Things to Do on the North Shore of Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu is well-known for its stunning sunsets. One of the most popular spots to see the sunset is Sunset Beach, although it gets crowded in the summer. There are plenty of other places to enjoy the sunset as well, including La’ie Point and Waimea Bay.
La’ie Point
One of the best things to do on Oahu is to head to the rocky promontory of La’ie Point State Wayside Park. This roadside park is located on the north shore of the island, and offers some spectacular views. You can also catch a glimpse of the Mokualai Islet, which is home to some beautiful seabirds.
Another point of interest is Kahana Bay, which features a beautiful long white sand beach, showers, and restrooms. You can also hike the Kahana Valley, which is located across Kamehameha Highway. It is a 4.9-mile trek that is open during daylight hours. Nearby, you can find La’ie Beach Park, which is popular with locals for its big waves.
The North Shore is also well-known for its surfing, which features some of the largest waves on the planet. During the winter months, the North Shore is also home to several surfing competitions. It is also a great place to go hiking and exploring waterfalls. The area is very safe, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Remember to check the area’s crime statistics before heading out.
While most visitors head to Haleiwa Town on the North Shore, you should consider spending the day on the tip of the peninsula. It is less crowded and has more country greenery. You can explore a vast natural preserve estate with a guided tour or picnicking in the park. You can even try out a variety of fun activities at Turtle Bay Resort, including snorkeling, 12-hole disc golf, and foot golf.
La’ie Point is also close to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can experience a luau, which is a popular activity. The area is also home to the famous Sharks Cove. If you love swimming, you can also try surfing on the north shore.
La’ie Point is also a popular spot for cliff jumping. You can jump up to 35 feet off the cliffs here, a favorite of many visitors.
Waimea Bay
During the summer months, Waimea Bay is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. However, it is often crowded during high season, so it is recommended to arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot. Additionally, you should bring cash for the additional parking lot across the street, which can cost $10-20 per vehicle.
This area is home to world-class surfing competitions. It is a great place for a family to spend the day. There are picnic tables right by the beach, and showers are available for your convenience. If you want to dine at a restaurant, you can make reservations.
While visiting Haleiwa, you can check out the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is open Monday through Saturday from 12:45 am to 9:00 pm. You can also try one of the many food trucks that operate in Haleawa. If you’re looking for a quick bite, try Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, which is one of the original shrimp trucks on the North Shore. Also, you can enjoy shave ice at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, which is considered one of the best in the world.
You can also go rock climbing on the natural rock wall at Waimea Bay. There’s a 20-foot rock face on the wall, where amateur climbers can test their skills. This area is also the perfect place to watch the sunset. Many visitors jump off the rock at sunset to enjoy the last light. The view of the sunset from the top of Waimea Bay is a peaceful ending to a day on Oahu.
If you’re a big fan of nature, the north shore of Oahu is the place for you. This region has beautiful sandy beaches and lush jungles. You can rent kayaks, snorkels, and more from North Shore Explorers, a company that operates in the Turtle Bay Resort. You can also participate in some of their tour activities, like the Snorkel Ride Experience, 12-Hole Disc Golf, and foot golf. Alternatively, you can even book a VIP beach getaway.
During the summer months, you can also visit Sharks Cove, a small bay between Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline. The water at Sharks Cove is only 8 to 15 feet deep, but it is still a great place for snorkeling. During the summer months, there is a huge abundance of sea life and coral in this bay. You should keep your distance though, as there’s a law prohibiting harassment of sea turtles.
Waimea Valley botanical garden
Waimea Valley is home to an extensive botanical garden and waterfall. The garden is a non-profit organization, and features various garden rooms, including replicas of Early Hawaiian villages. Visitors can also take self-guided tours of the exhibits. The displays feature a variety of large native and international plant species.
The botanical garden at Waimea Valley is a great place to spend a day. A swimmable waterfall adds to the experience, and the landscape is tranquil. The site also offers a campground and fishing lake. Whether you are a plant or animal lover, the Waimea Valley is the place to visit.
The Waimea Valley botanical garden is located in the lush Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu. The valley has been inhabited since the 1090’s, and many structures still stand. You’ll find tropical plants and trees in abundance here, as well as a 45-foot waterfall. Visitors will discover a unique blend of ancient and modern Hawaiian plants at this botanical garden.
The Waimea Valley was made famous in the television series Lost, where Kate and Sawyer swam in the natural pool below Waimea Falls. This area also is home to the Haleiwa Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday.
There are numerous hiking trails in the North Shore. The Waimea Falls trail is one of the easiest hikes, and is great for families. You can also try the Kaena Point trail for a more challenging hike. Other hikes on the North Shore include Kealia Trail, Laie Falls, and Poamoho Trail.
Dole Plantation
If you’re looking for a family outing in Hawaii, the Dole Plantation is a great place to go. There are lots of activities for the whole family and many of them are free of charge. Whether you’re a nature lover or just want to learn more about Hawaii, this is a great place to go. In addition to the Dole Whip, there’s plenty to see and do at this pineapple plantation.
The plantation is known for its Pineapple Garden Maze, which was recently confirmed as the world’s largest maze by the Guinness Book of World Records. The maze is more than two acres long and stretches over 2.5 miles. You can use a cheat map card to get through the maze and collect stamps for your “passport.” The plantation also has many native Hawaiian plants.
You can take a tour of the plantation’s garden and learn about pineapple production. You can also sample some of the pineapple that grows there. You can also try Dole Whip, which is a delicious non-dairy frozen soft serve. Taking the tour takes about an hour.
The Dole Plantation is open every day but Christmas Day. This is a great place for families with children who want to learn more about pineapples and agriculture while having a good time. Even young kids can enjoy many activities, such as feeding the fish or riding the train.
Dole Plantation is a great place to see pineapple production up close. You can see pineapples from all sides and learn about the pineapples’ history. You can also ride a vintage train through the pineapple fields. Afterward, you can learn about the pineapple grower James Drummond Dole.
The Dole Plantation is located one hour from Waikiki. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop in at the Dole Hawaiian Store. Here, you can buy a souvenir or take home a Dole pineapple home.
Another place to visit is the famous Waimea Valley. This is a private nature preserve, and you can take a guided tour or even try out some fun activities like ziplining or horseback riding. You can also check out the Waimea Falls and the Waimea Botanical Garden.
