Waikiki to North Shore Road Trip
Taking some time to do a day trip from Waikiki to the North Shore of Oahu, is a must to get away from the urban metropolis and enjoy the slower pace and gorgeous coastline at the northern side of the island. The trip to the North Shore is relatively easy in either direction and takes approximately xxx minues to reach the main city and hub of the area at the country town of Haleiwa. Originally a sleepy plantation town of sugar processing plants and old run down buildings, Haleiwa is now gentrified and hip with truck food courts, cool shave ice shops, galleries and surfing venues to explore around the town. Or, you can easily just get provisions from the food trucks or grocery stores and head out to the beaches or gorgeous coastline areas for your own private space and enjoyment.
Day Trip from Waikiki to North Shore: Surf, Scenery, Island Flavors and Hidden Gems
How long does it take to get to Haleiwa and around the North Shore area?
If you drive continuously from Waikiki area and straight up to the North Shore via Haleiwa expect to get there within an hour timeframe. Since you are heading out against the traffic in the morning hour, this route from the H1 to H2 is pretty easy and straight forward.
Heading out from Waikiki / Honolulu area
This will be a relatively full day driving and exploring the area up at the North Shore so an early start is ideal, or you can get up what time your comfortable driving. We will head out the opposite direction of traffic so there’s no worries about hitting any slow spots along the way up to Haleiwa town.
To get there, head out to the main freeway H1 going west and follow it until you hit the junction at H2 going up towards Haleiwa town.
First Stop – Dole Plantation
Address of the Dole plantation – 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786
Originally a pineapple plantation that still grows a little pineapple but is more of a tourist destination with a tour of the plantation, a maze, gift shop and tasting their Insta famous Dole Whip which is actually really good. You can walk around the grounds for free but if you do take the train tour or see the maze, you do have to pay extra for those attractions.
Next Stop – Haleiwa Town
Once a sleepy little plantation town that supported the sugar cane industry in the area, Haleiwa town is all grown up with the many old western style buildings that were saved and converted into trendy surfing shops, art galleries, food / cafes and even popular Shave Ice venues that make this a fun stop to check out. You can eat at the many food truck courts around town, or just get your food to go and hit the beach or a nice coastline spot to enjoy watching the surfing action on the water.
Check out my post on visiting Haleiwa town here for more details and images to visiting the area.
Hang out at Haleiwa beach and Bridge
The first beach area that’s fun for picnicking, a paddle surf experience by the Haleiwwa bridge and bay or even snorkeling fun around the protected beach areas makes this a fun first beach experience close to Haleiwa bridge. There’s many photo ops spots around the beach area, the Haleiwa bridge and the kayaking or paddle surfing action happening around the river area to enjoy. Or be more active and rent out your own paddle board or go do your first snorkeling experience here on the North Shore.
Find your favorite beach along the North Shore area
With so many gorgeous beach areas to explore here on the North shore of Oahu, its fun just to drive around and check them all out and maybe find your perfect beach to enjoy the sand, surf and gorgeous waters around the area. It’s easy just driving around and find a few spots that sound appealing and look fun to visit. We share our favorite North Shore beaches here for more images and information to visiting and what amenities and beach experience to have here.
The most popular beach areas to explore here in the North Shore includes:
Waimea Bay
Laniakea Beach aka Turtle Beach
Sunset Beach
Kuilima Cove
Haleiwa beach
Ehukai Beach / Banzai Pipeline
Pupukea Beach Park
Turtle Bay Beach
Polo Beach
Kewala Bay
Enjoy some family friendly snorkeling at Sharks Cove
If you love to snorkeling then you definitely need to check out Sharks Cove just east of Haleiwa town. A popular and kid friendly snorkeling spot located right next to the Pupuke a beach park. With diverse sea life, corals and tropical fish, it is a perfect place for beginners or younger children to wade, swim or snorkel in a protected cove area of the North Shore
Located at 59-711 Kamehameha Hwy, between Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline, Pupuke a, Oahu, HI 96712-9404
Check out the Botanical Gardens at Waimea Falls
Just across the freeway from Waimea Bay are the gorgeous botanical gardens and Waimea Bay waterfalls. Run as a non-profit organization that promotes cultural awareness, local history and plant diversification and a gorgeous waterfall that you can actually swim in safely with a life guard, this is more than just a botanical garden. You can take docent tours sharing the history of the area, mock village and daily life along with the food grown and other local flora that created this spectacular garden. There’s even a fantastic luau that you can enjoy, we free entrance to the botanical garden with the purchase of one ticket.
Check out this post on visiting the Waimea Falls and botanical Gardens here for more images and information.
Check out Kahuku organic farms
If you are interested in grabbing some fresh produce or finished take out foods or even souvenirs, check out the Kahuku Organic farms. It’s a great place to visit for those interested in local farming and crops grown in the area, there is also tour that you can sign up for their grand tour by wagon on their farm to learn about the history of the farm and local community and serving the various markets around. There is also a nice café where you can order some wonderful smoothies or take out food or other farm goodies.
Located at 56-800 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, Oahu, HI 96731-2302
Check out turtles at Laniakea beach
Laniakea Beach, often called “Turtle Beach,” is a popular stop along Oahu’s North Shore where Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, can often be seen resting on the sand or grazing in the nearshore waters. This stretch of golden sand is relatively small, but its calm, shallow waters make it a favorite feeding ground for the turtles, especially in the afternoon. Volunteers from a local conservation group are often on-site to answer questions and help protect the turtles, reminding visitors to keep a respectful distance. While the beach itself is scenic and ideal for a short stroll or photos, parking can be limited, and the area is best visited during quieter parts of the day to avoid crowds.
Check out this post to visiting Laniakea Beach here for more inspiration and images.
Historic La’ie town and religious center for the Mormon church
Located on the northeastern section of oahu is a beautiful Mormon temple and grounds open for the public to explore. You can visit the the La’ie Temple tourist center and ask for some guides to show you around the grounds and other areas of interest in these beautiful grounds and sharing the history of the local Laie community close by.
Address of the temple 55-600 Naniloa Loop, Laie, Oahu, HI 96762-2202
Check out these other posts to visiting Oahu
If you are spending more time on Oahu, check out these other posts for inspiration to visiting the island
Best time to visit the North Shore
Explore and Hike Waimea Valley
Visit Haleiwa town on the North Shore
Hike to Waimea Falls on the North Shore
Hang out in Hawaii Kai in East Oahu
Visit to Kailua Kona on the east side
Free or cheap things to do in Oahu
Conclusion on the best time to visit the North Shore of Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu remains one of Hawaii’s most remarkable destinations, offering experiences for every type of traveler. Surfers can chase towering winter waves, beachgoers can bask in warm sunshine, and nature lovers can immerse themselves in the area’s stunning scenery. Each season brings its own appeal, from the adrenaline of big swells to the laid-back calm of summer waters. With our guide to the best times to visit, you’ll be ready to plan a trip that makes the most of your stay. Your North Shore getaway is waiting—start planning it today.
