Northshore??Dole? Photo stops?

[4lilrere]

we are heading to Aulani in a couple of weeks and have been reading about Northshore day trips. I know the waves are suppose to be HUGE and there are shrimp trucks but what else is there?? Is there a good public beach for kiddos?? Any must do stops?? Also how long would you suggest for the Dole Plantation? Love taking pictures so any photo stops you would recommend?? Thanks!

 

[Looptyloo]

There is a town up there called Haleiwa that has lots of shops for browsing, and also a popular shave ice place called Matsumoto's. I would recommend checking surf reports closer to the day you are going to the North shore, the waves can vary a lot by the day, so some days you'd see 6ft waves, others it could be 15ft, the surf report will also help you to know if it's a good day for surfing, if you want to watch the surfers.
One beach I have really liked is Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, it has one area that is more calm (over to the left from the main parking area) and ssshhhh one of my favorite places to see sea turtles in the afternoon after about 2pm or so. More to the right/straight ahead from the parking area I often see surfers and some of the bigger waves.

One popular place to take a picture would be next to the Haleiwa sign on 83, if you are coming south toward the turnoff to Haleiwa. (sorry, not sure if that is a great description of where it is...)
Another would be at the shop close to the bridge, Tropical Rush (I think?), there is a painting of what looks like angel wings on the wall, you can take your picture with that...

 

[Amw1064]

Here is a picture of the sign. We passed it but u turned around because we missed it our first trip.

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]

 

[4lilrere]

Thanks for all the great info! I am getting so excited just a little over a week and we will be there! Anyone been to Waimea Valley??

 

[Amw1064]

Thanks for all the great info! I am getting so excited just a little over a week and we will be there! Anyone been to Waimea Valley??

We have been to Waimea falls. It is short hike and then you can swim in the falls. Water is very cold.

 

[planningjollyholiday]

Our north shore days go like this:
Dole plantation
Haleiwa for husband to get giovanni's shrimp
Laniakea beach to see the turtles
North shore food truck we like the thai food from the elephant truck
Teds bakery for cream pie
Backtrack to bonsai pipeline to eat our pies and watch the surfers
Enjoy the beach
Head back home and stop for shave ice at Matsumoto's in Haleiwa

We have done Waimea falls but it was our least favourite thing we have done. The different flowers were beautiful, but to us the waterfall was a little disappointing and price of admission was way too high. We did not feel the "value" was there for us. However we live right by some very impressive falls that we can hike anytime free of charge so perhaps take my review with a grain of salt.

 

[cgattis]

Our north shore days go like this:
Dole plantation
Haleiwa for husband to get giovanni's shrimp
Laniakea beach to see the turtles
North shore food truck we like the thai food from the elephant truck
Teds bakery for cream pie
Backtrack to bonsai pipeline to eat our pies and watch the surfers
Enjoy the beach
Head back home and stop for shave ice at Matsumoto's in Haleiwa

We have done Waimea falls but it was our least favourite thing we have done. The different flowers were beautiful, but to us the waterfall was a little disappointing and price of admission was way too high. We did not feel the "value" was there for us. However we live right by some very impressive falls that we can hike anytime free of charge so perhaps take my review with a grain of salt.

So that sounds like exactly what we were thinking for our north shore day! I know it can obviously vary greatly depending on how long you stay st each stop, but how long do you usually spend to do all that?

 

[nkereina]

Matsumoto's Shave Ice in Haleiwa was awesome! We also loved the pork bombers at Kono's. The whole town of Haleiwa was just quaint and fun to walk around. We also did Waimea Valley which took about an hour for us, but could be longer if you swim. Lots of beaches you can stop at. We got to Dole Plantation shortly after they opened which I would recommend because the activities can have long waits. We got there about 9:30 and left about 11:30. We did the train ride, browsed the gift shop, and ate a dole whip while there.

 

[planningjollyholiday]

We usually leave around 9am and return around 5pm. It's a full day but it's lots of fun. Our North Shore day is a favourite in our family!

So that sounds like exactly what we were thinking for our north shore day! I know it can obviously vary greatly depending on how long you stay st each stop, but how long do you usually spend to do all that?

 

[jimmytammy]

We went back in Sept. The Dole Plantation is Ok, but sadly is a glorified tourist trap. Don't hesitate to go, but go with not so high expectations. We love Giovannis Shrimp Truck, Bonzai Pipeline this time of year should produce some big waves(small waves for our Sept trip).

I know this isn't what you questioned about, but one of the coolest things we did was drive over near the blowhole, and kept driving along the roadway in that area. That is one of the most beautiful drives I have ever made. Also, if time allows, go to the Kaulau(sp.) Ranch and ride the 4 wheelers. They take you to the area where the 1st Jurassic Park was shot(scene where the T-Rex chases smaller dinos). Also, they offer a jeep tour deep into the Mts. and reveal a lot of scenic places where several movies were shot including the latest Jurassic World.

After you get home, watch Hawaii 5-0(newer series)and you will see many scenes familiar to places you see around the Island.

Aulani is a great resort! We can't wait to return!!

 

[MaryM101]

We will be at Aulani in 8 days! Can't wait we are celebrating our 25th anniversary!

There is a town up there called Haleiwa that has lots of shops for browsing, and also a popular shave ice place called Matsumoto's. I would recommend checking surf reports closer to the day you are going to the North shore, the waves can vary a lot by the day, so some days you'd see 6ft waves, others it could be 15ft, the surf report will also help you to know if it's a good day for surfing, if you want to watch the surfers.
One beach I have really liked is Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, it has one area that is more calm (over to the left from the main parking area) and ssshhhh one of my favorite places to see sea turtles in the afternoon after about 2pm or so. More to the right/straight ahead from the parking area I often see surfers and some of the bigger waves.

One popular place to take a picture would be next to the Haleiwa sign on 83, if you are coming south toward the turnoff to Haleiwa. (sorry, not sure if that is a great description of where it is...)
Another would be at the shop close to the bridge, Tropical Rush (I think?), there is a painting of what looks like angel wings on the wall, you can take your picture with that...

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