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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Top ways to experience North Shore
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
78 within 3 miles
Attractions
57 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,273 reviews
Excellent
888
Very good
306
Average
62
Poor
9
Terrible
8
GoPlaces176349
3 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
The North Shore all day tour today with Tiho as guide and driver was thorough, on time and overall fun & well-done. Tiho gave tons of interesting commentary on Hawaian history, facts, etc., as he drove us to various tourist points around Oahu. I would recommend this tour to visitors who have just arrived to Oahu, since this tour shows you many of the wonderful things to see and experience here.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lengtan67
Kuala Lumpur1,068 contributions
Jan 2022
For those who are not playing tourists in Honolulu just for 3 to 4 days, then take a day to visit North Shore to experience different scenes away from the hustle and bustle of a city.
Once we are out from the city, we will see shorelines and shorlines,high surfing waves, surfers and beach goers .
Go as far as Haleiwa, to explore this little town, something different from Honolulu for sure.
Bus 65 from Ala Moana Center goes all the way to Haleiwa, and we can stop along any prominent beach along the way.
Once we are out from the city, we will see shorelines and shorlines,high surfing waves, surfers and beach goers .
Go as far as Haleiwa, to explore this little town, something different from Honolulu for sure.
Bus 65 from Ala Moana Center goes all the way to Haleiwa, and we can stop along any prominent beach along the way.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mo71ey
171 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 March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa F
Mount Laurel, NJ220 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 November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SunnydaysLewes_DE
Rehoboth Beach, DE339 contributions
Feb 2020
The North Shore offers something for almost everyone— seeing a luau, hiking a waterfall, watching big wave surfers, snorkeling with turtles, food trucks galore, fresh fruit stands, Teds bakery Haupia Pie, the laid back/quaint surfer town of Haleiwa, the Dole plantation’s store filled with local crafts and pineapple and/or macadamia samples of everything under the sun! It is a two lane road filled with tons of amazing sights. Relax and take it all in. No one is ever in a hurry! It is worth it to rent a cottage there for a few days on Oahu in order to truly soak in the experience. No real nightlife to speak of. Nothing luxurious. Simply nature at it’s finest giving a glimpse of the days when the island was still unspoiled!
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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 March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RandySurfer1
11 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
The North Shore has an abundance of great beaches and surf spots, as well as some great local businesses. It's a mecca for the surfing world. Traffic can be a bit heavy, even outside of the normal surfing season.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
low274
Columbia, MD110 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 March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teacher91 ❤
Temple, TX35,150 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 May 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christy Menendez
Gypsum, CO159 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 February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alicat7707
South Jersey54 contributions
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.
gpaisie
Chicago, IL33 contributions
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.
yane216
Montevideo, Uruguay29 contributions
Que compañía de tour se puede contratar para ir a North Shore ?? Y cuánto sale ?
yane216
Montevideo, Uruguay29 contributions
Que compañía de tour se puede contratar para ir a North Shore ?? Y cuánto sale ?
ellie
17 contributions
How early do you have to start your journey to the north shore from Waikiki to avoid heavy traffic?
angit68
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States45 contributions
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.
How do you get here? Like, is there an address for gps? IS there free parking anywhere?
shortsallyear
Payson, UT93 contributions
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.
rhonda
Santa Rosa, CA16 contributions
Best beach on the North Shore for calm waves, nice sand, privacy, maybe even romantic setting.
Traci S
Bristol, TN39 contributions
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?
tammy71
Cape Coral, FL143 contributions
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.
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?
Lyle @ Sportvictoria.com
Victoria, Canada308 contributions
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.
vickie q
omaha ne156 contributions
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?
John F
Vallejo, CA1,226 contributions
Haleiwa Beach House for lunch or dinner....or the shrimp trucks gathered on the edge of town.
North Shore (Oahu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about North Shore
- North Shore is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking North Shore tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 75 North Shore tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience North Shore:
- Aloha Circle Island Tour - Full Day Adventure (From $109.95)
- Swim with Sharks (cage-free) from Haleiwa, Oahu (From $160.00)
- Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour (From $130.00)
- Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour (From $120.00)
- North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling with the Turtles (From $93.15)
- Hotels near North Shore:
- (6.30 mi) Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
- (7.49 mi) Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging
- (1.99 mi) Private Turtle bedroom in Waialua with outside hot tub/sauna!
- (2.42 mi) Haliewa Surf Pad Blocks From the Beach
- (2.53 mi) North Shore Haleiwa home in family neighborhood, newly remodeled, close to beach
- Restaurants near North Shore:
- (2.16 mi) Waialua Bakery
- (2.06 mi) Kono's
- (1.92 mi) Big Wave Shrimp
- (2.41 mi) Haleiwa Bowls
- (2.04 mi) Coffee Gallery
- Attractions near North Shore:
- (2.00 mi) North Shore EcoTours
- (2.52 mi) Hawaii Adventure Diving
- (2.11 mi) Hawaii Eco Divers & Surf Adventures
- (2.56 mi) Bob Marlin Charters
- (2.56 mi) Hawaii Shark Encounters