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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience North Shore
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
79 within 5 kms
Attractions
58 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- GoPlaces1763493 contributionsFriendly, professional TihoThe 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.Visited January 2022Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2022
- SunnydaysLewes_DERehoboth Beach, Delaware346 contributionsThe Quintessential Hawaiian ExperienceThe 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!Visited February 2020Written 28 February 2020
- Lengtan671,068 contributionsAn Extra Day Is NeededFor 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.Visited January 2022Written 5 March 2022
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.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,278 reviews
Excellent
893
Very good
306
Average
62
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Steve R
Macon, GA549 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, MN872 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,400 contributions
Feb 2023
Th 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.
Written 11 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.
Tinytimtown
Dartmouth, UK92 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We drove around the island. The north shore was breathtakingly beautiful with beaches next to mountains. The parking is all along the route and is free. Just pull over take a dip in the sea.
Written 9 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.
Sondria G
Merced, CA157 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Beautiful spot! Loved it! Watched lots of surfers! Beach is beautiful! A really relaxing spot! Can't wait to go back next year!
Written 26 March 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.
Kelly O
Laramie, WY2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Everything you’ve heard and more. Maybe better. Big Waves. Shave ice. Garlic shrimp. Fruit stand. The only thing I didn’t get to see was turtles.
Written 17 January 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.
Lynn R
82 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We loved everything about the North Shore. The waves are spectacular. We went in December 2021 and November 2022. We loved watching the surfers.
Written 28 November 2022
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.
fiamma11
Vienna, VA4,851 contributions
Jan 2022
We stayed in Honolulu but rented a car and drove around the island. The north shore was quiet, less crowded and had immense waves. There were lots of people enjoying the surf which was great fun to watch.
Written 17 November 2022
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, 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 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, CA1,250 contributions
Haleiwa Beach House for lunch or dinner....or the shrimp trucks gathered on the edge of town.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingNORTH SHORE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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 90 North Shore tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience North Shore:
- Aloha Circle Island Tour - Full Day Adventure (From S$150.08)
- Swim with Sharks (cage-free) from Haleiwa, Oahu (From S$204.75)
- Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour (From S$184.28)
- Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour (From S$163.80)
- North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling with the Turtles (From S$176.09)
- 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) Bob Marlin Charters