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 5 kms
Attractions
58 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,814 contributionsNorth Shore is a good day's outingTh 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.Visited February 2023Written 10 April 2023
- LisaMNUSASaint Paul, Minnesota940 contributionsCould not find parkingWe arrived north shore area after lunch, we couldn't find any parking spot for several beaches that I wanted to see. I read north shore is quiet and less crowed, it is not in my experience. If you want to see the beaches, you had better get there early, not in the afternoon.Visited May 2023Written 20 May 2023
- Andy S10 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 M11 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, Canada744 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
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
1,284 reviews
Excellent
898
Very good
307
Average
62
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Canucksontheloose
Victoria, Canada744 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
11 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, Canada1,740 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
10 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
54 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, CA88 contributions
Sep 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, GA557 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.
Connector620802
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
So much beauty! We stayed in Waikiki and leaving that hustle and bustle for a different scenery was amazing. However there is a ton of traffic and it was almost impossible to find parking for the beaches.
Regardless of that- you will want to see all the beauty this area has to offer.
Regardless of that- you will want to see all the beauty this area has to offer.
Written 4 June 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.
LisaMNUSA
Saint Paul, MN940 contributions
May 2023
We arrived north shore area after lunch, we couldn't find any parking spot for several beaches that I wanted to see. I read north shore is quiet and less crowed, it is not in my experience. If you want to see the beaches, you had better get there early, not in the afternoon.
Written 20 May 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.
Usia2014
Calgary, Canada1,885 contributions
Jan 2023
I think the loudest thing we heard were the huge waves smashing against the lava rocks at one of the scenic stops in the North Shore. There were also a couple of blow holes in the rocks where water would shoot up and spray into the air. Very cool to see! We took an all day circle tour of the island and especially enjoyed the beautiful coastline with those amazing views!
Along the drive, we’d see surfers in the ocean and lovely, sandy beaches that had very few people on them. This was a sharp contrast to the Waikiki area beaches. We passed through some interesting small towns and cattle ranches in the distance. The lush greenery, mountains, farm land and ocean views made for a very enjoyable tour.
Along the drive, we’d see surfers in the ocean and lovely, sandy beaches that had very few people on them. This was a sharp contrast to the Waikiki area beaches. We passed through some interesting small towns and cattle ranches in the distance. The lush greenery, mountains, farm land and ocean views made for a very enjoyable tour.
Written 28 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.
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, IL36 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 compañÃa de tour se puede contratar para ir a North Shore ?? Y cuánto sale ?
yane216
Montevideo, Uruguay29 contributions
Que compañÃa 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, FL144 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, Canada311 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, CA1,260 contributions
Haleiwa Beach House for lunch or dinner....or the shrimp trucks gathered on the edge of town.
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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 ₹ 9,160.97)
- Swim with Sharks (cage-free) from Haleiwa, Oahu (From ₹ 11,623.06)
- Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour (From ₹ 11,248.13)
- Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour (From ₹ 9,998.33)
- North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling with the Turtles (From ₹ 9,665.06)
- Hotels near North Shore:
- (10.08 km) Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
- (12.12 km) Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging
- (3.87 km) Haliewa Surf Pad Blocks From the Beach
- (4.02 km) Hidden Jewel on the Beach -Spectacular Views Very clean, AC in bedroom, 5 star
- (4.17 km) Haleiwa Beachfront Condo. Perfect Peaceful Paradise!
- Restaurants near North Shore:
- (3.46 km) Waialua Bakery
- (3.30 km) Kono's
- (3.07 km) Big Wave Shrimp
- (3.86 km) Haleiwa Bowls
- (3.27 km) Coffee Gallery
- Attractions near North Shore:
- (3.20 km) North Shore EcoTours
- (3.38 km) Hawaii Eco Divers & Surf Adventures
- (4.02 km) Hawaii Adventure Diving
- (4.09 km) Hawaii Shark Encounters
- (4.09 km) North Shore Shark Adventures