What to see or do if we go to the North Shore?

[Kwdsue]

We'll be staying at Aulani in a couple weeks. We're interested in doing some exploring while we're in Oahu. We will have 5 adults, on 3 yr old and a baby. Are there beaches along the way, food trucks to try, easy hikes? Can you see surfers there at the end of Jan?

 

[Anal Annie]

Several years ago when we went we took surf lessons and then had lunch at Giovanni's shrimp truck near Haleiwa. It was delicious and there were several other food trucks parked in the same area.

 

[tankin]

@Kwdsue We just got back ... Surfers and turtles are weather dependent (upside perfect weather for one sends the other hiding most of the time). If the surf is up, you can definitely see surfers and if its down, the turtles should be out (keep in mind that the turtles are protected so its look but don't touch or get near thing).

Other things to do.... On the tourist end, PCC, Dole Plantation, Waimea Valley (nice hike / botanical garden)... Personally I would avoid Giovanni's we just ate there and it was both underwhelming and expensive (I've had bigger better shrimp for less at expensive restaurants) but in that area there are a ton of really good food trucks.

 

[Kwdsue]

Thank you!

 

[WillGan]

We'll be staying at Aulani in a couple weeks. We're interested in doing some exploring while we're in Oahu. We will have 5 adults, on 3 yr old and a baby. Are there beaches along the way, food trucks to try, easy hikes? Can you see surfers there at the end of Jan?

What to do on the north shore? Watch the big surf! Do Not Swim in those waters especially during the winter months. Why? Surfs up! To sometimes life threatening levels. Also the current will be more than you or any inexperienced swimmer could handle. You’ll see for yourself. What to eat, Giovanni’s. It’s a must! There are other food trucks along the way but this is the staple of the north shore! Also prolly wanna check out Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in Haleiwa. You can prolly do that on the way back home if you’re just there for the day. If you want the full north shore experience, the Polynesian Cultural Center (near Giovanni’s) is a must. You don’t really need to see the Luau Show (even though it is spectacular) but just the whole experience of the various cultures they represent, it’s like a Moana village experience. Other than that, perhaps Waihole Poi Factory but that’s near the other end of the north shore. If there, you can sample some Hawaiian food (similar to Aulani’s Luau) but if you do make it that far, the Sweet Lady of Waihole is a must (Kulolo w/ Haupia Ice Cream). I grabbed some pictures from Yelp for you to see. Enjoy!

 

[JC1984]

Jump/fall/be pushed out of a perfectly good airplane for the most breath taking sky diving you will ever do.

 

[jimmymc]

End of January is high surf season, so you'll see some very talented surfers at that time. You can do an easy walk at Waimea Valley to a waterfall and visit the botanical gardens. I highly suggest visiting Kawela Bay Beach Park, where it's a short walk to the most picturesque beach I've ever seen and is calm enough to get in the water. You can also visit Turtle Bay, both to see the resort and the beach.

For food, Giovanni's shares a parking lot with a few other food trucks. My favorite was actually just to the left of Giovanni's; they served tacos and different styles of loco moco. I also liked the Haleiwa Seafood Grill, which is closer to town. Last recommendation is Sunrise Shack, which is a bit up the road from town. Best smoothies, acai bowls, and iced coffee I've ever had. Anything you order from there will be great.

 

[Kwdsue]

What to do on the north shore? Watch the big surf! Do Not Swim in those waters especially during the winter months. Why? Surfs up! To sometimes life threatening levels. Also the current will be more than you or any inexperienced swimmer could handle. You’ll see for yourself. What to eat, Giovanni’s. It’s a must! There are other food trucks along the way but this is the staple of the north shore! Also prolly wanna check out Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in Haleiwa. You can prolly do that on the way back home if you’re just there for the day. If you want the full north shore experience, the Polynesian Cultural Center (near Giovanni’s) is a must. You don’t really need to see the Luau Show (even though it is spectacular) but just the whole experience of the various cultures they represent, it’s like a Moana village experience. Other than that, perhaps Waihole Poi Factory but that’s near the other end of the north shore. If there, you can sample some Hawaiian food (similar to Aulani’s Luau) but if you do make it that far, the Sweet Lady of Waihole is a must (Kulolo w/ Haupia Ice Cream). I grabbed some pictures from Yelp for you to see. Enjoy! View attachment 729777

Thank you! Looks yummy!

 

[Kwdsue]

End of January is high surf season, so you'll see some very talented surfers at that time. You can do an easy walk at Waimea Valley to a waterfall and visit the botanical gardens. I highly suggest visiting Kawela Bay Beach Park, where it's a short walk to the most picturesque beach I've ever seen and is calm enough to get in the water. You can also visit Turtle Bay, both to see the resort and the beach.

For food, Giovanni's shares a parking lot with a few other food trucks. My favorite was actually just to the left of Giovanni's; they served tacos and different styles of loco moco. I also liked the Haleiwa Seafood Grill, which is closer to town. Last recommendation is Sunrise Shack, which is a bit up the road from town. Best smoothies, acai bowls, and iced coffee I've ever had. Anything you order from there will be great.

Thank you!

 

[mort1331]

We enjoyed the shrimp at the food trucks across from Sharks cove,,,sorry cant remember the name. Also if you to Waimea Valley they have a great small local Luau,,,and the cheapest.
Now I might get flamed,,,but not one of our family liked the shave ice,,its just a snow cone to us,,,and we are not fans of that.
If you want something besides food trucks,,which we loved,,, 7 brothers has the best burgers we have ever had..
Enjoy and explore all.

 

[Kwdsue]

We enjoyed the shrimp at the food trucks across from Sharks cove,,,sorry cant remember the name. Also if you to Waimea Valley they have a great small local Luau,,,and the cheapest.
Now I might get flamed,,,but not one of our family liked the shave ice,,its just a snow cone to us,,,and we are not fans of that.
If you want something besides food trucks,,which we loved,,, 7 brothers has the best burgers we have ever had..
Enjoy and explore all.

Thank you!

 

[PetePanMan]

We did the shark cage swim out of Haleiwa harbour. We loved it.

 

[longboard55]

The best place to watch big waves is the Banzai pipeline which is at Ehukai beach park. Also a very nice beach. If the surf is big you will see world class surfers and magazine photographers. The lifeguards make sure no one gets in the water other than the experts. Very fun to watch. Waves break very close to shore, so you get a great view

 

[Anal Annie]

We did the shark cage swim out of Haleiwa harbour. We loved it.

I was starting some research on snorkeling and shark diving excursions for our April trip....looks like there are several from the Haleiwa area - a couple with and a couple without cages... Which one did you do?? The ones with cages are cheaper than the cageless ones....

 

[PetePanMan]

I was starting some research on snorkeling and shark diving excursions for our April trip....looks like there are several from the Haleiwa area - a couple with and a couple without cages... Which one did you do?? The ones with cages are cheaper than the cageless ones....

We did the “in cage” swim. After some research, we did the earliest one in the morning as the ocean is generally calmer then. If you have a go pro underwater camera definitely bring it. Amazing pics and video

 

[WillGan]

40,000 spectators on the North Shore tomorrow

The countdown!

 

[Anal Annie]

We did the “in cage” swim. After some research, we did the earliest one in the morning as the ocean is generally calmer then. If you have a go pro underwater camera definitely bring it. Amazing pics and video

There are at least 2 companies our of Haleiwa with the cage swims so I was trying to find out which one you used if you can remember:

North Shore Shark Adventures
and
Hawaii Shark Encounters

Thx

 

[SoCalDCLfan]

7 brothers has the best burgers we have ever had..

Agree 100%!!!

 

[PetePanMan]

There are at least 2 companies our of Haleiwa with the cage swims so I was trying to find out which one you used if you can remember:

North Shore Shark Adventures
and
Hawaii Shark Encounters

Thx

We did Hawaiian Shark Encounters…they were excellent

 

[Amw1064]

Agree 100%!!!

YES!!!!!! 7 Brothers!