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
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
78 within 3 miles
Attractions
61 within 6 miles
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, Canada732 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 Jersey1,432 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
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
1,288 reviews
Excellent
900
Very good
308
Average
62
Poor
10
Terrible
8
jmash
Turnersville, NJ1,432 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
My 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.
Written 22 April 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.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN4,905 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The entire North Shore remains a special place on Oahu. It's like stepping back in time. This in an incredible world class surfing area during the winter months. A number of excellent beaches including Waimea Bay, but the best is Sunset Beach. Some of the best snorkeling on Oahu can be found at Shark's Cove but only during the summer months when the water is calmer. There are tidal pools located here as well. A stopp at Laniakea Beach is worthwhile to spot the turtles that can almost always be found here. Haleiwa is a laid-back surfer town where you can find many shops, restaurants and other eateries. Don't miss Haleiwa Bowls for the best acai bowl on the island, Aoki Shave Ice or Uncle Bo's for dinner. Of course, you have to hit one of the many shrimp shacks/trucks along the shore. Cameron Shrimp in Haleiwa was excellent. If you are staying on Oahu for more than a few days and will be headed to the beach often, it would be worthwhile to stop by a local Walmart or Target in Honolulu and pick up a couple inexpensive beach chairs and a cooler to use while here as there is no lounge chair or umbrellas rentals on the beaches along the shore.
Written 10 January 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.
SDM
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
could not sleep... domestic roosters on property 50 ft from the tiny house, plus they were loose and under the house during the night and in the morning, crowing starting at 2:30 am. each morning. We got virtually no sleep in our three days there. The owner, Sunny, was so gracious and helpful.. But the sleep interruptions caused by the roosters did not start our Hawaii vacation very well.
Written 18 December 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.
Canucksontheloose
Victoria, Canada732 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.
Sharon M
19 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We 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!
Written 19 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.
Edwin F
Calgary, Canada1,704 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
While in Oahu we rented a car and drove around the north shore a couple of times. Great views and lots of interesting places to see and food trucks to eat at.
Written 18 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.
Andy S
45 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The 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.
Written 2 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.
Yv_Miel
58 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Big waves, dramatic ocean conditions, watch the surfers, enjoy the gorgeous north shore! Swells of 25-35 feet along this renown 7 miles of world class surfing. Dramatic weather adds a new element to the intensity of the ocean above massive waves. Beautiful part of the island. People recommend snorkeling at sharks cove- it’s a protected cove just outside the crazy ocean waves- very calm waters- rocky so bring water shoes and fins. Kite surfers and pro surfers to enjoy watching. Recommend!
Written 26 October 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.
islandlovingtwosome
Lake Forest, CA87 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
If you visit Oahu you simply must check out the North Shore. So many beautiful beaches and fabulous snorkeling. There's also a botanical garden complete with a waterfall. Don't forget to go to Hale'iwa, the North Shore's fun and funky little town for some shopping and dining. Make sure to try a shave ice from Matsumoto's. I can't imagine a trip to Oahu being complete without visiting the North Shore.
Written 4 October 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.
Steve R
Macon, GA576 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We spent a wonderful afternoon going from one beautiful beach to another! We love Florida and Georgia Beaches and to see the contrast in sand and volcanic rock was so very special!
Written 3 July 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.
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, IL42 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, UT91 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, FL140 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, Canada300 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 ne161 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, CA1,337 contributions
Haleiwa Beach House for lunch or dinner....or the shrimp trucks gathered on the edge of town.
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Claim your listingNORTH SHORE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about North Shore
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience North Shore:
- Aloha Circle Island Tour - Full Day Adventure (From £88.00)
- Swim with Sharks (cage-free) from Haleiwa, Oahu (From £120.05)
- Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour (From £108.05)
- Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour (From £100.84)
- North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling with the Turtles (From £111.25)
- Hotels near North Shore:
- (6.30 mi) Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
- (7.57 mi) Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging
- (2.42 mi) Haliewa Surf Pad Blocks From the Beach
- (2.51 mi) Hidden Jewel on the Beach -Spectacular Views AC in bedroom, 30 day min rental
- (2.60 mi) Haleiwa Beachfront Condo. Perfect Peaceful Paradise!
- 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
- (2.11 mi) Hawaii Eco Divers & Surf Adventures
- (2.52 mi) Hawaii Adventure Diving
- (2.56 mi) North Shore Shark Adventures
- (2.56 mi) Bob Marlin Charters