Oahu’s North Shore: An Insider’s Guide to a Wild Side of Hawaii
Oahu’s North Shore
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a modern seaside city with an abundance of attractions to keep tourists occupied for many weeks.
In addition, it serves as the air hub for Hawaii and the entry point to the remaining Hawaiian Islands. Now that you’ve seen the historic Pearl Harbor site, scaled Diamond Head’s volcanic crater, and browsed Waikiki for the ideal aloha shirt, take a drive and discover Oahu’s North Shore. You can find a world where time slows down, shoes are optional, and life revolves around the land and sea less than an hour’s journey north of Honolulu. The North Shore, which stretches from Kahuku to Kaena Point, is a corridor made up of small towns, expansive farms, rainforest valleys, and some of the most well-known surf places in the world.
How to Travel to the Northern Region
The best method to see the North Shore is to rent a car. Although there is a bus from Honolulu, owning a car gives you the freedom to stop and explore beaches and other sights at your own speed.
The most scenic way to get to the North Shore is to drive east on Interstate Highway H-1 and Highway 63, then north up Highway 83 (Kamehameha Highway) along Oahu’s windward coast, stopping at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie to learn about the cultures that make up the islands of Polynesia, including Hawaii.
The North Shore opens up as you approach Kahuku and travel around the northernmost tip of the island. The highway follows the coast, passing by beaches and level farmland before turning inland to the town of Haleiwa, which is home to surf shops and art galleries. You can now head west on Highway 930 to Kaena Point, or you can turn around and head back across central Oahu to Honolulu.
The North Shore has a few must-see beaches, but the area’s low-key lifestyle and small-town culture are what really make it appealing. Take your time and don’t feel compelled to follow a timetable when you visit.
A road excursion to the North Shore of Oahu
Accept the Surf Culture of Hawaii
The North Shore is most famous as the heart of Hawaiian surf culture. Strung along the coastline are some of the sport’s most legendary beaches: Sunset Beach, Pipeline and Waimea Bay. November through February is known as the “big wave season,” when surges up to nine meters in height attract world-class surfers. After parking your automobile close to a beach, you can spend the day observing the pros. Note: A lot of people come out to observe when the surf is strong, which causes heavy traffic.
Enter the water if you wish to do more than just observe. There are plenty of surf schools and private instructors on the North Shore that can expose you to more mild waves. Two well-liked schools are North Shore Surf Girls and Uncle Bryan’s Sunset Suratt Surf Academy.
A wave in Hawaii’s Oahu
Investigate Beyond the Surf
Some North Shore beaches are great for scuba diving and snorkeling when the surf are quiet. Seek out eels, vibrant reef fish, marine turtles, and other creatures. Along the coast, you may also hire stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
The North Shore is a great spot to trek because there isn’t much commercialization there, and there are trails that travel far away from the city. Visit Waimea Valley, which offers 78 archeological sites, over 61 hectares of botanical gardens, and a variety of cultural activities, for an easy nature stroll. Through the jungle, there’s a 2.4-kilometer round-trip walk that leads to a waterfall that drops almost 14 meters into a swimming pool.
Go to Oahu’s westernmost point, Kaena Point, for a more untamed experience. The only way to get to the point is on foot. Hikers who complete the somewhat challenging trek are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the volcanic shoreline of the island, and animals such as humpback whales, albatrosses, and monk seals (between December and May).
Kayak on the waters of Hawaii
Where in the North Shore to Dine and Stay?
From Honolulu, the North Shore is a simple day journey. But stay a night or two to truly enjoy the relaxed way of life on this side of the island. This half of the island is served by two hotels: the midrange Courtyard by Marriott and the premium beachfront Turtle Bay Resort.
The restaurants on the North Shore are often not fancy; this is reflected in the area. Paakai at Turtle Bay Resort is the only authentic fine dining establishment. Beyond that, local restaurants—many of which are found in Haleiwa—should provide a beachy atmosphere.
That being said, some of the best food on the North Shore isn’t found in restaurants. Visit the several farmers markets and food stands dotted along the roadway to enjoy freshly caught fish, as well as fruits like mango and pineapple and banana bread.
And last, a visit to Matsumoto in Haleiwa is not complete without a shave ice. On a hot day, the flavored ice cones are a refreshing treat.