north shore studio tour

North Shore Studios

Official website

From Architectural Associates website : A motion picture and television production studio containing seven sound stages, a scene mill, two three-story office buildings, 100,000 sf of two story wrap-around production offices with ‘shooting fronts’, a production services building and a vendor building all located on fourteen acres within a walled campus. The sound stages are 14,500 sf tilt-up concrete structures with 128′ clear span and 30′ clear height. This entire project was designed and coordinated by Architectural Associates using twenty-nine consulting firms in the United States and Canada.

A Canadian architects firm was employed to produce the working drawings to ensure compliance with North Vancouver building codes. The Canadian construction firm Dominion was hired for the actual construction, with a build period of 13 months.

’21 Jump Street’, ‘Wiseguy’ and ‘Stingray’ were filming on site four months before the construction work was completed. The end of the construction period was marked by three official grand opening parties in September 1989.

1988 Ground-breaking took place.

June 1989 Production on the site began with ’21 Jump Street’, ‘Wiseguy’ and ‘Stingray’, four months before the construction work was completed.

September 1989 The facility opened officially, with three grand opening parties.

The total square footage was 225,000 sq.ft.

Originally built by author and producer Stephen J. Cannell for his TV series 21 Jump Street (1987-1991), North Shore Studios was majority owned by Cannell Films of Canada, Ltd, with a minority partner being a company owned by Paul Bronfman. Cannell Films of Canada, Ltd, (a Canadian company) was a wholly owned subsidiary of US based Stephen J. Cannell Productions.

?year After being bought by Lionsgate it changed name to Lionsgate Studios .

2006 The whole complex was sold to Bosa Development Corp and is now called North Shore Studios again.

Thanks to Stephen Brain for additional information

Productions shot at North Shore Studios

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Festivals & Events

Festivals & events in cook county.

In Cook County, Minnesota, we know how to have a good time. And we have no shortage of fun things to do in Minnesota . Among the thousands–that’s not a typo–of happenings we host each year are over a dozen festivals and major events. Whether your definition of “good time” is discovering the vibrancy of Ojibwe culture, chowing down on fish burgers, or dancing the night away, we’ve got a big day for you.

We have things to do in Minnesota in all four of the seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. Head north to experience a  Naturally Unforgettable  vacation in the arrowhead of Minnesota.  If you’re finally looking for that reason to head to up the shore to  Lutsen, Tofte & Schroeder,  or  Grand Marais , or you’ve always had it on your Bucket List to see the  BWCA  up the  Gunflint Trail  for yourself, or maybe you’d like to poke around  Grand Portage  for the day, one of our events is sure to be a great start to the trip of a lifetime.

Please check the Event Calendar for the latest updates on event changes and cancellations. 

• Ski Party Music Festival, Lutsen Mountains  | 
• Norpine Fat Bike Classic , Lutsen | 1/5/2024 - 1/7/2024
• Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race, Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail | 2/10/2024
• Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Snowmobile Drag Races , Skyport Lodge | 1/20/2024
• John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon , Cook County | CANCELLED
• Winter Fireplace Tour of Cook County | All February 
• Hygge Festival, Cook County | 2/3/2024 - 2/14/2024
• Family Festival, Lutsen Mountains | 
• Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Annual Fun Run , Gunflint Trail | 2/3/2024
• Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino | 2/10/2024
• Cloud Cult, Lutsen Mountains |
• Lutsen Trail Breakers Blast from the Past Vintage Snowmobile Ride, Cascade Lodge, Lutsen | 2/10/2024
• Fiber Week, North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 2/12/2024 - 2/19/2024
• Best in Snow Skijoring Races, Grand Marais | 
• Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Snowmobile Drag Races, Hungry Jack Lodge , Gunflint Trail | 2/17/2024
• Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Race and Tour, Grand Marais | 2/19/2024 -  CANCELLED
• Candlelit Hike in the Woods , Tofte | 2/17/2024
• Annual Trout Derby , West Bearskin Lake Boat Access | 3/2/2024
• Charles J. Futerrer Memorial Open Bonspiel, Grand Marais | 3/8/2024 - 3/10/2024
• Cook County Snowmobile Club-Ridge Riders Snowmobile Drag Races , Poplar Haus | 3/9/2024
• Superior Timberwolves Annual Snowmobile Club Picnic, Tofte | 
• Dog Days of Winter Sled Dog Derbies and Skijoring Races, Gunflint Trail  | 
• Wood Week at North House Folk School, Grand Marais  | 3/11/2024 - 3/18/2024
• Family Festival at Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen | 
• Mountain Meltdown Festival , Lutsen Mountains | 4/6/2024 - 4/7/2024
• Volunteer Weekend at North House Folk School, Grand Marais | *Not happening in 2024
• Grand Marais Ole Opry , Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais | 5/18/2024
• Superior Spring Trail Races , Lutsen | 5/18/2024
• Le Grand du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic ,  Grand Marais & Gunflint Trail | 5/25/2024
• Northern Landscapes Festival at North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 5/31/2024 - 6/2/2024
• Gunflint Green Days, Gunflint Trail | 6/8/2024
• Annual Pride Celebration, Grand Marais | 6/15/2024
• SheRides Annual Mountain Bike Clinic , Lutsen | 6/21/2024 - 6/23/2024
• Boundary Waters Expo at Bearskin Lodge, Gunflint Trail | 
• Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival , North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 6/21/2024 - 6/23/2024
• Lutsen 99er Mountain Bike Race , Lutsen  | 6/29/2024
• Tofte 4th of July Celebration , Tofte | 7/4/2024
• Tofte Trek 10k Wilderness Run/Walk, Tofte | 7/04/2024
• Fourth of July Fireworks, Grand Marais, Tofte, Grand Portage | 7/4/2024
• Hovland Arts Festival , Hovland  | 7/6/2024 - 7/7/2024
• 33rd Annual  Grand Marais Arts Festival , Grand Marais Art Colony | 7/13/2024 - 7/14/2024
• Lutsong Music Festival , Ski Hill Rd., Lutsen | 07/18/2024- 07/21/2024
• Annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races at Gunflint Lodge | 7/17/2024
• North Shore Water Festival, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais | 7/19 - 7/21/2024
• Biggest Blueberry Contest, Gunflint Trail | 7/19/2024 - 8/11/2024
• Stars of the North Music Festival , Grand Marais | 7/26/2024 - 7/28/2024
• The Fisherman's Picnic, Grand Marais  | 8/1/2024 - 8/4/2024
• Dark Sky Caravan & Star Parties, Cook County | 8/8/2024 - 8/11/2024
• Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days, and Celebration Pow Wow, Grand Portage | 8/9/2024 - 8/11/2024
• Sawtooth Mountain Challenge - MTB Race | 8/23/2024 - 8/25/24
• Old Fashioned Pie & Ice Cream Fundraising Event at Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center | 09/01/2024
• Superior Fall Trail Races , Lutsen | 9/6/2024 - 9/7/2024
• WTIP’s Radio Waves Music Festival , Grand Marais | 9/6/2024 - 9/8/2024
• Plein Air Grand Marais - Competition Week  | 9/6/2024 - 9/14/2024
• Plein Air Grand Marais - Competition Exhibit | 9/13/2024-10/06/2024
• Unplugged, North House Folk School , Grand Marais | 9/19/2024 - 9/21/2024
• Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour , Cook County | 9/27/2024 - 10/6/2024
• Hide Week, North House Folk School, Grand Marais  | 
• Basket Week , North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 10/01/2024-10/08/2024
• Gunflint Scramble Bike Race , Bearskin Lodge | 10/25/2024
• Moose Madness Family Festival , Grand Marais  | 10/18/2024 - 10/19/2024
• Family Weekend at North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 10/18/2024 - 10/19/2024 
• North Shore Readers and Writers Festival, Grand Marais | 
• Murder Mystery on the North Shore | 11/8/2024 - 11/9/2024
• Empty Bowls, Fundraiser for the Cook County Food Shelf, Grand Marais | 
• Winterers Gathering & Arctic Film Festival , North House Folk School, Grand Marais | 11/22/2024 - 11/24/2024
• Up on the Yonder Holiday Market, Up Yonder  | 11/18/2023
• Oh Ole Night Parade, Tree Lighting and Fireworks, Grand Marais  | 11/29/2024
• North Shore Winery Christmas Market, Lutsen  | 
• Hovland Winter Art Show , Hovland Town Hall  | 
• Holiday Harbor Village, Grand Marais | 12/06/2024-12/07/2024
• Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House & Holiday Sale, Grand Marais Art Colony Studio 21 | 
• Dark Sky Festival, Cook County |  12/12/2024 - 12/14/2024
• Annual Holiday Art Underground Show, Betsy Bowen Studio , Grand Marais  | 

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North Shore Arts Scene

It’s all about the eclipse — and art.

Solar Eclipse from Space, courtesy of Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

Greetings from the North Shore, where we begin by covering old news — the solar eclipse, which was and continues to be such an inspiration for us. Here are a few photos we found, including those taken by local photographers who traveled to spots where they could see Totality. We have also included an inspiring personal description and a few quirky items. Enjoy!

The Diamond Ring by Nathan Klok.

Diamond Ring, just before Totality by Dennis Chick taken in New York State.

Totality by Kurt Mead.

Totality coming up by Nina Simonwicz.

The Eclipse Through Light Clouds by Dennis Chick .

Totality from Ohio by Bryan Mitchell.

Eclipse Preview by Duke Skorich.

Solar Eclipse Chacuterie board by Sue Fleck Mustard Bruckman.

My rendition of the eclipse from a tabletop in Hovland by Jake Carr.

From Jeremy Lopez, who was in Texas:

“Crazy fun, spontaneous shouts of glee! It felt surreal, as if it was a stop-animation sped-up world where I could watch the sunrise in less than a minute.”

“Sunrise” at Totality by Jeremy Lopez.

“Then the stars disappeared in an instant and shadows swept back onto the land.  So fun!”

The “Diamond Ring” Explodes into Sunrise by Jeremy’s cousin, Jennifer Lopez.

J0y and Company is offering artists the opportunity to recreate the solar eclipse during  Art Night at the shop this Thursday.

Paint celestial events and the night sky at Art Night.

Art Night this week will be another round of painting the night sky. If you feel inspired by recent celestial events you can paint an eclipse too. Art Night is held from 3:30-5 pm at the shop in downtown Grand Marais. Free, with a $5 suggested donation. Open to all.

Also on Thursday, WTIP Community Radio hosts bar-type Trivia Night at Up Yonder .

WTIP hosts Trivia at Up Yonder on the second Thursday of every month.

The games are held from 6-8 pm and are free.

Dappled Fern Fibers hosts a Hygge Party on Thursday nights through April as well.

A Hygge Party is held at Dappled Fern Fibers from 6-7 pm on Thursdays this month.

Participants are invited to bring their fiber project to the shop from 6-7 pm to make with fellow artists. The shop also opens its doors on Saturday mornings from 10 am to noon for Fiber Circle time. Open to all.

On Saturday, the North Shore Music Association presents blues and soul singer Shemekia Copeland in concert at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts.

Blues singer Shemekia Copeland will be at the ACA on April 13.

Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. She is beloved for the fearlessness, honesty, and humor of her music, as well as for delivering each song she performs with unmatched passion. Copeland—winner of the 2021 Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year—connects with her audience on an intensely personal level.

She has sung with Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana , Dr. John , and James Cotton , and she has shared a bill with The Rolling Stones . It should be a great concert. Get tickets here  or purchase them at the door. General admission: $20.

On Wednesday, the Grand Marais Public Library will screen the film, Mayor Humphrey of Minneapolis , the story of Hubert Humphrey.

The film, Mayor Humphrey of Minneapolis will be screened at the library on Wednesday, April 17.

The film is free and will be screened at 6 pm.

The exhibit, The Legacy of Birney Quick, continues at the Johnson Heritage Post .

The exhibit features a great collection of work done by the famous Minnesota artist including paintings, drawings, prints, and more.

Fishing Shacks, watercolor, by Birney Quick, is one of the works on view at the Heritage Post.

Fidelity, oil, by Birney Quick.

Self-Portrait, oil, by Birney Quick.

The exhibit continues through Sunday, April 21.

The Heritage Post is open from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays and from 1-4 pm Sundays. Free. The public is invited.

In Duluth, The Tweed Museum of Art is exhibiting a collection of student work.

The Annual Student Exhibition of work by art students at UMD is currently on view at the Tweed Museum of Art.

The exhibit features work in all media by students in the UMD Department of Art and Design. It continues through Sunday.

The Nordic Center in Duluth is featuring an exhibit of work by jewelry artist and goldsmith Liz Bucheit .

The Nordic Center of Duluth’s exhibit, Hands of the Huldra, continues through April 27.

She is showing her collection of Norwegian-inspired filigree jewelry.  Her work is influenced by the Scandinavian myth of the forest huldra, a beautiful woman with a cow tail who would charm humans into living life forever inside a magic mountain. The exhibit continues through April 27.

Here’s an Art Hounds (MPR) interview about the show. 

Duluth Pottery, Tile   an d Gallery in Lincoln Park is exhibiting paintings by plein air painter, Nelia Harper.

Plein air painter Nelia Harper is exhibiting work at Duluth Pottery, Tile & Gallery in Lincoln Park.

The exhibit continues through May 30.

This is the last weekend to see  Ta-Coumba T. Aiken’s exhibit at the Duluth Art Institute .

Ta-Coumba Aiken’s exhibit at the Art Institute continues through April 23.

The Art Institute’s gallery space in The Depot is closing at the end of the month and moving to the First Bank Building in downtown Duluth. The gallery is planning to open soon. Stay tuned.

In Minneapolis, a retrospective of works by Hazel Belvo continues at the Minneapolis Museum of American Art.

Fireweed I, Highway 61 by Hazel Belvo, is one of the works on exhibit at the Minneapolis Museum of American Art.  Photo by Sheila Regan.

Belvo’s exhibit, “For Love,” continues through May 26.

Brett Monahan, the ceramics studio manager at the Grand Marais Art Colony , will give a presentation on how to throw challenging shapes on the potter’s wheel on Saturday, April 20, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Art Colony.

Brett Monahan, the ceramics studio manager at the Art Colony, will give throwing demonstrations on April 20.

He will throw tall pots, large platters and bowls, bottles, and jugs, to name a few. Tickets are $25. - Free to current students, cohort, and punch card members .   Tickets can be purchased here. Open to all.

Lee and Dan Ross will open an exhibit of new prints at the Groveland Art Gallery in Minneapolis on April 20. The title of the show is “Breakwall, ” and the artists explore the experience of walking on the breakwall in the GrandMarais Harbor, noting human and natural forces and the history that shaped the place.

Spring, monoprint, Lee and Dan Ross. They open a show at the Groveland Art Gallery in Minneapolis on April 20.

The artists write:

“This exhibition is a comprehensive view of our walks on the breakwall in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

“Walking the breakwall begins with climbing a small set of stairs bringing you to the narrow top of the wall. Raw, wild Lake Superior on your left, calm Grand Marais harbor is on your right. The narrow ribbon of a path built up over the years on a ledge rock foundation can be treacherous. You can lose your footing if you’re not paying attention.

“Layers of history are evident. Glacial striations from the last ice age contrast with evidence of previous attempts to hold back the lake. Holes drilled for anchoring structures and boats are now voids. The juxtaposition of natural features butted up to manmade structures has given us a vocabulary of new ideas.”

The opening reception is from 2-5 pm on April 20. The exhibit continues through May 25. The gallery is located at 25 Groveland Terrace in Minneapolis.

WTIP Community Radio received six first-place awards at the Midwest Broadcast Journalism Awards recently.

Six first-place Eric Sevareid Awards for WTIP this year.

The awards included:

• Writing for Broadcast: Trail Time – “Getting Prepared” written by Marcia Roepke
• WTIP Social Media Videos: Produced by M Baxley
• General Reporting: Grand Portage Marina Update produced by Kalli Hawkins with video by M Baxley
• Soft Feature: Traveling the Old North Shore – “Toimi Children’s Cemetery” produced by Martha Marnocha
• Specialty Programming: Anishinaabe Bizindamoo Makak – an interview with Obizaan and Chato Gonzales. Hosted by Erik Redix and produced by Staci Drouillard
• Podcast: Boundary Waters Podcast – Ep. 90 produced by Joe Friedrichs and M Baxley

The Community Connection at the entrance to the Rec Park is now complete.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony for this space inspired by the work of Grand Portage artist, Geroge Morrison, is being planned. Stay tuned. Photo by Jim Boyd.

Opportunities:

There are all kinds of upcoming opportunities at the Grand Marais Art Colony :

Work/Study:  The Grand Marais Art Colony has 3-4 work/study opportunities available for the upcoming season. Work|Study students receive tuition credits for volunteering their time helping in our gallery store, exhibition spaces, and assisting in our studios to prepare for classes and visiting artist residents. Opportunities are available May-October. If interested, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Superior Rock, acrylic on wood, by Marissa Saurer. She has some of her work on view at the Heritage Post.

Ephemeral Art by Bob Tamanaha.

Duluth View, ink and watercolor by Bryan Hansel .

Artwork by Jill Levene.

Three Pines, watercolor, by Kim Dayton.

Artwork by Shelley Getten. She is exhibiting her work at Joy and Company.

New work by Karin Kraemer. She will be at the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour over Mother’s Day weekend.

It is all happening on Hwy 2, oil, by Scott Murphy.

In celebration of celestial events. Acrylic on cradled pane by Adam Swanson.

Online Findings:

Here’s a Van Gogh Art Slideshow for Your TV | Famous Paintings Screensaver. It is two hours long, with no sound.

An interview with Travis Novitsky and other guests about the night skies. Click here to listen.

Milky Way by Travis Novitsky .

Stick Nation, an Instgram site for people who love sticks and think they have found the best one.

Stick Nation Review. This one doesn’t quite cut it. Read more here:

The founders of Stick Nation were interviewed on As It Happens. Listen to the interview here.

Online Music:

Live Music:

Thursday, Apr 11:

• Pat Eliasen , Moguls Grille & Taproom, 4-6 pm
• Gordon Thorne , North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm

Friday, Apr 12:

• Bump Blomberg , Moguls Grille & Taproom, 4-6 pm

Saturday, Apr 13:

• Shemekia Copeland,  Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 7 pm
• Medicine River , Up Yonder, 7-11 pm

Tuesday, Apr 16:

• Eric Frost , North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
• Open Stage , Up Yonder, 6-9 pm

Thursday, Apr 18:

• North Shore Swing Band , Up Yonder, 7-9 pm
• Open Old Time Appalachian Music Jam , Community Center, 7-9:30 pm

Saturday, Apr 20:

• Unity DJ , Up Yonder, 8-11 pm

Photographs:

We found some good photographs this week! Here’s a selection:

The swans are back by David Johnson .

,  Andean Motmot, Tinamu Birding Preserve, Colombia by John Gregor.

Waiting for Summer by James Joerke.

A pair of Redhead ducks hanging out with the Drake Mallards by David Johnson .

Dennis Chick setting up to shoot the eclipse on the east side of Lake Ontario in New York State.

Didn’t have much luck with the eclipse by Mary Beams.

Duluth Tour continues by Bryan Hansel .

Somebody built this– a brightener on the shore. Photo courtesy of the Lake Superior Trading Post.

Landscapes, Skyscapes. Cloudscapes and Snowscapes:

Shoreline sunset by Christian Dalbec .

The East Bay by Sierra Parsons.

From an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Thomas Spence.

The darker side by Bryan Hansel .

On my way home by Sierra Parsons.

Good Morning by Jamie Rabold .

It snowed in the UP by Sandra Updyke .

Sun rise over the Grand Marais lighthouse, Lake Superior, and the old US Coast Guard building by Bryan Hansel .

Watercolors by Roxanne Distad.

The lake and sky by Lin Salisbury.

Morning Glow by David Johnson .

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Ok, we’ll admit it! We really like putting out these issues every week. It’s interesting, it provides a service to the community and, in my case, I like finding things that are unusual or beautiful, or totally out of the box. Some weeks are more challenging than others, I must admit. In either case, we need your support to continue to do this. Please consider donating today, whatever is comfortable for you. You can click on the icon below and donate online or send a check to NorthShore ArtScene, PO Box 1232, Grand Marais, MN  55604.

P.S.   Jeremy Lopez , Yvonne Mills, and Kari Carter are the three people who help make this all possible every week. A donation is a Thank You to them, too.

NorthShore ArtScene Weekly Blog

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mile 0.7 + 0.5 miles

North shore scenic railroad, 506 west michigan street | duluth, 800-423-1273, mile 26.0 + 0.4 miles, castle danger taproom, 17 7th street | two harbors, 218-834-5800, mile 26.1 + 0.2 miles, two harbors public library, 320 waterfront drive | two harbors, 218-834-3148, timber ghost tours, 1020 main street | beaver bay, 218-830-3171, north shore scenic cruises, 99 beach drive | silver bay, 218-464-6162, mile 54.6 + 0.6 miles, city of silver bay library, 9 davis drive | silver bay, 218-226-4331, zipline north shore adventure park, unleash your adventurous side: zipline on the spectacular north shore, 42 outer drive | silver bay, 218-220-5330, black beach mini golf, mensing drive | silver bay, mile 65.3 + 6.9 miles, wolf ridge environmental learning center, 6282 cranberry road | finland, 218-353-7414, sugarloaf cove nature center, 9096 minnesota 61 | schroeder, 218-663-7679, superior massage therapists, 7210 highway 61 | tofte, 218-370-8267, mile 90.2 + 1.8 miles, lutsen mountains alpine slide, 467 ski hill road | lutsen, 218-406-1320, summit express gondola, putt n pets mini golf, 2014 minnesota 61 | grand marais, 218-387-3570, north house folk school, 500 w highway 61 | grand marais, 888-387-9762, grand marais public library, 104 2nd avenue west | grand marais, 218-387-1140, mile 109.7 + 0.4 miles, cook county ymca, 105 west 5th street | grand marais, 218-387-3386, gunflint mile 4.0 + 8.6 miles, isle royale seaplanes, 123 airport rd, grand marais, mn 55604 | grand marais, 906-483-4991, sisu & löyly nordic saunas , 110 2nd ave e | grand marais, mile 128.8 + 7.4 miles, points unknown, 82 irish creek road | hovland, 218-370-0283, mile 145.4 + 0.5 miles, grand portage – isle royale transportation line, 402 upper road | grand portage, 218-600-0765.

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21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore

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The North Shore of Oahu is easily one of the coolest places on the island. Famous for its sandy beaches, charming surf towns, and laid-back vibe, the North Shore has an entirely different feel from the bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki.

For many people, the North Shore is the highlight of their Hawaii trip. And while it’s not far from Waikiki, there are so many incredible things to see and do that it’s worth spending a few nights or days to see everything it has to offer. So, if you’re planning a trip to the North Shore, check out our favorite things to do on Oahu’s North Shore.

Planning a trip to Oahu? These are our favorite paid things to do on Oahu’s North Shore. You can find all our favorite activities and tours here. 1. Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Lessons 2. Surf Lessons 3. Waimea Valley Waterfall Swim Self-Guide Tour If you’re looking for a luau, North Shore has two of the best. Check out the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley and the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center .

21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore

1. stop at green world coffee farm.

To help keep you energized on your way up north, make sure to stop by the Green World Coffee Farm. Although it’s not technically on the North Shore (it’s located outside of Wahiawa), it’s worth a stopover for a quick espresso or slice of banana bread.

The farm is situated on seven acres of land comprised of more than 3,000 Arabica coffee trees. All the beans are roasted right there in-house, so your coffee literally cannot get any fresher!

Employees are also more than happy to give you a free tour of the farm, as well as free coffee samples. If you want to pick up some bags to take back home with you then that is a wise decision. They also have delicious baked goods.

2. Visit the Waialua Sugar Mill

The historic Waialua Sugar Mill first opened in 1865 and was one of the island’s most successful plantations and mills for more than 140 years. It was the last operating sugar mill on Oahu, although it, unfortunately, had to close in 1996 due to profit losses.

However, the Waialua Sugar Mill is now an industrial complex with different shops and businesses, most notably the Old Sugar Mill Brand Coffee Shop and the North Shore Soap Factory. There’s also a tiny playground if you’re traveling with kids and desperately need a place to stretch your legs.

Despite the transformation, the buildings of the sugar mill have been well-preserved, which makes this an excellent stop for shoppers as well as history lovers.

3. Eat and Tour Kahuku Farms

Kahuku Farms is one of the best places to eat for farm-to-table cuisine. The food is outstanding, and almost every ingredient comes directly from the farm (or sourced from neighboring farms on Oahu).

They have wraps, salads, pizza, and an impressive smoothie menu made only with fruit picked right from the trees behind you! If you’re not hungry for a full meal, you can always pick up some fruits and veggies from their farm stand instead.

But if you have the time, it’s 100% worth it to join the farm tour. You’ll be driven through the farm on a tractor-pulled wagon to learn about the farming and production process. And afterward, you’ll get to sample fresh fruit and even chocolate made with the farm’s cacao beans!

4. Visit Malaekahana Beach

A hidden gem on the tippy top of Oahu, Malaekahana Beach is one of our favorite places to go snorkeling. It’s a bit off the beaten path for most tourists, so you’ll truly get that laid-back local feel when you visit. The waters are generally calm and shallow (although it is essential to check the weather because it can get rough some months during the year), so it’s easy to see the abundance of fish and wildlife without straying too far from shore.

Visit Hawaii Ocean Safety to get lifeguard reports on Oahu’s major beaches.

If you can’t get enough of the beach, you’re also more than welcome to spend the night at the Malaekahana Beach Campground. They have over 70 campsites as well as a couple of cute plantation-style huts. Best of all, the beach is just steps away, so you can fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the crashing ocean waves!

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If you’re looking for more beach action on Oahu check out the 10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All and the 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu .

5. Feast at the Kahuku Food Trucks

With so many delicious food trucks in Kahuku, it’s impossible to go hungry when you’re here. Most of them are located right on the side of the Kamehameha Highway, so it’s easy to pull over and grab a bite to eat if you’re just passing through. And because this area isn’t on the main tourist route, you won’t have to wait in line with the crowds like you would in Haleiwa.

One of the most popular trucks in Kahuka is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck . You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, although the garlic and butter scampi is a star seller. Other happening trucks include Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken, Ry’s Poke Shack, and Papis Tacos.

6. Snorkel at Pupukea Beach

Located next to Pupukea Beach Park is one of the coolest places to go snorkeling – Shark’s Cove! This protected tide pool is home to various fish and sea creatures (but thankfully, no sharks!). They also have full facilities like showers and restrooms, but try to come early if you want to nab a parking spot close by.

The waters in the summer are relatively calm and shallow, so it’s suitable for your little ones. However, we don’t recommend coming here in winter or leaving the protected cove. The waves can be quite powerful during the winter, which is ideal for surfers but not so great for snorkeling or swimming.

After an afternoon in the water, you can head across the street to the Pupukea Food Truck Park. Grab some food to go and enjoy it on the beach if you want to soak in those pristine ocean views.

7. View Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

If you want to see Hawaii’s famous green sea turtles, you have several options on the North Shore. Laniakea Beach is one of the more popular turtle-sighting areas located off a residential street. However, it can be very busy, so expect some level of traffic or difficulty parking if you choose to come here.

While many people like Laniakea Beach, we prefer to head a bit further down the coast to Papa’iloa Beach. It’s far less crowded and touristy, so you shouldn’t have a problem parking or finding a spot to lay out your towel.

Turtle season typically lasts from May to September on the North Shore. During this time, you can spot these adorable creatures swimming in the water or resting on the beach. Although they may seem safe to approach, it’s crucial that you stay at least 10 feet back from the turtles at all times. Disturbing them isn’t just dangerous – it’s illegal !

8. Go Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Watersports are extremely popular all over the island, and there’s no better place to get out on the open water than on the North Shore! There are so many places here to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. We booked with Surf N Sea , which is one of the oldest and highest-rated rental shops in the area (they also offer surf lessons, shark cave diving, and scuba diving).

If you’re a thrill-seeker, taking your kayak or board out into the ocean can be a fun experience, especially if there are lots of waves! On the other hand, beginner kayakers or paddleboarders may want to stick to Waialua Bay or the Anahulu River, which is much calmer and easier to navigate.

We highly recommend these SUP lessons that we have also done! We chose to go upstream in hopes of finding turtles (we had no such luck, but they are often found swimming in the river from time to time!).

9. Try the Haleiwa Shrimp and Food Trucks

If you’re looking for a delicious meal in Haleiwa, then head to the Food Truck Park . There are quite a few different trucks that set up shop in this parking lot, including the famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. Yes, the same company that’s also located in Kahuku! As one of the more popular dining options, it can get very busy during lunchtime (so try to come early if you don’t want to wait in line!)

There are also some other cute cafes, surf shops, and art galleries nearby, so give yourself some time to walk around the Haleiwa area.

10. Enjoy a Hawaiian Shave Ice

On a hot day, there’s no better treat than Hawaiian shave ice. This refreshing dessert is essentially a giant block of shaved ice (not crushed ice!) that’s flavored with syrup and other sweet toppings. You can get Hawaiian shave ice almost everywhere, although there are two shops that we like to visit on the North Shore – Kaimana Shave Ice and Matsumoto Shave Ice.

Kaimana Shave Ice is located across the river from the Haleiwa Food Trucks, so it’s easy to reach if you’re craving a post-lunch treat. All their flavors are natural and made in-house, and their sweet cream, azuki bean, or mochi ball toppings are simply suburb!

If you mention The Hawaii Vacation Guide at Kaimana Shave Ice, you will receive 10% off your order ! Explore all of our Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupon Codes , including 5% off Honolulu Helicopters .

Matsumoto Shave Ice is a bit further up the highway and is considered by many to be the best on Oahu. The portion sizes are enormous, and the menu of syrup flavors is quite impressive. They even have exotic flavors like white cake, Japanese plum, and pickled mango.

11. Stop by Haleiwa Bowls for Breakfast

There are so many delicious food trucks in Haleiwa, but if you’re on the hunt for a good breakfast, you can’t top Haleiwa Bowls . They have fantastic acai bowls that come loaded with fresh fruit and toppings like granola, bee pollen, and raw honey. You can also try one of their other refreshing bowls, like banana, peanut butter, and dates or matcha chia pudding and coconut milk.

The drink menu is almost as extensive as the bowl menu! You can order a fruit smoothie, golden milk elixir, kombucha, or iced matcha. But if you’re absolutely in need of that morning caffeine, they also have organic cold brew coffee.

12. Watch the Surfers at Banzai Pipeline

More than half way through these 21 things to do on Oahu’s North Shore!

The Bonzai Pipeline is one of Hawaii’s most famous surf breaks. On average, it has a swell of about nine feet in height, although, during big wave surf season, the barreling waves can reach as high as 20 feet. For this reason, the Banzai Pipeline should only be attempted by experienced professional surfers.

Depending on when you come, you might be able to catch one of the many surfing competitions that are held on the beach. This includes Pipe Masters, the Volcom Pipe Pro, the IBA Pipeline Pro, and the Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic. But even during non-event days, this beach is still a great place to come and enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing.

13. Hike to Pillbox

Known as the ‘Ehukai Pillbox Hike, it’s renowned for one of the best sunset views on the island at the top of the Pillbox. We did the Ehukai Pillbox hike recently in the morning as we were up with jet lag. It was absolutely beautiful.

Other sites claim it is an easy-to-moderate trail, but to us, it sits squarely in the moderate category due to the muddy hike to the top. It is just 1 mile in length, but it’s steep and can be slippery for the first 2/3rds of the hike.

We went up to the first Pillbox with our 2- and 5-year-olds so it’s still an awesome trip for families, and the views from the top are well worth the effort and sore legs.

At the top of the lookout, you’ll be able to see the Banzai Pipeline, which is formally known as ‘Ehukai Beach, as well as a large stretch of the North Shore coastline.

14. Swim in Waimea Bay

Situated at the mouth of the Waimea River, the sparkling blue Waimea Bay is one of the prettiest beaches in the area. There’s plenty of room to sprawl out, even if there is tough competition in the parking lot.

The water is crystal clear and calm, and if you’re lucky, teeming with colorful marine life. It’s even possible to see sea turtles, so make sure to bring your snorkeling mask with you. There’s also a large rock that jets out into the water in case you want to go cliff jumping.

As with all the other beaches on the North Shore, the waters at Waimea Bay are only safe for swimming or snorkeling in the summer. During the winter, the waves are incredibly high and very dangerous.

15. Stroll through Haleiwa Town

If you need a break from the beach, head into Haleiwa Town. The main street (Kamehameha Highway) is lined with tons of cute shops, cafes, restaurants, surf shops, and art galleries. This is also where you’ll find some of our favorite haunts, including Matsumoto Shave Ice, the Haleiwa Food Truck Park, and Haleiwa Bowls.

The start of town is not a far walk from Haleiwa Beach Park, although we recommend having a car if you want to go further into town. We have you covered if you’re looking for even more free things to do on the north shore .

16. Enjoy a Farm to Table Meal at Farm to Barn

This adorable cafe is easily one of our favorite places to eat on the North Shore. The food is exceptionally fresh, colorful, and packed with healthy ingredients that you can feel good eating. After all, they source most of their produce from local organic farms!

Farm to Barn is open for breakfast and lunch, and we highly recommend coming both meal times to sample a variety of their dishes. They have bruschetta avocado toast, veggie burritos, and breadfruit waffles. The lunch menu is also guaranteed to make your mouth water. Think brown rice bowls with veggies, stuffed mozzarella burgers, and smoked salmon bagels.

One of the coolest things about eating here is the outdoor space, which is a beautiful grassy lawn and lush tropical views. They also have live music on the weekends and open-air yoga throughout the week.

17. Head into Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a stunning nature preserve situated next to Waimea Bay. The entire 1,875-acre property is owned and protected by Hi’ipaka LLC, a Hawaiian non-profit whose primary goal is to preserve the land and educate visitors on Hawaiian culture. As you walk through the garden, you’ll pass by thousands of flowers, trees, and even cultural sites.

Keep your eyes peeled for the 15th-century Hale o Lono worship house, the stone Ku’ula Shrine, and the traditional Hawaiian huts. You can also book a spot on the free botanical tour, where you’ll learn more about the structures and rare plants with a guide.

Book your Waimea Valley tickets before you arrive!

The main botanical path is just 1/3 of a mile long and drops you off at Wailele Falls. This 40-foot waterfall is the highlight of Waimea Valley. It’s also one of the safest waterfalls for swimming , so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit. There’s also a shuttle available for guests who prefer to be driven to the falls.

18. Snorkel at Turtle Bay (Kuilima Cove)

There are so many amazing things to see underwater at Turtle Bay. Our favorite snorkeling spot here is Kuilima Cove, a sheltered and shallow spot located right in front of the Turtle Bay Resort . The white sand beach is absolutely pristine, although it’s the marine life that lives beneath the surface that makes visiting here an absolute must.

It’s common to see unicorn fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, perch, Moorish idols, and so much more. Sea turtles are rare, but not impossible to see swimming here! Kuilima Cove made our top 5 Oahu Snorkeling Spots list.

19. Scuba Dive the Hawaii Lava Tubes

The North Shore is a great destination for snorkeling and surfing, but it’s also home to one of the most extraordinary scuba dive sites in Hawaii as well! The Pupukea Marine Life Preserve protects roughly 100 acres of the North Shore coastline and is a thriving habitat for sea turtles, rays, monk seals, octopuses, and fish.

However, there’s something extra special to see here besides marine life. You can even do a lava tube scuba dive. Lava tubes are essentially formations that have been created by hardened molten lava. There are caves, tunnels, and arches that you can dive around, creating a unique landscape that only exists in certain parts of the world.

There are multiple lava tube diving spots located along the coast (where you go will largely depend on the weather and water conditions on the day you visit). However, some of the most visited locations include Atlantis, Waimea Wall, Three Tables, and Sharks Cove.

20. Go to a Luau

Sure, they may be a bit touristy, but going to a Hawaiian Luau is a unique experience you have to do when you’re on the North Shore! Festivities usually take place outdoors and include live music, hula dancing, and, most importantly, tons of delicious Hawaiian food like Kalua pork, Hawaiian poi, and Lomilomi salmon.

Of the 4 best luaus on Oahu , we highly recommend two different luaus on the North Shore – Toa Luau and the Polynesian Cultural Center Luau.

The Toa Luau is located in Waimea Valley (entrance to the nature reserve is included with your ticket) and is one of the newest offerings on Ohau. Before the ceremony starts, you can participate in cultural Hawaiian activities like coconut husking and palm leaf headband making. In addition to their evening show, they also have an afternoon performance, which is great if you’re planning to travel back to Waikiki afterward.

The luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center isn’t just dinner and a show. It’s an entire full-day experience where you can immerse yourself in Polynesian culture. The beautiful 42-acre property is divided into six different villages commemorating Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, and Aotearoa. After an action-packed day of games and activities, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and luau as well as a separate evening show with over 100 performers.

You can book tickets for the villages, the Alii Luau, and/or the Gateway Buffet. See our Ali’i Luau vs Gateway Buffet to see how to decide. We also have an in-depth review of the Polynesian Cultural Center where we compare all 5 of their ticket package options.

21. Surf on the North Shore

If there were two words to describe the North Shore, it would be sun and surf! This coastline is home to some of the best surfing spots not just in Hawaii but in the entire country. And while the winter waves are best reserved for experienced surfers, the North Shore is still a great place for beginners and newbies.

You don’t have to look hard to find a surf shop. North Shore Surf Girls is one of our favorite schools (they are female-owned and teach men, women, and children). They offer group, private, and semi-private lessons.

Some of the best surfing can be found on the Seven Mile Miracle, a seven-mile stretch of coastline where you’ll find iconic swells like the Left Overs, the Log Cabins, and the Banzai Pipeline. But if it’s your first time on a board, stick to places around Haleiwa Bay or Kawela Bay for calmer waters.

Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore FAQs:

I’m sure these 21 things to do on Oahu’s North Shore didn’t overwhelm you. You can fit half of them in a day-long trip so find the ones that work best for you. If you can stay overnight on the North Shore, then do it! Here are some common FAQs we get on visiting Oahu’s North Shore.

Is it worth visiting the North Shore of Oahu?

Most travelers and first-time visitors choose to base themselves in Honolulu (specifically Waikiki). And while the city has so much to offer, the North Shore is equally, if not more, stunning. Not only is it less crowded, but it’s also a great place to experience that authentic island vibe.

Even if you don’t plan on spending the night on the North Shore, you can still visit on a day trip, as it’s just a 45-minute drive from Waikiki.

Read more on staying in different areas of Oahu .

What is the North Shore of Oahu known for?

First and foremost, the North Shore of Oahu is known for its spectacular beaches. There are so many wonderful spots where you can go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and, most notably – surfing!

The North Shore is arguably the most famous surf spot in all of Hawaii, thanks to its powerful and consistent swells. From November to February, the waves can be 30 feet or higher, attracting professional big-wave surfers from around the world. Many of them gather for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, one of Hawaii’s most prestigious surfing competitions.

Can you swim on the North Shore of Oahu?

Although there are so many great beaches on the North Shore, it’s not a year-round swimming destination. The waves along this side of the coast are notoriously rough in the winter (from November to April), which can be extremely dangerous for swimmers and snorkelers. However, the summer months are calmer and better suited for beach days.

This isn’t a set rule, as there are many days in the winter that are perfectly safe for swimming. Before you jump into the water, check the ocean conditions to see how large the waves are. If you’re still unsure, play it safe, when in doubt don’t go out.

What’s the best time of year to visit the north shore?

In all honesty, the North Shore is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit Oahu . But if you’re here to hit up the beaches, we recommend that you come in the summer between the months of May and October (Hawaii only has two seasons). During this time, the temperature will be in the 80-to-90-degree range, and the waters will be calm and suitable for swimming for snorkeling.

Winter is a tad cooler (in the 70s to low-80s), which can be more bearable if you’re having a beach day. However, the ocean can be extremely dangerous, with massive waves anywhere from 20 to 30 feet high!

We also cover the best time to visit Hawaii and the worst time to visit Hawaii with a full breakdown of cost, clouds, and crowds.

Where can you stay on the North Shore?

Although there aren’t as many hotels and resorts on the North Shore as there are in Waikiki, you can still find some excellent accommodation options. If you’re looking for a luxury resort, the Turtle Bay Resort is your best bet (the property grounds and ocean view rooms are absolutely breathtaking). You can also stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, which also has beach and pool access.

Besides hotels, it’s also possible to stay in a vacation rental. Two of our favorites are Ocean Villas and Kuilima Estates , both of which are located near Turtle Bay. We cover even more North Shore accommodations in this article: The Best North Shore Oahu Hotels and Vacation Rentals .

Related articles:

• 40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!)
• The 8 Best Pearl Harbor Tours: from budget to luxury, we have you covered
• The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu
• The 7 Best Private Tours on Oahu (+ an exclusive discount)

Shortcut Your Vacation Planning with the Best Oahu Itinerary

It’s not a guide, it’s not a cheat sheet, it’s a comprehensive solution to all of your planning woes. Our Oahu Itinerary is complete with interactive island-specific advice on rental cars, where to stay, excursion days, what to bring, maps, what to do, and the best way to do it.

I can attest to how helpful your guides are. There was sooooo much information in there but it didn’t feel overwhelming . There are great alternatives if you don’t want to do a certain thing on that day. It was awesome!! Helped us get so much more out of our vacation Priscilla

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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The Ultimate Guide to Oahu’s North Shore: Beaches, Food Trucks & More!

North Shore, Oahu

When planning our trip to Hawaii , one thing we heard over and over again was, “ Make sure you check out the North Shore! ”

We’re so glad we followed everyone’s advice and took a couple days to explore outside of Waikiki! Visiting the North Shore was like seeing another side of the island.

It was wild and rugged, with lots of rural farms and empty dirt roads.

The beaches felt nearly deserted compared to the crowds on Waikiki, and the colorful plantation-era buildings and roadside food stalls were the only signs of ‘development’.

Oahu’s North Shore was like visiting the Hawaiian heartland, where country remains country . 

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Quickly jump to a section:

• Where is the North Shore
• Road Trip vs Day Trip

Where to Stay on the North Shore

• Best Hotels
• Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals
• Visiting Without a Car
• Best Things to Do on the North Shore

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The North Shore

While the secret’s out on the North Shore, the coastline still feels quite natural and local despite all the tourists . 

The North Shore region starts at Kahana Bay and ends at Ka’ena Point.

In between, there’s a series of beaches, towns and quaint neighborhoods dotted throughout the area and it’s a great idea to head up without any plans and see where the day leads.

For beach lovers, there’s over 7 miles of epic beaches on the North Shore.

In winter, during Hawaii’s surf season, surfers come from all over the world to race the waves. Swells on the north side can tower over 30 feet and a couple major surf competitions are held from November to February.

In the summer months, the waves are much gentler and perfect for swimming, snorkeling or beginner surfing .

If you love adventure, you can try almost any kind of water sport here, from paragliding to scuba diving , shark cage diving to swimming with turtles .

And of course, let’s not forget the food!

Many of Oahu’s most hyped restaurants and food stalls originated on the North Shore. Some have additional locations in Waikiki and around the island, but heading up here is a visit to the original source!

From acai bowls to fresh squeezed juices, garlicky shrimp to shave ice, you can find enough mouthwatering food to entice you to permanently relocate.

Spend a couple days in Hawaii’s chilled out countryside and you won’t regret it! 

How to Get to the North Shore

Oahu is pretty compact, so whether you have a couple days or two weeks, it’s easy to fit a lot in on one vacation. Getting to the North Shore is roughly 1 hour from Waikiki, and there’s a couple routes to choose from:

Quick Route

From glamorous Waikiki to the laid back North Shore, it’s a fast and easy 40 minute drive straight north through the middle of Oahu. From your hotel in Waikiki, plug the surf town of Haleiwa into Google Maps and take the the H-1 and H2 freeway.

Just make sure to leave early to avoid traffic!

Scenic Route

Or, you can drive the slightly longer, but more scenic route. Head north east of Waikiki to the town of Kahuku by taking Highway 3.

You’ll see spectacular views of the emerald Koolau mountain range, then continue north on Kamehameha Highway to loop eastward along the North Shore.

If you drive this way, you’ll often have a great view of the shoreline right outside the passenger side of the car. Enjoy view after view of Oahu’s most beautiful white sand beaches!

North Shore Day Trip

If you’re staying in Waikiki, you can visit the North Shore in a day trip (or multiple day trips). It’s roughly a 40 minute to 1 hour drive up from Waikiki. We recommend heading out early in the morning to avoid traffic.

Also make sure to book your rental car early.

Rental cars in Hawaii sell out quickly and car rates can get pricier as it gets closer to your travel dates. Try to reserve a car as soon as you can!

Almost all the main car rental agencies are present in Hawaii, including Alamo , Enterprise , Hertz , National , Dollar , Sixt , Thrifty and Budget . 

But I found that local company Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals offered the best rate out of them all, so I recommend booking with them. 

Browse car rental rates for your trip here .

Or, you can also stay on the North Shore!

Since the North Shore is more laidback and less developed, there’s only a couple hotel options. Well, about 2 to be exact.

Turtle Bay Resort

There’s the luxurious beachside Turtle Bay Resort which is perfect for couples and families.

Turtle Bay has its own sheltered beach and offers tons of water activities like surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling etc. Like its name, you’ll be able to see turtles here as you swim!

Book rooms: Booking.com , Hotels.com | Check rates: TripAdvisor

Courtyard Marriott Oahu

There’s also a Courtyard Marriott located a little further east, near the Polynesian Cultural Center.

There’s food trucks in the parking lot nearby and it’s walking distance to the famous Polynesian Cultural Center luau so this hotel is a great family friendly option.

Book rooms: Booking.com , Hotels.com , Courtyard Marriott | Check rates: TripAdvisor

Vacation Rentals on the North Shore

Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of airbnbs, condos, VRBOs and short term rentals on the North Shore! Here are some of our suggestions:

North Shore Studio

Studio, Sleeps up to 4

This light and airy jungle retreat is perfect for a couple, families traveling with young kids or friends. 

It’s located in a gated secluded neighborhood on the North Shore just 3 minutes from the best beaches and surfing.

The studio apartment has its own entrance and has recently been renovated to a clean, comfortable and airy retreat. There’s also a kitchenette if you wish to cook!

Check availability here .

Turtle Bay Villa

Studio, Sleeps 3

This luxurious condo is great for couples. It’s located by Turtle Bay Resort and not only does it have lake and ocean views, but it’s right near the famous local golf course.

The updated condo has a gourmet kitchen , washer/dryer, tv with cable, netflix, etc plus a balcony!

Couples traveling on holiday who want an affordably luxurious place to stay will love this!

Tropical North Shore Villa

5 Bedroom Home, Sleeps up to 10

If you’re traveling as a group, check out this luxurious North Shore villa !

The elegant home is located in the Pupukea Highlands and feels like its own private retreat. Not only does it have pristine views of the ocean, Mt. Kaala sunsets and a pool, it also has multiple bedrooms and lots of room for multi-general families or couples traveling together.

Finally, it’s got a fantastic location right in between Haleiwa Town and Turtle Bay resort. World class surfing, golf and water sports are just a short drive in either direction.

Visiting the North Shore Without a Car

If you don’t plan to rent a car, don’t worry, you can still visit the North Shore!

There are lots of great tour options that will take you all around the island on a full day trip.

It can be really convenient, because the local tour guides know all the best spots (and photo opportunities) on Oahu and they take care of transportation!

This North Shore Tour is the most popular, as it combines sightseeing and activities.

It picks up from Waikiki Beach and heads straight to the North Shore.

You’ll get to see surfers catching towering high waves at Banzai Pipeline , one of the best surfing spots in the world (Blue Crush was filmed here!).

Throughout the day, you’ll explore both the North and East sides of Oahu, hitting up a lot of the most popular sights like Waimea Bay and Waterfall, Haleiwa surf town, the Dole Plantation, Halona Blowhole, Chinaman’s Hat, Tropical Nut Macadamia Farms and more.

No need to worry about parking , directions or planning – the tour takes care of everything so you’ll have a great time visiting all the highlights in one day!

Check tour availability here .

Best Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore

1. explore haleiwa town.

Haleiwa is the main town on the North Shore and you’ll definitely feel the ‘country’ vibe here!

It’s laidback, colorful and filled with clusters of shops, restaurants and art galleries. 

The buildings are colorful plantation-era structures that have been converted to fun surf shops and brunch spots and it’s a really fun afternoon to just walk around, browse, find some souvenirs and grab a bite to eat!

Plus, there’s a couple big parking lots so you can easily park in one area and walk from section to section. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon!

2. Go Shark Cage Diving

If you’re super adventurous, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime activity you can do on Oahu’s North Shore: go diving with sharks!

You can dive with sharks both in a cage or swim with them out in the open , sans cage. The crew is super experienced and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

Tours depart from Haleiwa harbor on the North Shore and you often get the bonus of seeing turtles, dolphins and (humpback whales in winter) along the way!

The most commonly sighted sharks around Oahu are Galapagos, Hammerhead, and Sandbar sharks, which range from 5-15 feet. 

3. Go Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove

Snorkeling is a must do while you’re in Hawaii!

One of the best spots to spot colorful fish and coral reefs is at Pupukea’s Beach (aka Shark’s Cove) on the North Shore.

The natural tide pools aren’t too deep and had some adorable colorful reef fish darting in and out of puddles of water, everywhere you look. We brought our own snorkel gear and spent the morning leisurely watching all the fish dart in and out.

There are places to buy or rent snorkel gear closer to town but I think it’s more sanitary and cheaper in the long run to just get your own set!

Tip: I recommend wearing some water shoes that cover your feet.

The area is a mix of sharp pebbles, fragile coral reefs and tide pools and the rocks that form the small protected bay are really sharp and slippery!

Covered water shoes really come in handy. I wore these simple slipper-like ones from Amazon – they were inexpensive and really helpful in the water!

4. See Turtles at Laniakea Beach

Sea turtles, or  honu , are native to Hawaii.

There’s a not-so-secret beach on the North Shore where you can watch these slow moving beauties warm up or surface for air.  

There’s usually lots of crowds (and no parking) so in my opinion, the best way to see sea turtles in Hawaii is to book a snorkel tour . They’ll take you out a bit to sea, provide all the life jackets and equipment you need and ensure both you and the turtles have a safe and respectful time.

Unfortunately, so many people crowd the beach that they can make the turtles too nervous to come to the beach to breathe (and the animals can drown).

Make sure to keep your distance!

5. Go Shopping

If you love to shop, the North Shore is for you.

While Waikiki felt a bit Vegas-like and touristy, with tons of high street and luxury designer stores, the North Shore felt more like… Williamsburg.

Instead of huge malls, you’ll find a mix of marketplaces, small boutiques and kiosks selling a mix of name brands and hard-to-find-anywhere-else gifts.

We parked our rental car once we got into town (around the Post Office) and then walked around up and down the strip checking out stores along the way. There were loads of surf shops, antique stores, fine jewelry places and art galleries. 

It was a lot of fun, and we found some really cute unique finds!

We especially loved the local furniture stores and Hawaiian souvenir shops. 

If you’re looking to buy gifts for family and friends, get it on the North Shore! They have everything from stylish bikinis to authentic Hawaiian wood crafts and locally made home decor.

If you’re looking for a tiki mug, there’s some great ones at Polynesian Treasures. Lots of surf gear shops and cute clothing stores too!

The North Shore is a laid back place, so take your time and walk leisurely through the side streets and arcade malls and pop into everything!

6. Grab Acai Bowls at the Sunrise Shack

After a day out in the hot sun, you’ll be dying for something refreshing.

Head to the Sunrise Shack for a delicious, cooling acai bowl. They have a ton of different options but I liked the passionfruit and tropical fruit bowl. We also grabbed kombucha to drink. 

There are a couple Sunrise Shacks on the North Shore and you won’t be able to miss it – they’re painted a fun cheery yellow!

7. Watch a Surf Competition

In the winter, the North Shore becomes a surf mecca.

The best surfers all over the world gather to ride toweringly high waves and compete in surf competitions all along Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (also known as Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach.

The huge waves should be left to the pros, but it’s just as fun to watch! Even in the summer, there was lots of surfers and sun bathers and it was a great spot to walk along the beach. 

8. Cool Off with Shave Ice

Shave ice (not ‘shaved’) is a local treat!

It’s kind of like an ice-y snow cone but the ice is really finely shaved and typically topped off with sweetened condensed milk, giving it a creamy (not crunchy) consistency.

Try out different flavors, add mochi or jellies for texture and add a scoop of ice cream! The best shave ice spots make their own toppings and syrups from scratch.

Matsumoto’s is probably the most famous shave ice spot on the North Shore (there’s always a long  line)! Aoki’s is another great option, right across the street.

9. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Beach

Hawaii gets some of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen.

One of the best places to sit and watch is at… Sunset Beach! 

Aptly named, this beach has a great open view of the sun setting over the ocean. Make sure to arrive early to snag a parking spot and space on the rocks! It’s one of the most heartwarming ways to end a trip to Hawaii.

10. Grab Lunch at the Food Trucks

One of the best things about the North Shore is the sheer amount of food trucks.

One of the worst things about the North Shore is your stomach simply won’t be able to try them all!

There are so many mouth-watering food trucks to choose from every mile or so along the North Shore. It’s part of the local culture and I suppose highlights the surf meets countryside vibe of the area!

Two of the most famous are Romy’s and Giovanni’s. 

Both are shrimp trucks known for their garlic shrimp and sweet and spicy shrimp options. But they’ll always also have long lines. Cooking time here runs on island time!

Don’t worry – you can find shrimp trucks all over and personally I think they’re all quite similar. I didn’t love that you have to peel the shrimp yourself but they’re worth trying! 

You can also find taco trucks, Asian trucks, fresh fruit juice stalls etc.

11. Buy Some Macadamia Nuts

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts is a popular stop on the North Shore, as they sell a variety of flavored macadamia nuts and local Hawaiian snacks!

Macadamia nuts are a must-try while in Hawaii – they’re so rich and flavorful! I especially love the honey roasted and dark chocolate covered flavors.

Tropical Farms has all different flavors available to sample. Munch on some nuts, buy some as gifts and get back on the road! 

12. People Watch at Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore – and for good reason!

It has a huge sandy shore where you can lay out… picnic or even play beach volleyball. And in the summer months, it’s one of the more calm and gentler beaches where you go for a leisurely swim.

There’s also a famous giant rock at the far left corner of the Bay. You’ll probably see a line of people climing up ‘The Rock’ to leap off!

13. Walk Through Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley Park is a sacred place to the Hawaiians. 

Named ‘The Valley of the Priests’ in 1090, an ancient ruler of Oahu originally awarded the land to the kahuna nui  high priests. Descendants of the high priests lived and cared for the sacred Valley until the late 1900s. 

Today, the gardens have been turned into a public park. Entrance is $25 per person and it’s worth a visit! The gardens are lush and vast, it feels like you’re walking back in time, and there’s a ton of colorful plants, flowers and trees that make the area feel like a botanical garden. 

14. Swim in Waimea Waterfall

Inside the botanical garden, there’s also a waterfall. It’s an easy 30 minute walk to the end of the valley and it’s one of the only lifeguarded waterfalls in the state.

Bring your bathing suit, some snacks and enjoy the day! Life jackets are free and required to be worn. 

There’s also public restrooms, cafes and benches to sit.

You can also book this Waimea Waterfall tour if you want a guided tour with transportation. It picks up from Waikiki, takes you around the island and includes a refreshing dip to the waterfall!

15. Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau

Going to a luau is both touristy and a must do. 

After all, you’re in Hawaii!

There’s 2 famous places on the North Shore to get the full Hawaiian experience, complete with cultural performances, demonstrations of Hawaiian cultural traditions and Polynesian dances.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most well known.

It consists of 6 different Polynesian ‘islands’: Samoa, Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti and Aotearoa. If you have kids, there’s plenty of activities for the whole family that you should dedicate the entire day to the place! In the evening, there’s the luau portion with a Hawaiian feast and show.

Another option is at Toa Luau in the Waimea Valley.

It’s considered one of the more traditional luaus, with both cultural shows, entertainment and dining. They’ll show you how to traditionally make coconut milk, braid flax headbands, and more! Plus you’ll get to try kalua pork and other Hawaiian feast dishes. 

There are also luau options closer to Waikiki if you want a more convenient experience, like Paradise Cove and Chief’s .

Most luaus are a 5 hour experience (they combine a show with dinner), so if you want to maximize your time on the North Shore, you can join a luau on another night when you’re staying in Waikiki.

Paradise Cove Luau

This is one of the most popular on the island, as it has a spectacular setting by Paradise Cove.

The full night experience includes Mai Tai drinks, fresh seafood, kalua pork, tropical fruit and a delicious Hawaiian feast .

All the entertainment is timed so you can watch the sunset over the bay and it’s really quite magical to see all the Hawaiian musicians, fire twirlers and hula dancers entertain as the sun goes down!

Check availability for Paradise Cove Luau here .

Chief’s Luau

Another popular option close to Waikiki, this luau is hosted by Chief Sielu, a world-champion fire-knife dancer . Pick this luau if you want a great immersion into island culture.

As a more traditional luau, this one will teach you hula dancing, Polynesian culture and coconut husk braiding. Of course, it includes an epic Hawaiian buffet too!

Check availability for Chief’s Luau here .

16. Try Local Restaurants

The North Shore has a great mix of Hawaiian institutions and fresh healthy spots, so you’ll have plenty of choice for where to eat.

Here are some of the most popular places to check out:

• Haleiwa Joe’s for fish tacos, ceviche and seafood
• Beet Box Café for healthy salads, smoothies and juices
• Haleiwa Bowls for acai bowls and smoothies
• Ted’s Bakery for chocolate haupia pie
• Shrimp Trucks for grilled garlicky shrimp
• Pupukea Grill for poke
• Papa Ole’s for Hawaiian plate lunches

17. Walk or Bike From Three Tables to Sunset Beach

We discovered this by chance, but there’s a great biking and walking path linking Three Tables Beach to Sunset Beach.

It’s about a 3.7 mile paved path that winds through tropical foliage parallel to the beach, with plenty of pathways to walk in between local houses towards the water.

There’s fragrant orchids and plumerias lining the road, wild chickens running about and mango and bananas hanging from the trees! 

It’s a great way to get your steps in after a big meal or to walk in the shade between beaches. 

18. Buy Local Coffee Beans

On the way up to the North Shore, you’ll pass by an excellent local coffee farm called Green World Farms.

They have a small coffee farm out back, a café in the front that makes excellent coffee drinks (try the mocha freeze, a super icy and sweet concoction) and plenty of beans for sale.

The farm has some coffee available to sample, but lots more for sale, in both roasted and whole bean varieties. We particularly liked the blueberry infused medium roast!

19. Tour the Dole Plantation

Technically, the Dole Plantation is not on the North Shore.

But, if you’re driving up from Waikiki chances are you’ll drive past the Dole Plantation either on the way up or back.

You can also book a tour to see the plantation garden in full. They have tons of family friendly activities, like the Pineapple Express train, fresh pineapples (even pink pineapples!) and a pineapple garden hedge maze.

And you can’t leave without trying Dole Whip.

It’s a soft serve, froyo-like dessert made from pineapple and so refreshing. We split one topped with fresh pineapple and it was incredible on a hot summer day!

If you aren’t driving, you can still visit the Dole Plantation as part of this full day Oahu tour . It circles the island taking you to all the best stops, and therefore doesn’t skip out on the Dole Plantation! 

Go snorkeling with sea turtles , check out Halona Blowhole and relax on the white sands of Waimanalo Beach Park. It also includes photo stops at Laie Point, Diamond Head and Makapu’u Beach.

Then when you’re all worn out, you can pick up snacks and nuts at a local macadamia nut farm and try Dole whip at the pineapple plantation .

It’s a small group tour too, so perfect for exploring conveniently without the hassle of renting a car and  dealing with parking.

20. See Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch

One of the most famous places on Oahu is Kualoa Ranch .

It’s where blockbuster hits like Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor were filmed and if you’re a movie buff or want to add in some adventure activities, you should definitely check it out!

There’s an excellent movie tour that takes you through all the iconic filming sets and locations. 

If you love adventure, they also offer horseback riding, ATV drives and zip lining inside the 4,000 acre nature preserve. A lot of people book multiple activities and make an entire day of it!

Technically this is on the east coast of Oahu but it’s very close to the North Shore so you can add it on to the beginning or end of your North Shore trip, depending on which way you’re driving.

Some of the tours include an option for roundtrip transportation if you don’t want to drive.

21. Drive to La’ie Point Lookout

The eastern end of the North Shore is just a little bit past La’ie.

A great place to get out of your car and enjoy the view is at La’ie Point. It’s not a swimming beach, but the crashing waves and cliffs are really beautiful to see. 

We saw lots of fishermen and locals just relaxing.

22. Walk Along Ka’ena Point State Park

On the western most end of the North Shore, you have Ka’ena Point State Park.

It’s also very remote feeling, with a gorgeous coastline. Drive east of Haleiwa for about 15 minutes and you’ll find the park. Go for a hike, look for albatross birds and maybe see a seal!

The area is considered a wildlife sanctuary, especially for birds, so make sure to stay on the path and avoid disturbing any animals!

And that’s it! Our guide to visiting the North Shore. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments if you have any recommendations.

Planning a Trip to Hawaii- Travel Checklist

Flights | Most flights to Hawaii will land first in Oahu, where you can transfer to explore the other islands. From New York City, we flew nonstop on United. Standard airfare will cost ~$1,000 round trip, but occasionally there are great deals around $500, especially from the west coast. Browse airfare for your dates here .

See | If you have under a week, it's recommended to visit just 1 island. Most people choose Maui for a honeymoon. If you love nature, check out Kauai. If you're a first timer, visit Oahu! 

For more on what to see, do and eat check out our Oahu itinerary post . 

Accommodation | Oahu has a great range of options, from luxury hotels to family friendly vacation rentals. Accommodation is very expensive, so book in advance to save. Check here for current hotel deals .

If you have a group of people or want more affordable housing browse VRBO . It's especially great if you want to get out of Waikiki! 

Insurance | Lastly, be sure to visit Hawaii with travel insurance . Whether your flight is delayed, you get injured and need to be hospitalized, or your phone gets stolen, travel insurance will help when you need it most!

I ended up locking our keys in the car trunk by mistake. But luckily, thanks to insurance, we only had to wait about an hour to get our car unlocked. Get a quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Hawaii Travel Guides

What to Pack for Hawaii : Outfit Ideas, Reef Safe Sunscreen & More!

What It's Like Visiting Hawaii During Covid (August 2021)

Where to Stay in Kauai

Visiting Oahu : Everything to Know Before You Go!

The Best Waikiki Hotels on the Beach

The Best Things to Do in Oahu for an Epic Vacation

The Ultimate North Shore Travel Guide

Where to Stay on Oahu

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The best curry noodles in chiang mai: …, hyatt new orleans french quarter, vegetarian in new orleans @ green goddess, 7 day southern spain itinerary – everything you must ….

Thank you very much for an informative post about stunning Oahu! All attractions sound amazing,however, we would be terrified to go shark cave diving! But it is a cool experience, we must admit.

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Put-in tours

Original tour agency in moscow and st petersburg..

Onboard a Soviet van!

Welcome to Russia!

We are Sergey and Simon, a Russian and a Frenchman, both  passionate about Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and classic cars. Together, we have created Put-in tours. Our goal is to help you experience Russian culture off the beaten path. Join us onboard our classic Soviet van and let’s get rolling!

In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

All our excursions (but the monastery diner) happen onboard our Soviet military vans and can be covered by our  professionnal photographer or videographer.

In Saint Petersburg

We welcome you in Saint Petersburg onboard our Soviet van to discover the imperial city with our city tour and night tour .

Continue your discovery in style! The adrenaline lovers will like our shooting tour  which brings 3 Russian weapons to the tip of your trigger finger.

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At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

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• NORTH SHORE KAUAI DRIVING TOUR

About The Tour

Kauai's North Shore is filled with beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails and picturesque resort towns. On this tour, you can snorkel at a beach surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, visit a scenic waterfall, check out a lighthouse and bird sanctuary, or explore a historic garden. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour: •⁠ Snorkel at Anini or Tunnels Beach (past Hanalei) •⁠ Visit the resort towns of Princeville and Hanalei •⁠ Explore Limahuli Gardens •⁠ Hike Okolehao Trail •⁠ Hike the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast (past Hanalei) KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Recommended Start Time: 11:00 a.m. Tour Starting Point(s): Kapa’a and Princeville Direction: Loop, ending where you began *VERY IMPORTANT* Entry to Haena State Park is limited and advanced reservations for all vehicles, walk-in entries, and shuttle riders are required. You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance at www.gohaena.com. PLEASE NOTE: you will NOT be able to drive past Hanelei without an advance reservation. Parking and shuttle reservations are also required and available on the same site. Even without a reservation, there is still a lot to see on this tour! All Shaka Guide tours come with customer support and a satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Sample Tour Audio

King kong - hole in mountain, parking at moloa'a beach, kahili beach intro, preview audio.

Okolehao Hike

Kalalau Trail

Limahuli Botanical Garden

Moloa'a Beach

Anini Beach

Lumaha'i Beach

Tunnels Beach

Ha'ena Beach

Kilauea Lighthouse

Hanalei Pier

Hanalei Valley Overlook

Secret Beach

Kahili Beach (Rock Quarries)

Kahalahala Beach

Hanalei Town

The Okolehao hike is a challenging 5-mile hike with some serious elevation gain. But if you just want to get out of the car for a quick walk, hike the first half mile of the trail until you reach an electric pole. There you will find an overlook of the Hanalei Valley.

The Kalalau Trail is one of the most ambitious hikes in Hawaii. This 11-mile trail takes you along the steep cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. To do the entire hike, a permit is required, but for your tour today we recommend you hike the first half mile to the viewpoint of the Na Pali Coast. From there, you can turn around the way you came.

Note: Limahuli Botanical Garden is open Tuesday-Saturday and closes at 3pm and has a $25 entry fee for adults; it’s free for children under 17. Reservations recommended.  Book here.

Now, if you are not feeling up to a rugged hike on the Kalalau trail, then perhaps you can consider a stroll in the Limahuli Botanical Garden.This garden is a neat place to learn about Hawaiian culture and native plants with descriptive placards. There is even a little booklet they give with with numbered sections that you can follow around the park learning more about what you are seeing. From personal experience, this garden is worth it, and by far the best botanical garden on the island. Plan on about 45 minutes to really see the whole gardens. You may want to check it out if you have the time.

Remember the 1963 show Gilligan’s Island? Well, this picturesque beach is where the first season was filmed! Take a stroll on the beach where Gilligan and his crew started it all.

Time to take out that snorkel gear!

Anini Beach boasts the largest coral reef in Hawaii, and is considered one of the best snorkel spots in Kauai. The beach is a little detour off the main road - but don’t worry, we’ll guide you there.

We recommend packing your own gear, but if you don’t have you can rent or buy nearby in Princeville.

After a windy section of road and just past Kahalahala Beach, the road straightens and Lumaha’i beach emerges. There is a large parking area next to the road. Be careful not to drive too far towards the beach, unless your car has high clearance. The beach here is wide open and calm during the summer months. It may be a good idea to just relax here along the beach.

To find the tongue of Pilikua the giant that I mention on the tour, go towards the left end of the beach where you will find a river mouth. The tongue is the flat black lava rock that enters the ocean right by the river.

Tunnels is the quintessential snorkeling and diving beach. There's plenty to explore here, with underwater lava tubes with an abundance of sea life. In fact, Tunnels is consistently listed as one of the best snorkel spots on the island.

Parking is extremely limited, so if you can’t find a spot, head to Ha’ena Beach nearby and walk over to Tunnels. If you don’t have your own gear, the nearest place to rent is Hanalei.

Strong ocean currents make Ha’ena Beach not so much a place for casual swimming. In fact, you may even see surfers out in the water cutting it up on the waves. But do get out of the car and go for a stroll; Ha’ena Beach is beautiful, and there are restrooms, showers, and lifeguards here at this beach.

Across the street there is a cave called Maniniholo. It’s the remains of an old lava tube, an evidence of Kauai’s fiery volcanic past!

Note:  Entrance to Ha’ena State Park is limited and parking is extremely limited. You must reserve your spot in advance (both your entry and parking spot). If parking is full, you can book entry + the shuttle service. Entry costs $5 per person and parking costs $10 per car. If you're booking the shuttle, t he cost is $35 per person for entry and round-trip shuttle service. Without a voucher the road is closed past Hanalei. Get a voucher  here.

Pull over for a look at the Kalalea Mountain Range. While you’re there, does the shape of the mountain remind you of anything? Look closely, and you’ll see its resemblance to King Kong.

At the end of a scenic peninsula known as Kilauea Point, you’ll spot a lighthouse in the distance. The wildlife refuge is home to a variety of local seabirds. Depending on the season, there seems to be thousands of birds on the cliffs or in the skies. In the waters below, look out for spinner dolphins and monk seals in their natural habitat. You can visit the lighthouse and refuge Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm - although advance reservations are required. Book here .

Note: There’s a small entrance fee (cash only). If you’re pressed for time or traveling on a Sunday or Monday, no worries, you can still take in this beautiful site from afar from the outer parking lot.

Hanalei Pier dates back to the late 1800s. This picturesque pier stretches into Hanalei Bay, and has been featured in a handful of movies, like Beachheads , South Pacific , and more recently, George Clooney’s The Descendants .

We recommend going for a leisurely stroll along the pier, and if you’re there at the right time, staying for sunset.

As you drive to Hanalei, on your right you’ll see a little shopping center for Princeville, and to your left, a scenic area viewpoint. The scenic area has a breathtaking view of Hanalei Valley.

Stop for a quick photo of the lush mountains and a patchwork of taro fields in the valley.

Take a short, 15-minute hike to the shore where you’ll find an expansive white sand beach. Why is it a secret, you ask? This spot was relatively unknown in the past, making it a popular nudist beach for hippies. But it’s not so secret anymore.

Kahili Beach is also known as Rock Quarry beach, because of a former rock quarry nearby. This is a remote, rural beach with no facilities, just lots of beauty. If you have the time, wade through the stream - if it's low enough - and check out the far left side of the beach. There is a huge rock to climb on for an epic view of the bay.

Just past Hanalei is a small beach called Kahalahala. The trail will go down into a forested area before emerging in front of a beautiful pristine beach. This is where Nellie Forebrush sang the song “I gotta wash that man right outta my hair” in the movie South Pacific.

Pro Tip! If you’re pressed for time skip this beach and the next and head to Tunnels for some more snorkeling.

Hanalei is a charming seaside town with a famous pier, restaurants and shopping. While you’re here, it’s a great spot to grab some lunch or pick up picnic supplies for lunch on the pier.

Please Note:  If you're traveling past Hanalei towards Haena State Park - home to the Kalalau Trail - you'll need a reservation. In addition to a reservation to enter the park, you'll need a parking or shuttle reservation. Parking costs $10 per car and entry is $5 per person. Round trip shuttle service and entry costs $35 per person.  You can make your reservations up to 30 days in advance  at  www.gohaena.com.  

In addition, due to a recent landslide Kuhio Highway, the road that travels beyond Hanalei towards the park is undergoing maintenance and therefore there is limited access. You should expect long delays and plan to leave extremely early before the morning closure towards Hanalei.  Learn more about the road closures here: www. hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/kauai/.

Purchase Bundle & Save

Kauai tour bundle, $29.99 $59.98 50% off.

• WAIMEA AND NA PALI DRIVING TOUR
• WAILUA VALLEY AND WATERFALLS TOUR
• POIPU AND KOLOA DRIVING TOUR

Hawaii Tour Bundle Collection -

$69.99 $139.98 50% off.

• HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TOUR
• NORTH ISLAND JUNGLE ADVENTURE LOOP
• KOHALA COAST BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
• SOUTH ISLAND EPIC COASTAL JOURNEY
• KONA BIG KAHUNA TOUR
• SUNRISE AT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK TOUR
• CLASSIC ROAD TO HANA TOUR
• LOOP ROAD TO HANA
• REVERSE ROAD TO HANA
• SUNSET AND STARGAZING HALEAKALA TOUR
• WEST MAUI COASTLINE TOUR
• GRAND CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR
• EAST OAHU SHORELINE DRIVE
• HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HONOLULU TOUR
• HONOLULU'S BACKYARD RAINFOREST TOUR
• HEART OF WAIKIKI WALKING TOUR
• LEGENDARY NORTH SHORE LOOP

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Customer Reviews

What a wonderful app! Such a breeze! Drive slow so you don't miss the stops! You can toggle the music on and off. I did waimea canyon and it was spectacular!

You must get this app!

I cannot say enough good things about this app for tours in Hawaii! My husband and I are in Kauai and followed two of the audio tours. You get the app for free and then you pay for the audio tours – – $19.99 for one or $29.99 for the bundle of three. If you visit all the islands, you can bundle, all of the islands for, I think, $69. We followed one up the north shore and visited little-known beaches and hikes, had the best poke bowl I’ve ever had, and heard stories of legends, culture and history. My husband did the Waimea Canyon tour and loved it as well! This is a great way to explore the island at your own pace doing what you want to do. The guide is knowledgeable and fun to listen to!

Perfect tour for our trip to Hawaii

Downloaded the tour for Waimea Canyon and was very glad I did! The tour was excellent. The guide was a little silly. Overall, a great day in Kaua’i.

Kauai North Shore vs. South Shore

The North Shore of Kauai is known for its lush landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and famous beaches like Hanalei Bay, while the South Shore offers sunnier weather, family-friendly beaches like Poipu Beach, and a higher concentration of resorts and...

What to do in North Shore Kauai?

On Kauai’s North Shore, you can visit the quaint towns of Hanalei and Princeville, visit remote beaches, hike the Na Pali Coast, take a stroll at Hanalei Bay, and visit a historic lighthouse. Do all this and more on Shaka Guide’s North Shore Kauai...

About Kauai North Shore Shuttle

Due to an overwhelming number of visitors to Haena State Park, a shuttle and parking system has been implemented on Kauai’s North Shore, just past Hanalei. Entry to Haena State Park is limited and advanced reservations for all vehicles, walk-in en...

What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:

• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
• Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.

Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.

Where does the North Shore Kauai Driving Tour go?

The North Shore Kauai Driving Tour has two starting points, one in Kapaa, the other in Princeville and travels in a loop, ending where you began. No matter where you start you’ll still visit all the same spots.

VERY IMPORTANT

Do to a landslide, the road past Princeville towards Hanalei and Haena State Park has limited access. Please expect long delays and check this   access schedule here   to see what time the road is open. Plan accordingly based on the access schedule.  

In addition, entry to Haena State Park is limited and advanced reservations for all vehicles, walk-in entries, and shuttle riders are required. You can make reservations up to 30-days in advance at   www.gohaena.com .

PLEASE NOTE:   you will NOT be able to drive past Hanelei without an advance reservation. Entry costs $5.00 per person. In addition, if you are parking the cost is $10.00 per car and the shuttle costs $30 per person (round trip). You can book shuttle, parking and entry reservations at   www.gohaena.com .  

What should I pack and budget for the North Shore Kauai tour?

Sneakers & hiking clothes

Bathing Suit & sandals 

Sun Glasses and/or Hat

Car Charger

Cash (see budget below)

How much you spend really depends on the activities you choose to do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs. 

$14.99: Shaka Guide’s North Shore Kauai Tour

$15.00 per person: Lunch

$10.00 per person: Kilauea Lighthouse

$20.00 per person: Limahuli Botanical Garden

$5.00 per person: Local snack

$1 for walkers; $5 to park; $15 shuttle reservations (includes entrance fee): Haena State Park Entrance

Where can I park along the road?

Please pay attention to all parking signs. Parking illegally on the Road to Hana can not only result in a ticket, it is extremely disrespectful to people who need to use this road everyday. The traffic on the road greatly impacts their lives, so you can help do your part by parking legally and adhering to all signs. We’ll advise you on where to park during the tour, and if there are no spots available, just wait for a spot to open up.

Where can I get a voucher to drive past Hanalei?

www.gohaena.com

Can I join the North Shore Kauai Driving Tour along the route?

Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from.  If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.

Can I take the tour in the opposite direction?

No, this tour travels west along the north shore of Kauai. 

Other Questions? Contact Us!

Do you have other questions that we didn’t list here? 

Feel free to message us through the in-app chat box,  Facebook Messenger , our  email ,  or give us a call at (808) 201-8138. We will be glad to help and answer your questions as soon as possible!

Shaka Guide  

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