Welcome to the North Shore

We love the North Shore and hope you will too. This guide includes some of our favorite beaches, places to eat, activities, and practical tips we've picked up over the years. There is plenty to explore, but don't feel like you need to do it all—some of the best days here are spent at the beach, by the pool, and watching the sunset.

Getting Around

We highly recommend having a rental car during your stay. Taxis and rideshares can be difficult to find on the North Shore, and having your own car makes exploring much easier.

Hale Luana is approximately a 45-minute drive from the airport without traffic.

A few local tips:

• Never leave valuables in your car, even if they're hidden. Break-ins can occur at beach and trailhead parking lots.

• Arrive early on weekends if you're headed to popular beaches such as Waimea Bay, Three Tables, or Shark's Cove. Parking can fill quickly.

• Expect northbound traffic between Haleʻiwa and Waimea Bay on weekend mornings, particularly from about 9 AM–12 PM.

• Expect southbound traffic on weekend afternoons and evenings, particularly from about 3–6 PM.

• North Shore life moves at its own pace. Give yourself a little extra time and enjoy the drive.

Beaches

Waimea Bay · 5 minutes

One of the North Shore's most iconic beaches. In summer, the bay can offer beautiful swimming conditions and the famous jump rock. In winter, Waimea transforms into a big-wave surfing destination and is an incredible place to watch the ocean from shore.

Three Tables · 5 minutes

A beautiful, family-friendly beach and one of our favorite places to snorkel when conditions are calm. The name comes from the flat reef formations visible just offshore.

Shark's Cove · 5 minutes

One of the North Shore's best-known snorkeling and diving spots, with rocky tide pools and abundant marine life. Best enjoyed when the ocean is calm.

Ke Iki Beach · 5 minutes

A beautiful stretch of sand that's perfect for a long beach walk. It's also one of our favorite places to catch a North Shore sunset.

Pipeline / ʻEhukai Beach · 10 minutes

Home to one of the world's most famous surf breaks. During winter swells, this is one of the best places on the island to watch elite surfers take on incredibly powerful waves.

Sunset Beach · 12 minutes

A long, wide-open beach with plenty of room to spread out and beautiful sunset views. It's another excellent place to watch surfing during the winter.

Laniakea / Turtle Beach · 12 minutes

Famous for the Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequently come ashore to rest. Give the turtles plenty of space and follow posted guidance from volunteers and wildlife officials.

Haleʻiwa Beach · 15 minutes

Calmer, more protected water, grassy areas, showers, and picnic facilities make this a convenient choice for families and a relaxed beach day.

Kawela Bay · 15 minutes

A peaceful, crescent-shaped bay tucked away near Turtle Bay. It's a beautiful place for a quiet walk, and you may spot turtles in the water.

A note about the ocean: North Shore ocean conditions can change dramatically by season, weather, swell, and even time of day. A beach that looks calm one day can be dangerous the next. Always follow posted warnings and lifeguard guidance, and never assume the water is safe for swimming based on a previous visit.

Activities

Learn to Surf

You're staying in one of the world's great surfing destinations. Surf lessons are available around the North Shore, particularly in Haleʻiwa, where the conditions are often more beginner-friendly.

Watch the Surf at Pipeline

If a winter swell arrives during your stay, head to Pipeline. Watching experienced surfers from the beach is an unforgettable North Shore experience—even if you've never surfed yourself.

Waimea Valley

A beautiful and easy walk through lush botanical gardens where you can learn about Hawaiian history and culture along the way. The trail ends at Waimea Falls, where swimming is sometimes permitted depending on conditions.

Golf

For a resort experience, head to Turtle Bay. For something completely different, try Kahuku Golf Course—a simple, inexpensive local course with fantastic ocean views.

Horseback Riding

Several options are available around the island, including Turtle Bay, Gunstock Ranch, the Mokulēʻia area, and Kualoa Ranch.

Explore Haleʻiwa

Set aside a few hours to walk around historic Haleʻiwa. You'll find local boutiques, surf shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and shave ice. It's a great place to wander without much of a plan.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Rentals are available in Haleʻiwa, where the calmer waters of the harbor and Anahulu River are great places to paddle.

Get Out on the Water

Shark tours, fishing charters, and other boat excursions leave from Haleʻiwa Harbor. Reservations are recommended.

Polynesian Cultural Center

A great way to spend an afternoon learning about the cultures and traditions of Polynesia. Evening shows and lūʻau dinners are also available.

Kualoa Ranch

Worth the drive for the scenery alone. Kualoa offers a variety of tours and activities surrounded by some of Oahu's most dramatic mountains. The drive from the North Shore along the windward coast is beautiful as well.

Pearl Harbor

Approximately 45 minutes away without heavy traffic. Book tickets in advance and plan on spending at least half a day exploring the historic sites.

Whale Watching

During the winter months, keep an eye on the ocean—you may spot humpback whales offshore. Dedicated whale-watching excursions are also available seasonally.

Honolulu & Waikīkī

If you want a change of pace, spend a day exploring Honolulu and Waikīkī. To avoid the worst commuter traffic, we recommend leaving the North Shore before 7 AM or after 9 AM and heading home before 3 PM or after 6 PM.

Ala Moana Center is a convenient starting point for exploring Honolulu and Waikīkī and offers 4 hours of free parking.

Hiking

ʻEhukai Pillbox

A relatively short but steep hike that rewards you with sweeping views over the North Shore and Pipeline. It can be hot and muddy, so bring water and appropriate shoes.

Best for: Views
Difficulty: Moderate

Kaʻena Point

A beautiful coastal hike along the undeveloped western tip of Oahu. The trail is relatively flat and follows the ocean toward a protected natural area.

There is very little shade, so start early, bring plenty of water, and use sun protection.

Best for: Coastline, wildlife & a longer walk
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Pūpūkea Boy Scout Camp

Located just up the hill in Pūpūkea, the Boy Scout camp area offers beautiful trails through the lush hills above the North Shore. It’s a great option when you want to trade the beach for a walk through the forest without traveling far from Hale Luana.

Trails can be muddy and slippery, particularly after rain, so wear appropriate shoes and bring water. Be mindful of posted signs, current access restrictions, and any areas that are reserved for camp activities.

Best for: Forest, nature & staying close to home
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Food

There are plenty of places to eat on the North Shore, ranging from food trucks and poke counters to sit-down restaurants. These are some of our favorites.

Coffee & Breakfast

Saylor's
Our favorite coffee spot. They also have excellent pastries.

Kono's
Fantastic breakfast burritos and an easy option before heading out for the day.

Ted's Bakery
A North Shore institution. Stop in for pastries, breakfast sandwiches, or a giant loco moco breakfast plate.

Lunch

Kuaʻāina
Delicious burgers, fish sandwiches, and shoestring fries. A Haleʻiwa classic.

Waialua Bakery
Fresh baked goods, smoothies, and filling sandwiches at reasonable prices.

The Beet Box Cafe
A popular plant-based option with sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and smoothies.

Seven Brothers · Haleʻiwa & Kahuku Sugar Mill
Known for big, messy burgers and a casual atmosphere.

Dinner

Haleʻiwa Joe's
A great choice for a sit-down dinner, known for seafood and its location overlooking Haleʻiwa Harbor. Reservations are a good idea when available.

Stonefish Grill
A great Haleʻiwa dinner option with fresh seafood, steaks, and local-inspired dishes. A nice choice when you’re looking for a sit-down meal in town.

Turtle Bay Resort
For a more upscale dinner or a special night out, Turtle Bay has several restaurants and bars with beautiful oceanfront settings. It’s also a great place to arrive early, have a drink, walk the grounds, and catch the sunset before dinner. Reservations are recommended for the resort’s sit-down restaurants.

Food Trucks

Da Bald Guy
Known for boneless kalbi short ribs and other local favorites. Go early—they often sell out.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
One of the North Shore's most famous food trucks. The garlic shrimp is the classic order.

Poke & Local Food

Foodland Pūpūkea
One of the easiest meals near the house and one of our favorites. Grab fresh poke from the counter and make a bowl for an inexpensive beach lunch.

Poke for the People
Fresh poke with plenty of toppings and combinations to choose from.

Dessert & Shave Ice

Matsumoto Shave Ice
The Haleʻiwa classic and probably the most famous shave ice shop on the North Shore.

Hi Pie
A great local stop for individual sweet and savory pies. The Eleanor (pineapple cream) is a favorite.

Ted's Bakery
Come back for dessert—the pies are what made Ted's famous.

Kula Shave Ice
A favorite near Turtle Bay, with delicious house-made syrups.

Groceries & Markets

Foodland Pūpūkea · 5 minutes
The closest full grocery store to Hale Luana and convenient for everyday groceries, drinks, snacks, and poke.

Costco · approximately 40 minutes
If you have a membership, we recommend stopping on your way to the North Shore to stock up on drinks, snacks, breakfast foods, and other staples—especially for a large group. Groceries in Hawaiʻi can be expensive, so a Costco run at the beginning of your trip can be worthwhile.

Worth the Drive

Ken's Fresh Fish · Laʻie
Huge portions of fresh fish at reasonable prices. The ahi katsu is a family favorite. Call before making the drive—their opening hours can be unpredictable, and they sometimes close early.