Planning the Perfect Day Trip from Waikiki to North Shore
While Waikiki has everything you need for an ideal beach vacation, there is more to experience outside city limits on your Hawaiian vacation. Oahu’s North Shore is notorious for its world-class surf spots, stunning beaches, and laid-back vibes. If there’s one place we highly recommend visiting while you’re here, it’s the North Shore. Our guide will help you plan the ultimate adventure from Waikiki to the North Shore and back.
How Far is the North Shore from Waikiki?
North Shore is about an hour’s drive from Waikiki, but leaving early is recommended to help you beat the traffic and give you time to explore. The most direct route is to take H-1 West, which turns into the Kamehameha Highway. If you have the time, take the scenic route along the Windward Coast for your day trip up to the North Shore, as plenty of popular attractions are along Kamehameha Hwy (also known as Hwy 83.)
Start Your Day with Breakfast in Waikiki
Before hitting the road, fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Stop by Sunny’s Local Grind for their delicious Brekkie Burrito or Trashcan Scramble. The cafe also serves classic and specialty coffee, making it the perfect grab-and-go spot for breakfast. Waffle and Berry is another popular choice for breakfast in Waikiki, and locals say it has “Hawaii’s best acai bowl.”
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Now that you’ve filled up on local eats, it’s time to hop in the car and make the trek to the North Shore. Depending on how determined you are to get to the North Shore, you can stop at popular attractions/towns or just cruise until you reach the final destination. A few places you can stop by if you drive along the Windward Coast are:
- Kailua – Located on Oahu’s east side, Kailua is an extremely popular spot. Kailua is home to Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach, both of which have been on the “World’s Best Beaches” list numerous times. You’ll find trendy restaurants and well-known chains in this town.
- Waimanalo Beach: Waimanalo Beach boasts white, powdery sand stretching for nearly four miles, making it one of the longest beaches on the island. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush backdrop of ironwood trees and the Koʻolau Mountains create a picture-perfect setting.
- Kualoa Ranch: While Kualoa Ranch can be a day of adventure on its own, this 4,000-acre nature preserve is best known as the backdrop for the blockbuster film Jurassic Park. Stop by the gift shop to pick up Jurassic Park-themed shirts, coffee mugs, and more.
Explore the North Shore: What to Do, Where to Eat, Etc.
What to Do on the North Shore
Start your North Shore adventure with a stop at Waimea Valley, a lush botanical garden and cultural site. As you take a leisurely hike to the stunning Waimea Falls, you’ll notice several cultural sites where you can learn about the life and culture of the early Hawaiian people. The hike is about ¾ of a mile and takes about 30 minutes. Swimming at the falls is allowed but dependent on the water conditions, so check beforehand if you are interested in swimming. Across the road from Waimea Valley is Waimea Bay Beach Park, known for its massive winter waves and calm summer waters. Relax on the sand, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try cliff jumping off “The Rock.”
Next, visit ʻEhukai Beach Park (Banzai Pipeline), one of the world’s most famous surfing spots. During the winter, when swells can reach 20+ feet, you’ll find crowds watching only the best and bravest surfers tackling the massive waves. The beach park has parking, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. If spotting honu (sea turtle) is your goal on your Hawaiian getaway, you may get lucky at Laniakea Beach, where Hawaiian green sea turtles can be found basking on the shore. Please remember to keep a respectful distance to protect these incredible creatures.
End your North Shore exploration in Haleiwa, a charming surf town filled with boutique shops and art galleries. Pop into a shop and grab a souvenir to remember your North Shore adventure. After working up an appetite from shopping, treat yourself to a refreshing shave ice from Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, a local favorite.
Where to Eat on the North Shore
The North Shore is famous for its food trucks, which are great for a casual, no-frills lunch spot. Stop by Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Kahuku for garlicky shrimp scampi. Non-seafood lovers will love Pupukea Grill, which offers fresh poke bowls and other local bites. For dinner, make a reservation at Haleiwa Beach House, a casual restaurant offering surf ‘n’ turf, pupu platters, and colorful cocktails. You’ll enjoy winding down on the terrace that offers beautiful views.
Head Back to Waikiki
After a full day of adventure, it’s time to retreat to your Waikiki vacation rental. A day trip to the North Shore offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Hawaiian experiences. Need help finding the ideal Waikiki vacation rental for your getaway? Contact our team at Novation Realty and speak to the experts to help you plan the vacation of your dreams!