The Same

Both The DINKs and The Family stayed in the southern part of Oʻahu but couldn’t resist a day trip to the legendary North Shore. Known for its laid-back vibe, breathtaking beaches, and rich Hawaiian culture, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the island. We spent the day soaking up the scenery, savoring local flavors, and exploring some of Oʻahu’s most iconic spots — and we both highly recommend the following highlights.

Beaches of North Shore Oahu

Oʻahu’s North Shore is world-famous for its pristine coastline, massive winter surf, and relaxed local vibe. Stretching roughly 7 miles from Haleʻiwa to Sunset Beach, this scenic area offers something for everyone — from legendary surf breaks to calm summer swimming spots and prime turtle-watching locations. Whether you’re chasing waves, sunsets, or sea turtles, the North Shore delivers unforgettable moments year-round.

• Waimea Bay – One of the North Shore’s most iconic beaches. Calm and great for swimming and cliff jumping in summer; massive waves and big-wave surfing competitions in winter.
• Sunset Beach – Known for its breathtaking sunsets and world-class surf breaks. Great for watching pros ride huge winter waves; gentle enough for swimming and snorkeling in summer.
• Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach Park) – Home to some of the most famous surf competitions in the world. Best for experienced surfers in winter; swimming is typically unsafe when waves are large.
• Shark’s Cove – A lava-rock cove perfect for snorkeling and tide-pooling in summer. Not actually home to sharks — just incredible marine life. Avoid swimming in winter due to rough surf.
• Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) – Famous for Hawaiian green sea turtles that often bask on the sand. Swimming isn’t ideal here, but it’s a top spot for wildlife viewing and photos.
• Haleʻiwa Beach Park – Near the charming surf town of Haleʻiwa, this beach offers calm waters in summer and gentle surf for beginners. A great spot for paddleboarding and picnicking.
• Kawela Bay – A hidden gem near Turtle Bay Resort with calm, protected waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, or a quiet beach walk. Often less crowded than other North Shore beaches.
• Turtle Bay – Located at the northern tip of the island, this beach is part of the resort but open to the public. Great for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting turtles just offshore.

Banzai Pipeline (North Shore)

Also known simply as Pipeline, is one of the most famous and iconic surf breaks in the world. Renowned for its massive, powerful waves and challenging conditions, Pipeline attracts surfers from around the globe who come to test their skills and ride some of the most exhilarating waves in existence. What sets Pipeline apart is its unique reef formation, which creates perfect, barreling waves that break close to shore. During the winter months, when large swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in, Pipeline comes alive, producing waves that can reach heights of 20 feet or more. While it wasn’t crazy when we visited, it was a fun stop to watch surfers. Note: parking was extremely difficult and we did not swim here.

Dole Plantation (North Central OAHU)

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Oahu’s central plains lies the iconic Dole Plantation, a tropical paradise dedicated to the king of fruits: the pineapple. We didn’t take time to do a tour but you can see fields of pineapple. The Welcome center is accessible to all and has a huge assortment of pineapple everything. I picked up souvenirs, gifts, and delicious pineapple-themed treats to take home with me. From pineapple jams and candies to clothing and accessories adorned with the iconic Dole logo, the store offered a treasure trove of pineapple-inspired delights.

Where to Eat in North Shore Oahu

The North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, is renowned not only for its world-class surfing but also for its rich culinary offerings that highlight the island’s diverse flavors and fresh ingredients. Here are some highlights of local cuisine you can enjoy on the North Shore:

• Garlic Shrimp: North Shore is famous for its garlic shrimp trucks, where you can savor succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and served with rice and a side of salad. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is particularly popular among locals and visitors alike. Their specialty is the garlic shrimp, which is often served with a generous helping of garlic butter sauce, rice, and a slice of lemon. We loved it so much we tried to get more at another place, and it didn’t compare to Giovanni’s.
• Shave Ice: A beloved Hawaiian treat, shave ice on the North Shore is a refreshing delight. Enjoy fluffy ice topped with a rainbow of flavored syrups, often accompanied by sweetened condensed milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Poke: Another local favorite, poke (pronounced poh-keh) is a traditional Hawaiian dish of cubed raw fish seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, and other flavorful ingredients. Enjoy it as a snack or a meal with rice.
• Plate Lunch: A staple of Hawaiian cuisine, plate lunches on the North Shore often feature a generous portion of protein (such as teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, or grilled fish) served with rice and macaroni salad. Ted’s Bakery is known for its delicious plate lunches and famous chocolate haupia pie.
• Fruit Stands: Along the roads of the North Shore, you’ll find fruit stands offering fresh tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya. Enjoy them as a healthy snack or take some home to savor later.

Staying in South Shore Oahu?

Check out our blog on Things to Do: Honolulu, Waikīkī, and the South Shore – Oahu, Hawaii

The Dinks

We went to North shore to see some surfing and look for turtles. While we saw plenty of surfing unfortunately, we did not see any turtles.

Turtle Bay (North Shore)

After struggling with parking at several beaches in North Shore, this was a relief to pull into a parking lot and find a spot easily. One of the highlights of Turtle Bay is its breathtaking coastline, which boasts miles of sandy beaches framed by swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. Visitors can relax on the soft sands, soak up the warm Hawaiian sun, and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon.

• Turtle Bay is also famous for its vibrant marine ecosystem, which is home to a variety of sea turtles, including the endangered green sea turtle, for which the bay is named. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other fascinating marine creatures.
• While we didn’t see any sea turtles, but it is common to see them which is why we went. It’s a nice cover for snorkeling and protected from the harsh waves common in North Shore.