' beach and food tour. The beaches in the North Shore are so beautiful. Just driving the shore line made us happy.
Speaking of happy, eating makes us happy too. Boy, did we eat!
Our stops included: Laniakea Beach, Waimea Bay, Giovannis, Ted's Bakery, Matsumoto Shave Ice, and the North Shore Macadamia Nut Company.
Coming from Oahu, this felt like the 'real' Hawaii.
Don't miss it!
Speaking of happy, eating makes us happy too. Boy, did we eat!
Our stops included: Laniakea Beach, Waimea Bay, Giovannis, Ted's Bakery, Matsumoto Shave Ice, and the North Shore Macadamia Nut Company.
Coming from Oahu, this felt like the 'real' Hawaii.
Don't miss it!
Written 5 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saw that you stayed in Waikiki and took a trip to North Shore. Did you rent a car and drive it yourself or go on a guided tour? Looking to do this in November but wasn't sure how long the drive was from Waikiki and where to stop (beach, dining,etc) if it's doable on our own. Any insight would be appreciated.
Written 2 October 2019
We stayed both on the North Shore (Courtyard, Laie) and in Ko Olina (not Waikiki, but the other sisde of Honolulu and on the west coast). Definitely a car is the way to go - buses run all over but I can't imagine the time it takes. Traffic is only bad around Honolulu. North shore eating is primarily food trucks, nothing fancy by any means. Ted's Bakery (they sell more than pastries) is along Kamehameha Highway (as is everything) and is a good breakfast and lunch spot.No alcohol sold up that way either except the food store by Sunset Beach (that we found, anyway). We didn't out to eat out in the Waikiki or Diamond Head area but there are some good looking spots.
Written 4 October 2019
Que compañía de tour se puede contratar para ir a North Shore ?? Y cuánto sale ?
Written 7 September 2019
Que compañía de tour se puede contratar para ir a North Shore ?? Y cuánto sale ?
Written 7 September 2019
How early do you have to start your journey to the north shore from Waikiki to avoid heavy traffic?
Written 1 September 2019
Afternoon is the worst time for traffic. Early morning-8-10 am is a better time. Traffic can be bad at any time depending on the day.
Written 19 September 2019
How do you get here? Like, is there an address for gps? IS there free parking anywhere?
Written 23 April 2019
So I always take highway 83 it is called Kamehameha highway it is a beautiful drive from Honolulu up passed the Polynesian Culture Center. There are several beaches up on the North shore there is parking along the highway and there are several small parking lots around the different beaches. Have a great time.
Written 27 April 2019
Best beach on the North Shore for calm waves, nice sand, privacy, maybe even romantic setting.
Written 20 March 2019
What are some things that we should know about the area that No one tells you!! We want to know what to expect! Like, are there bugs everywhere and how much things cost at the grocery store?
Written 20 August 2018
There are a few grocery stores on the north shore. As for bugs, it's fine. Grocery stores are a little expensive because it's being brought in via container barges and planes.
Overall enjoy your time in Oahu! Maybe you will be lucky and see surfers at the bonsai pipeline.
Written 21 August 2018
pixiegeorgia
Mackenzie, Canada
Are there waves for new surfers (10x) on the north shore in July? Or should I head to the south for practice?
Written 19 May 2018
Summer tends to have smaller waves on the North Shore. You still do have to deal with a pretty good rip-tide so beware.
Winter is when the waves are the best for the North Shore.
Written 14 June 2018
Traveling from Hilton Hawaiian village for the day. We have a car. 7 of us including 5 kids ages 8-16.
Thinking about surf lessons? What else should we include?
Written 11 May 2018
Haleiwa Beach House for lunch or dinner....or the shrimp trucks gathered on the edge of town.
Written 11 May 2018
Hi folks - looking for recommendations for Tattoo Parlours on the North Shore of Oahu - staying at Turtle Bay Resort and will have a car. - thanks
Written 14 July 2017
Waikiki beach has some good shops. One across from Ohana East does good work
Written 12 August 2017
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