This guide starts from the east side of the North Shore and proceeds east along the North Shore. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page before participating in any of the activities or sights highlighted below.
NORTH SHORE
You should spend a day in this area even if you are not already here. This part of the island is also known as "the country". The people who reside in this area are proud of it too! You may see signs here and there that state, "Keep the country the country!". They love things just how they are and protest development, as they should. Here are a few of the many highlights you should look for when visiting, although not everything is listed here.
Laie Point
It's a cool little scenic site. Featured in Hollywood movies such as Forgetting Sara Marshall.
Google Maps- Laie Point
Apple Maps- Laie Point
Giovanis Shrimp Truck
Famous shrimp truck in North Shore. There are 2 in the area; one of them is in the town of Haleiwa, and the other near Turtle Bay, and the northeast side. Don't let the hole-in-the-wall appearance fool you. If you're not looking for a meal, stop by for dessert!
Google Maps- Giovanni's Haleiwa
Google Maps- Giovanni's North-East
Turtle Bay Resort
See the banyan trees off the trails or just go check the place out. The resort and the grounds have been featured in several Hollywood movies such as Forgetting Sara Marshall, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. Even if you are not staying here, guest parking is free for beach access (no overnight allowed unless you are a resort guest), and you can access the beaches. Beaches to the right when facing the resort are best. If you go far enough to the right, you might find my little lagoon hang-out and, if you are lucky, a turtle or a Hawaiian Monk Seal out basking in the sun! Tip: To reach my lagoon beach spot, take a shortcut through the woods instead of trekking through the sand; less tiring this way! If you find the trails to the left of the resort, there is a neat little hike to a secluded lagoon, Kawela Bay. This is also a horse trail. On this side, you will also find the famous banyan trees. Also, consider renting a kayak for your visit to Kawela Bay, loads of turtles hang out in these waters! Ask at the resort how you go about obtaining a kayak rental. Be sure to check out the many hiking trails surrounding the resort as well; this is a very special property!
Google Maps- Turtle Bay Resort Google Maps- Kawela Bay Google Maps- Banayn Tree
Google Maps- My Lagoon
Google Maps- Aunties Fruit Stand
Apple Maps- Turtle Bay Resort Apple Maps- Kawela Bay
Apple Maps- Aunties Fruit Stand
Ted’s Bakery
A local diamond in the rough! Movie stars, famous surfers, and movie directors all dine and grab treats from here. Great breakfast. It's a true North Shore tradition.
Google Maps- Ted's Bakery
Apple Maps- Ted's Bakery
Ehukai Pillbox Hike
This is a nice little hiking trail with a scenic view of the North Shore. The hike begins across the parking lot from Sunset Elementary School. The trail starts off flat but does start to go uphill, and some ascents are steep. See the attached webpage for more details.
Webpage Ehukai
Google Maps- Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Apple Maps- Ehukai Pillbox Hike
Shark's Cove
It's one of my favorite snorkel spots on the North Shore! Tons of colorful and unique fish and sea life are found here. In winter, conditions may be too rough to get in. I also enjoy a nice sunset in this spot too! If you are getting into a snorkel, please use flippers or water shoes as it is very rocky and full of lava rock and coral. Also, bringing along something to float on or with is a good idea. I like noodles or nothing at all, but use what you are comfortable with. You may decide you prefer a life jacket. The waters to the left are shallow and rocky; over to the right, you will find deeper water, fewer shallow rocks. The far back left-hand side, if you dare to venture over there, has a nice snorkeling pool with lots of fish.
Google Maps- Sharks Cove
Apple Maps- Sharks Cove
Food Trucks Across from Shark's Cove
Across the street from Shark's Cove, you'll find a variety of food trucks with various offerings. Check them all out before committing to one. We found that the rainbow-colored truck has the best poke bowls around!
Three Tables Beach
Some people love this little beach spot, conditions permitting, of course. Lots of people snorkel here and, when waves are bigger, surf. The famed Shark's Cove is right next door, and there is probably more parking there. Do not park at Foodland; they do not allow beach parking, and you may find your car towed off. Also, be careful here, as currents can be dangerous.
Google Maps- Three Tables Beach
Apple Maps- Three Tables Beach
Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site (PMTP Pearl)
This is the largest heiau (Hawaiian temple) on Oahu, located on the North Shore overlooking Waimea Bay. This ancient religious site, built in the 17th century, played a significant role in Hawaiian spiritual and political life. Visitors can explore the heiau’s stone remains, learn about its historical importance, and enjoy sweeping coastline views, making it a serene and culturally enriching stop.
To view the overlook of Waimea Bay from Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau, follow these steps.
1. Start at the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site parking area off Pupukea Road.
2. Walk towards the entrance of the heiau and follow the path along the perimeter of the stone walls.
3. After exploring the heiau, continue on the trail towards the back of the site. The path is unpaved but easy to follow.
4. Walk for about 5-10 minutes until you reach the scenic overlook, where you’ll have stunning views of Waimea Bay and the surrounding coastline. The hike is short and fairly easy, but wear sturdy shoes due to the rocky terrain.
Google Maps - Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site
Apple Maps- Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site
Waimea Valley
Waimea is a scenic valley of historical significance to the ancient royal Hawaiians. It is worth visiting to stroll through the gorgeous landscape and even take a dip in a waterfall. The trail to the waterfall is fully paved and easily accessible. There is a small entry fee, and entry is free with Toa luau.
Valley Website
Google Maps- Waimea Valley
Apple Maps- Waimea Valley
Waimea Bay
Across from the Waimea Valley, sometimes, if it is later in the day, it is best to leave your car at the Valley parking and walk to the bay. This is probably one of my most favored beaches on the island! LOVE Waimea Bay. Big jumping rock that is fun to jump from or just watch other people jump. Good snorkeling in spots around the rocks. Have seen many turtles here before. Smooth lagoon like a baby’s bottom in the summer and home to the giant waves in the winter! Big wave surf competitions are held here annually.
Google Maps- Waimea Bay
Apple Maps- Waimea Bay
Chun's Reef Beach (PMTP Pearl if you make the trek to the turtle beach from here)
Beach that is more popular with surfing but a good place to catch a sunset also. We like to climb over the lava rocks to the left until we reach the small beach area. It is not so much for swimming but is an awesome place to find honu (Hawaiian sea turtles), sometimes by the dozens. Be respectful and do not touch or come near the honu; it is the law. And shhhh...do not tell too many people about this place because it is almost always empty, and you can come here to get away from people. I tend to think this is why the honu loves this spot! Just be very careful getting here and take your time. The lava rocks are sharp and not always steady.
Google Maps- Chuns Reef
Apple Maps- Chuns Reef
Laniakea Beach
This beach is a popular honu (Hawaiian sea turtle) hangout. You can find at least 1 honu here at any given time, and the easy access means that the beach is quite popular; you may be one of many gawking at the honu. But if you need an easy place to access to view the honu in person, this may be your spot.
Google Maps- Laniakea Beach
Apple Maps- Laniakea Beach
Papaiola Road (PMTP Pearl)
Take a detour off Kam Highway onto Papaiola Rd. You will see a few places to park off to the left side of this street. Not far from the parking is a public beach access walkway you can use to get out to the beach area. It's a great place to come and look for turtles in the water and on the beach and a fabulous place to catch a sunset! If you walk to the left, much of the beach is rocky. If you walk to the right, you can find amazing clear pockets of swimmable water, which is great for snorkeling!
Google Maps- Papaiola Rd
Apple Maps- Papaiola Rd
Haleiwa
Charming and nostalgic, little but famous North Shore town. Be sure to visit the shopping areas and walk the streets lined with shops. We like the Banzai Sushi (for dinner) and the little coffee shop in the main shopping center. Also, don't miss a chance to eat from one of several roadside shrimp trucks. Dessert is a must, and in Hawaii, there is one treat that is a right of passage of sorts....shave ice! The Aloha General Store in the shopping center has some of the best shave ice! But in Hawaii, there is always a serious debate as to what actually has THE BEST shaved ice. Over here on the North Shore, some claim it is the Aloha General store, and others claim Matsumoto. Heck, try them both, and you decide!
There are a couple of nicer dinner restaurants. Try out Haleiwa Joe's, The Beach House, or both! If you are interested in food trucks, there are several across the street from the McDonald's in Haleiwa town. Giovanni also has a truck set out here (see Giovanni below as well).
Google Links:
Google Maps-Haleiwa
Google Maps- Banzai Sushi
Google Maps- Aloha General Store
Google Maps- Matsumoto Shave Ice
Google Maps- Haleiwa Joe's
Google Maps- Haleiwa Beach House
Google Maps- Haleiwa Food Trucks
Apple Links:
Google Maps- Haleiwa
Google Maps- Banzai Sushi
Google Maps- Aloha General Store
Apple Maps- Matsumoto Shave Ice
Apple Maps- Haleiwa Joe's
Apple Maps- Haleiwa Beach House
Apple Maps- Haleiwa Food Trucks
Dole Plantation
If you must, this is sometimes considered a tourist trap, but if it interests you, by all means! If you do stop, be sure to try the Dole Whip. You'll thank me later.
Website- Dole Plantation
Google Maps- Dole Plantation
Apple Maps- Dole Plantation
Sight found on the far west side of the north side:
Kaaena Point
A trail that can be accessed from the North Shore as well as the West side, fabulous sunsets and a nice little hike. Sometimes hikers get to see the elusive Hawaiian monk seals on this hike. If you encounter one, do not approach the seal as it is both dangerous and illegal.
Google Maps- Kaanea Point
Apple Maps- Kaaena Point
DISCLAIMER: The travel advisor, Point Me to Paradise LLC, Point Me to Paradise Travel, and any of the employees or affiliates associated with the aforementioned entities are responsible in any way for any accidents or mishaps or anything of a negative nature that may or can occur with any of the activities or sights listed here or elsewhere. Traveler is solely responsible for his or her own safety and should exercise his or her discretion when assessing the safety of any activity listed here or elsewhere. Reader/traveler should analyze the safety of each activity and his or her health condition before participating in anything listed here or elsewhere. Suppose physical activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and anything else not listed here that increases heart rate or physical activity level are involved. In that case, it is advisable that a physician be contacted prior to participating in anything requiring any physical exertion. Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, walking, surfing, diving, shark cage, diving, golf, and other activities listed here, must all be considered to carry some risk. Any and all activities listed here or elsewhere could be considered dangerous, and nothing is without risk. Caution should be taken to properly assess the weather conditions and other environmental factors for dangerous situations such as but not limited to, rip currents, flash flooding, flooding, diseased waters, large dangerous waves, dangerous wildlife, dangerous fall risks such as cliffs or steep ledges, and more. By reading and using these suggestions, the reader/traveler/client solely assumes the responsibility and risk for his or her own safety as well as the safety and welfare of others who may be in his or her traveling party or company if they so choose to participate in any of these activities or visit any of the listed sights or suggestions.