For a scenic lookout, you’ll turn into Kualoa Regional Park. Here look for an island in the distance. The island is called Mokoliʻi but is locally known as Chinaman’s Hat. This is just a quick stop for the view, but if you’re looking for some more adventure can come back another day with a kayak and paddle out to explore the island.

La'ie Beach Park is on your right just before you arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is nicknamed Pounder’s Beach by locals. It got its name from the relentless pounding shorebreak, making it an ideal spot for body surfing and boogie boarding. 

Even though this beach is a famous surf spot, as its name suggests, it’s also a great place to watch the sunset. If you don't have time to watch the sunset today, we recommend you come back another day. 

Officially named Ehukai Beach, Banzai Pipeline is a surfer’s mecca. “Pipeline,” as surfers call it, is known for its quintessential barreling waves that curl like a pipe. Each winter surfers from all over the world test their might at “pipe” during the annual Billabong Pipeline Masters competition. Hundreds of people flock to the beach to catch a glimpse of these athletes in action. Even during the summer months, when waves have calmed and the surfers have relocated, parking is limited. If you can’t find a spot, look for street parking. We recommend just admiring the surfers at this beach as it’s not safe for swimming, even in summer.

Shark’s Cove is a Marine Life Conservation District, known for some of the best snorkeling and diving because of its diversity of sea life just below the water. If you’ve got kiddos with you, to the left of Shark’s Cove is an area of tide pools, perfect for children to wade through the water and paddle around. A word of caution for all, the lava rocks here are very sharp. We recommend wearing water shoes and being extremely careful as you enter and exit the water. If you need snorkel gear you can rent across the street.

Waimea Bay is a gorgeous moon-shaped, white-sand beach. During winter, the shore break is fierce and not suitable for casual swimming. However, when the water is calm, you can jump in the ocean for a dip, snorkel, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a 30-foot rock jump. Note: parking in this area can be difficult at times, especially if the surf is up. If the main parking lot is full, look for street parking. Sometimes there is paid parking across the street at Waimea Valley.

In the wintertime, haleiwa is a popular place for surfing. But besides surfing, there are a lot of things to do here. In fact, with a river and harbor, haleiwa is the main hub of all ocean activities here on the north shore. You can kayak, stand-up paddle board, take a surfing lesson, scuba dive, or go fishing. You can even get in a cage while sharks swim around you. 

There are showers and restrooms available. Look in highlights under “adrenaline rush” for more information about activities you can do in haleiwa.

Kualoa Ranch is 4,000-acre private nature reserve with a working farm and adventure haven. While here, you can do all sorts of tours and activities including a movie tour, ATVing, ziplining, kayaking, and horseback riding. Since we have a jam-packed day, we recommend you make a quick stop at the gift shop, museum and restrooms for today. If you’d like to do one of the activities, feel free to see if they have any same-day openings, but to ensure a spot, we recommend you book in advance.

We’ll guide you to Leonard’s Bakery, one of Oahu’s most famous spots for some delicious malasadas. Have you ever had one of these deep-fried Portuguese donuts? Leonard’s features eight different types of malasadas from its original that’s coated in sugar to custard-stuffed varieties filled with flavors like haupia (coconut), guava and macadamia nut. There’s usually a line, but don’t let that deter you -- it moves pretty fast.

Hours: Open daily from 5:30am to 7pm.

Order online for pickup or delivery.

Known for its shrimp trucks, Kahuku is home to dozens of eateries serving up warm plates of garlic shrimp. But, shrimp isn’t all you’ll find, look out for pizza, plate lunches, burgers, yogurt, and huli huli chicken — another local favorite. Please note: most, if not all, of the food trucks in Kahuku are cash only.

As you’re driving on North Shore, you’ll pass a few fruit stands along the way. One of our favorites, Kahuku Fruit Stands, is located just past Turtle Bay Resort. Stop for some locally grown fruit that’s cut, chilled and ready to eat.

Ted's Bakery is a spot you won't want to miss! This local eatery features plate lunches, but it's most famous for its delicious cream pies. The specialty is their chocolate haupia, but they also have strawberry guava, blueberry, and pineapple macadamia nut, just to name a few!

Hours

8 AM - 6:30 PM DAILY

Dating back to the early 1950’s this popular dessert spot serves up Hawaiian shave ice in dozens of flavors! It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. There will most likely be a long line, but don’t let that stop you — it moves fast.

HOURS:
10am–6pm, DAILY

Pro Tip! If the line is long, check out Aoki's Shave Ice across the street.

The Dole Plantation is a family-friendly spot with a number of activities, a sprawling gift shop, and sweet treats like pineapple soft serve and the Instagram-famous Dole Whip. While you’re there you can go on the Pineapple Express — a train ride through the plantation; weave your way out of a pineapple maze and go on a self-guided garden walking tour. If you only have time for one activity, we recommend the train ride. This spot is worth it to shop for a variety of pineapple flavored treats, from candies to pancake mix. Note: the activities at Dole Plantation require an entrance fee, but you can visit the gift shop and Cafe (for a Dole Whip) without paying an entrance fee.

Hours: 9:30AM – 4:30PM

Daily, except Wednesdays when they are closed for deep cleaning and sanitizing

Stop for a quick view of a breathtaking sea arch at La'ie Point. As waves crash below you’ll see just how this magnificent geologic wonder was formed! See if you can spot the lizard from the story that the tour describes.

Byodo-In Temple was built in 1968 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. Nestled under the Koʻolau Mountains, the temple is a replica of a 950-year old Japanese temple in Uji, Japan that is listed as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Please note: Credit and debit cards only.

Hours:
8:30am–4:30pm, DAILY

Make a quick pit stop at the Tropical Nut Farm to try a wide variety of macadamia nuts from Maui onion and garlic to Kona coffee glazed. The farm offers free coffee and nut samples so you can try before you buy.

Hours: 
9:00am–5pm, DAILY

The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of Oahu’s most visited attractions, and offers some of the most authentic cultural experiences on the islands. It features island villages that represent six Polynesian islands: Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Aotearoa (New Zealand). The center also has a luau, night show and marketplace. Please note, a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is a full-day excursion. 

On our way to the next stop, we’ll quickly drive by Laie Temple. No need to get out of the car, just listen as we tell you the story of this site that was designed after King Solomon’s temple described in the Bible. With its gleaming white finish, the temple is dubbed the “Taj Mahal of the Pacific.” Here you’ll find a visitor center with clean restrooms if you want to make a pit stop.

Go for a quiet beach walk at Kahana Bay, a gorgeous spot without any crowds. There’s also a public restroom if you need a bathroom break.