Whatever your impressions before you land in Oahu, being stuck for something to do is unlikely. Whilst there is a significant amount of accommodation in Waikiki, outside of those skyscrapers and famous shopping strips, there are many things to do on the North Shore, Oahu outside of the main drag.
Indeed, our favourite part of Oahu is the North Shore, a place that keeps calling us back again and again. Its laid back lifestyle is straight from a Jack Johnson track and enough to make you want to chuck it all in and sleep under a tree. Here’s some of our favourite things to do on the North Shore, Oahu.
#1 Check out the beaches
The North Shore is my absolute favourite part of Oahu. If I ever get the kahunas to pack up and move somewhere and write a book or a song, it’s fair to say that the North Shore, Oahu is one of the first places I’d consider. Even if you can’t quit your job and move here, do yourself a favour and hire a car (maybe splash out on a convertible?) and head north. Get yourself up to Turtle Beach and check out the turtles hanging out on the rocks. If the weather is good, admire the massive waves that the Banzai pipeline dishes up.
If you’re not keen on driving yourself, and prefer the comforts of sitting back and checking out the scenery as it passes you by, this tour may be what you’re after.
BOOK ONLINE: North Shore Half Day Tour || 7 hours || From $US83
#2 Sample some of the best fare
If you’re going to visit the North Shore, you won’t need to go hungry.
Second only to the beaches, you’re blessed with some of the finest road side dining you can ask for. Giovanni’s, Fumi’s and North Shore Shrimp Co are simply some of the best food trucks you’ll find. Not just in Oahu, but anywhere! They all do their shrimp in their own style, but I promise you that they’re all delicious.
Prepare for some lines at peak times. Don’t let that discourage you, they move pretty quickly. Branch out and try all the varieties – chilli, garlic and the respective special mixes.
For those with a sweet tooth, Ted’s Bakery might be more your style. Why not try the famous Haupia cream pie? You’ll find their fridges packed daily with a wide selection of pies. This accompanies a range of baked goods, and I always found it difficult to go past the bacon burger. A no-frills outlet, frequented by surfers straight out of the ocean, you’ll feel like a local instantly at Ted’s.
To satiate the sweet tooth in the afternoon, where else to head but to Matsumoto Shave Ice in Hale’iwa? Again, you can expect more lines, but it moves fast. You can pick a variety of flavours and toppings to give you that afternoon sugar high. Add the condensed milk for that extra bit of sweetness!
#3. Dole Plantation
You can’t go to Oahu and not get stuck into some pineapple. There’s nowhere better to visit in this case than the famous Dole Plantation.
Anything that can be made from pineapples, you’ll find right here. You can even try their famous ‘Dole Whip’ which is only available at Disneyland or the Dole Plantation. It’s the perfect pit stop as you head north.
#4 Go shopping!
Too much beach time? Finished all of your books? Got money to burn? The Waikele Shopping outlets will happily help you out. With all the major brands your heart can desire, pick up some of the best deals from Ralph Lauren, Converse, Coach, Kate Spade and many other premium brands at discounted prices. Grab a brochure from the information centre and check out some of the discount guides (some for purchase) which can make your USD stretch even further.
#5 Kualoa Ranch
Bring your movie and TV memories alive with a visit to Kualoa ranch.
There are a number of tours through the ranch. Kualoa is breathtaking and as spectacular as you’ve seen in movies such as Jurassic Park, King Kong, Lost and 50 First Dates amongst others. It’s one of the best things to do on Oahu for movie fanatics. Some tours you can enjoy in your own time on ATVs. Or you can join a tour which can provide insight on the movies and tv shows that have been filmed over the years.
There’s so much to see and do on the North Shore. But it’s not a place to rush about. What have you enjoyed on your visits to So if you’re ‘stuck’ in Waikiki – do yourself a favour and head out, there’s plenty more to see!
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