Visiting the North Shore of Oahu Like a Local

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Pacific Islands are oozing with culture and an incredible heritage that is hundreds of years old. If you’re keen on learning all about Polynesian culture, then a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center should definitely be on your itinerary. Featuring 42 acres of lush tropical land, this cultural center features authentic Polynesian villages and natives from six Pacific cultures that are eager to share the majesty of their cultures to visitors through dance, music and other traditions. There are tons of things to do and shows to enjoy at the center including the “Ha: Breath of Life” Show, an authentic Polynesian luau, taking a trip to the Hukilau Marketplace, and the Circle Island Tour.

55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, Hawaii 96762, Phone: 800-367-7060

Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument

Stretch your legs and explore a beautiful national historic landmark in the North Shore when you visit the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Moment. As the largest Heiau in Oahu, the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument is nestled at the top of a beautiful mountain situated to the northeast of Waimea Bay Beach Park. The Heiau is considered a sacred site, as it was once a major temple when it was still standing over 250 year ago. Dedicated as a luakani, the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Monument was once a site of ceremonies and, as such, is not permited to be touched or disturbed in any way. What makes the visit fun and worth it, however, is the hike to the monument and the nature walk that surrounds it. Treat yourself to gorgeous views as you learn about this cultural and historical sacred site in Oahu.

Pupukea Road, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712, Phone: 808-587-0300

Dole Plantation

Go loco over pineapples at Hawaii’s most exciting and complete pineapple experience – the Dole Plantation. Unbelievably, the Dole Plantation finds its humble beginnings in 1950 when it first operated as a fruit stand. The plantation itself was opened in 1989 and has, since then, become one of Oahu’s top tourist attractions. Seeing over a million visitors each year, the Dole Plantation offer activities like the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Express Train Tour, and a mind boggling but enjoyable excursion at the Pineapple Garden Maze. For visitors curious about the plantation’s history, there are information displays and presentations available around the plantation. Don’t forget to stop by the plantation country store to grab exclusion Dole favorites and gifts.

64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786, Phone: 808-621-8408

Green World Coffee Farms

A small farm consisting of just 7 acres of land, the Green World Coffee Farms is home to over 3,000 arabica coffee trees on the pristine North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Owned and operated by Howard Green, Green World Coffee Farms was established in 2013 and quickly grew to be one of the best places in the state to get locally grown beans. All of their coffee is roasted at the farm and in small batches to ensure the freshness of their roast. Stop by the espresso bar to enjoy a full menu of various coffees to sample, and make sure to visit the retail section as well to pick up bags of your favorite roast. Teas are also available to visitors for those who don’t quite enjoy a cup of joe as much as others. To make the most of the farm, be sure to take a self-guided tour of the coffee farm as well where you can see the journey of the coffee bean from seed to cup.

71-101 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786, Phone: 808-622-2326

Gunstock Ranch

Explore the best of Hawaii’s natural wonders at the Gunstock Ranch. Discover hidden gems from the within the ranch and see the best of the Oahu’s backcountry on a private and guided UTV tour or on the back of a horse. Tours visit exciting locations such as a hidden cave, historical WWII sites, ocean view points and even some of the shooting locations of the popular television show, Hawaii 5-0. Knowledgeable guides will excite visitors with stories and the history of the land while younger visitors can enjoy visits to the Hawaiian Legacy Forest, splash around in the ocean, or participate in special events that are both memorable and informative.

56-250 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, Hawaii 96731, Phone: 808-293-2026

Wild Side Specialty Tours

Get a dose of Oahu’s wild side on an intimate journey planned and executed by Wild Side Specialty Tours. What people love about Wild Side Specialty Tours is their dedication to each visitor’s experience. To ensure that all participants get the best tour they possibly can, all tours are limited to a small groups of people. This way, everyone can learn about just how fragile the marine environment of Hawaii is and learn to appreciate and care for what Mother Nature has gifted the North Shore with. Wild Side Specialty Tours mainly offers to charters to their guests: The Best of the West, a 3.5-hour tour that includes the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, go whale watching and take a guided snorkeling tour, and the Deluxe Wildlife Charter, a 3-hour tour that features an onboard hydrophone to engage and draw whales and dolphins close to the boat.

85371 Farrington Highway, Waianae, Hawaii 96792, Phone: 808-306-7273

Climb Works Keana Farms

What’s one of the best ways to see the North Shore’s most spectacular panoramas? By zipline of course! Home to the longest ziplines on Oahu, Climb Works Keana Farms features up to half-mile long zip lines across the lush tropical greenery of the island. After taking an adrenaline pumping ride through the skies, visitors to Climb Works can then set off to explore the innerworkings of a working tropical farm in addition to learning about its rich history. Climb Works offers 3-hour guided tours which goes from one zip line to another and are perfect for adventure hungry parents traveling with their equally adventurous kiddos.

Keana Farms, 1 Enos Road, Kahuku, Oahu, Hawaii 96731, Phone: 808-200-7906

Island X Hawaii

Found at the Old Sugar Mill in the North Shore’s Old Waialua Town, Island X Hawaii is a family owned and operated business that was established in 1991 by Bill and Reba Martin. Home to Waialua Coffee and the Chocolate Mill, Island X Hawaii supplies delicious coffee and chocolate to all visitors alongside locally made products like the best papaya seed salad dressing in Hawaii, Old Sugar Mill Natural Shave Ice and Waialua Soda Works. Visitors to Hawaii X Island can also enjoy a tour of the coffee mill, see coffee trees up close and learn all about the milling process. Make sure to grab a freshly brewed cup of Waialua Coffee and a bag of beans as well.

67-106 Kealohanui Street, Unit C-1, Waialua, Hawaii 96791, Phone: 808-637-2624

North Shore Catamaran Charters

There is much to explore within the gorgeous oceans of the Oahu. If you’re eager to participate in the best tours possible, then you’re going to want to climb aboard one of the North Shore Catamaran Charters’ tours. Proud of their tours, which they describe to be “real Hawaiian style”, the North Shore Catamaran Charters’ main vessel is called the Ho’o Nanea. This 40-foot catamaran is sleek, fast and sets sail under the command of Captain Don, who is eager to satisfy the desires of tourists to experience an authentic Hawaiian getaway. North Shore Catamaran Charters offers several cruises, snorkeling adventures and whale watching excursions. Some of the most popular include the 2-Hour Sunset Cruise, the Morning Whale Watch and the Sunset Whale Watch.

North Shore Catamaran Charters, 66-105 Haleiwa Road, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712, Phone: 808-351-9371

North Shore Shark Adventures

Get up close and personal with some of the most misunderstood inhabitants of the ocean with North Shore Shark Adventures. Operating safely since 2001, the North Shore Shark Adventures is the original and most popular shark adventure tour in the entire state. The perfect expedition for the brave and adventurous at heart, cage diving tours here guarantee shark sightings and allow tourists to see sharks in their natural habitat. Sharks aren’t the thing on the agenda, however, as divers will also get the chance to spot playful dolphins, magnificent Hawaiian green sea turtles and even the beautiful and serene humpback whales.

Haleiwa Boat Harbour, 66-105 Haleiwa Road, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712; Phone: 808-228-5900

North Shore Surf Girls

What location could possibly be better to learn how to surf than the magnificent waters of Oahu’s North Shore? At the North Shore Surf Girls Surf School, women of all ages can learn how to surf and stand up paddle board from professional female instructors. The Surf Girls use only the best in surf tech when it comes to boards and leashes, while Lycra rash guards are provided to all students. All lessons with the North Shore Surf Girls run from 1 to 2 hours depending on how much time you have on your hands, but of course, the surf girls recommend going with a 2-hour block to learn as much as you can. Oher special activities run by the North Shore Surf Girls include the Turtle Tour and Surf, the Sunset BBQ and Surf Lesson, as well as Tandem Surf Lessons.

Phone: 808-637-2977

Paradise Helicopters

Set off on an exciting, exclusive and environmentally sustainable excursion around the North Shore with Paradise Helicopters. Paradise Helicopters has tours that depart from Hilo, Kona and Oahu, all of which are known for being spectacularly immersive and rich in awe-inspiring natural beauty. While on the helicopter, your professional guides will share interesting information about the islands, vistas and waters of Oahu, while treating you to sights and sounds that not many have the privilege to see. Enjoy flights on a hilo or kona helicopter with tours like the Doors-Off Lava and Rainforests Adventure, the Circle Island Experience, Experience Hawaii, Volcano by Air and Land, and the Volcano Kohala Landing.

Phone: 866-876-7422 or 808-969-7392

Kono’s North Shore

Kono's in the North Shore town of Haleiwa on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is known among locals for having the best breakfast on the island. Don’t let the unpretentious interior and paper plates deter you; once you try their tortillas filled with egg, potatoes, cheese, and whatever else you want, you will want to come back again and again. Their famous Kalua pork is cooked every day for 15 hours. Also try their triple crown sandwich with three kinds of pork or pork rice bowl with Kalua pork, rice, and guava barbecue sauce. They are also open for lunch, so stop by after a day of surfing.

Kono’s North Shore, North Shore Marketplace,67-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, Phone: 808-637-9211

The Surf Bus

Founded and operated by a family of North Shore local residents, The Surf Bus will sweep every visitor off of their feet and whisk them off to a fantastic, life-changing tour of Oahu. As locals, the tour operators know all of the best spots to explore and visit on the island to give you as close to a native experience as possible. There are six different tours currently being offered by the Surf Bus including the North Shore Tour, the Shark Dive Tour, the Culture and Scenic Canoe Tour, and the Earth, Fire and Water Tour. In addition to their tours, the Surf Bus also offers several activities to enjoy as add-ons to your selected tour. Some options to consider include snorkeling with turtles, a nature walk and waterfall swimming.

P.O. Box 814, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712, Phone: 808-226-7299