What You Must Do in North Shore, Oahu

Adventures

Ehukai Pillbox Hike

A local hike that is not so secret anymore– but still less crowded than the Lanikai Pillbox. This hike takes you up to panoramic views of the famous North Shore 7 mile miracle, a stretch of the world-class surf breaks. Before reaching the pillbox, you will stumble upon a picnic table facing the ocean. It is a picture-perfect spot to take a breather and a snack break! Of course, we would recommend Kono’s award-winning bombers or sandwiches to fuel up on to finish your trek. Once, you get to the top, you will see the peace sign bunker and a stunning view.

Difficulty: Moderate, there are steep areas that will leave most people out of breath but just go slow and steady. The hike is not terribly long or treacherous but we recommend sunscreen, lots of water, and proper shoes.

Where to find it–This hike is located right across from Sunset Beach. You can park at the beach park across the street, any street parking along the road, or Sunset Elementary parking lot. The trailhead is not hidden, and very easy to find right in the Sunset Elementary parking lot. The path is very easy to follow. There will be a fork in the path but just keep left following the ocean side.

You can go here more hiking tips for Ehukai Pillbox Hike and see what are the 10 Best Places to Eat on the North Shore.

Play in the Sunflower Fields

Every year people are on the hunt for the sunflower fields. There are multiple on the island now however, Waialua remains the most popular destination.

Sunflower season is late October-December however, in the past, the farm is only open for about 12 days to tour. Tours ran from noon to 2 p.m. weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.

They’re free and no reservations are required. But parking costs $5 (and the proceeds go to community groups of Waialua).

It is worth the selfie with the sunflowers! Afterward, head over to Haleiwa Town for best ono grindz.

Where to find it DuPont Pioneer Farm in Waialua 

Hawaii Shark Encounters

I know what you are already envisioning, a scene from Jaws. But NO, this is such a misconception of sharks! If this is not on your bucket list, you need to add it! They are one of The Best Shark Tours on Oahu.

“At Hawaii Shark Encounters, we are more than another eco tour: we are on a mission to educate each one of our guests about the current state of the oceans ecosystem, the sharks’ plight and how their decimation by humans is affecting us all in the long term. We offer you a semi-private experience (max 12 people) like no other. You’ll see sharks as if they are right in your face with our plexiglass windows. You’ll walk away with a knowledge and insight which will enable you to engage in conversations about sharks with your friends and colleagues”, Hawaii Shark Encounters.

It is safe– do not fear. Their cage hovers just below the surface of the water, so you can experience just using a mask and snorkel (No scuba gear required!) Just a quick plunge and you can see Hawaii’s sharks in their natural habitat. You’ll get to encounter our three main species: Galapagos, Sandbar, and Tiger sharks. Occasionally they see Blue Sharks, Silkies, and Hammer Heads. Hawaii Shark Encounters is extremely professional, safe, educational and they make sure you have FUN! Are you ready to encounter Hawaii’s sharks? 

Where to find it

66-105 Haleiwa Rd
Haleiwa, HI 96712

Where to eat–

The Best Restaurant on the North Shore  (See what we did there)

Photo Belongs to: Hawaii Shark Encounters

Surf N Sea

After you grab some Kono’s bombers to fuel up, keep driving through Haleiwa town to end where you will see a rustic 2-story wooden building on the left side of the road. They are Hawaii’s oldest surf shop and ocean sports headquarters. 

Surf N Sea has tons of activities available to book while you are on the North Shore. Surfing, SUP, kayaking, Scuba Diving and fishing charters. Something for all ages and the whole family.

Definitely stop by our friends at Surf N Sea for some of the best advice, adventures and shopping in Haleiwa. They will make sure you have an epic action-packed day!

Where to Find it–

62-595 Kam Hwy
Haleiwa 96712

Mon. – Sun.
9:00am – 7:00pm

http://www.surfnsea.com 

Photo belongs to: Surf N Sea

North Shore Catamaran

North Shore Catamaran Charters offers several types of tours. Skip the crowds of catamarans on Waikiki beaches and head up to the Northshore for a custom adventure. 

Enjoy a leisurely ride across the Northshore’s pristine turquoise waters to a premier snorkeling destination for some time in the water discovering our abundant and diverse sea life. Be sure to grab Kono’s breakfast or lunch on the way to bring on the sail or stop by afterward to fuel back up!

If you prefer to stay completely dry and relaxed on your trip, they suggest their sunset cruises and have your camera ready to catch the gorgeous gold hues of a sunset on Hawaii. They also offer the best whale watching on Oahu and the only whale watching on the North Shore, sunset tours, snorkeling tours (seasonal), and a sun and moon cruise.

Where to find it

66-105 Haleiwa Rd.

Haleiwa, HI, 96712

https://sailingcat.com 

Photo belongs to: Logan Moon

Other Eateries

Aloha General Store

Right around the corner from Kono’s is the Aloha General Store. Established in 2000, located at the North Shore Marketplace in the Heart of Hale’iwa on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii.

Not only can you find some great Hawai’i souvenirs, you can find great snacks, delicious Hawaiian SHAVE ICE, and other beach essentials. If you forgot something, do not worry the General Store will have it for ya!

Let’s talk shave ice. There is a lot of shave ice competition out on the North Shore but here is their breakdown of why they claim to have the best shave ice:

  1. Their ice is only used frozen for 18-24hr at a time so it is always fresh
  2. Only use homemade syrups that are 30-40% less sugar than other shave ice companies
  3. Their machine is one of the best on the market calibrated to produce fluffy and soft shaved ice
  4. They chill all their syrup flavors so the syrup does not melt half of your shave ice immediately
  5. Make their shave ice with aloha (just like how we make our burritos!)

Where to find it

66-250 Kamehameha Hwy Ste C130

(808) 637-2288

Hours: 10:30am-6pm

Photo belongs to: Aloha General Store

Coffee Gallery

Lucky for us, Coffee Gallery is our neighbor in the North Shore Marketplace! They are the best place to get your coffee fix in Haleiwa!

Coffee Gallery explains their craft, “We continue to roast all our coffee by hand and in small batches. We believe that the art of roasting is a life long process that is never truly mastered, and in order to bring you the best possible cup we are continuously evaluating our coffee to develop the perfect aroma, precise color, and exceptional taste. All of our food and pastries are prepared in-house from scratch, to ensure quality and freshness”.

Their pastries truly are top-notch and highly irresistible.

Check out the rest of their menu here: https://www.roastmaster.com/pages/our-menu

Where to find it

66-250 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa, HI 96712

(808) 637-5355

Photo belongs to: Coffee Gallery

Haleiwa Bowls

Some of the best bowls on Oahu! Don’t miss the shack or truck on the side of the road while searching for your beach destination.

They give you a choice of pure or blended organic açaí topped with organic hemp granola, fresh bananas, raw coconut flakes, and a drizzle of honey. The BEST part– you can keep customizing with additions like maca powder, spirulina, and wheatgrass, or top your bowl with items like almond slices and cacao nibs.

Their bowls are also plastic free (so good for our ocean something we wish to accomplish one day). 

Where to find it

The Shack

66 – 030 KAMEHAMEHA HWY
Hale’iwa, HI 96712
730AM – 630PM EVERY DAY

The Truck

(AROUND) 59-337 KE NUI ROAD
‘EHUKAI BEACH PARK
(USUALLY) 9AM – 5PM WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS, CONTESTS

Find out where some of the other best acai bowls are located on our island

Photo belongs to: Haleiwa Bowls

Beaches To Visit

Laniakea Beach “Turtle Beach”

Waimea Bay

Sharks Cove

Pipeline

Sunset Beach