When planning a trip to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, be sure to set aside several days to explore the North Shore. This is easily the most beautiful part of the entire island. This 3-day itinerary will help you discover the best things to do in North Shore Oahu!
*Updated August 2023
Best things to do in North Shore Oahu if you only have 3 days
Table of Contents
Day 1
- Breakfast at Hukilau Cafe
- Morning hike at Crouching Lion
- Beach break at Ka’a’awa Beach
- Lunch at Pounders
- Afternoon at Polynesian Cultural Center
- Sunset at Castles Beach
- Dinner at Seven Brothers
Breakfast at Hukilau Cafe
Hukilau Cafe is the inspiration for the Hukilau Cafe in the blockbuster movie, 50 First Dates. The actual exterior of the cafe was an old building at Kualoa Ranch and the interior was shot on a movie set in LA.
However, it is still worth a stop at this cozy little hole-in-the-wall joint. They have a reputation for serving up delicious homestyle comfort cuisine.
If you are coming for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Hawaiian French Toast or Macadamia Nut Pancakes with a side of Grilled Potatoes or Portuguese Sausage.
This modest local cafe also caught the attention of the Food Network Magazine when they hailed their Loco Moco Burger (a beef patty and fried egg on rice and smothered in gravy) the best in all of Hawaii.
Hukilau Cafe was also featured on Man vs Food for their Hukilau Burger. So come hungry, but also come bringing cash since cards are not accepted.
Morning hike at Crouching Lion
After breakfast, head to the Crouching Lion Trail, one of our favorite hikes in Oahu and an awesome hidden gem. It is a fairly short trail that packs a big punch!
Due to the danger of the trail, it is technically closed and not maintained by the state of Hawaii. However, it is still a very popular hike and if you just use caution and common sense it is very manageable.
We have a detailed guide to hiking Crouching Lion that will give you all the details for finding the trail and what to expect on the hike.
The hike is between 0.4 miles and 1.2 miles out and back, depending on which trail you take. We recommend taking the longer more scenic route.
The hike is short but will get your blood pumping with a steady and often steep incline.
The trail leads up through the native rainforest and ends at a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Kahana Bay.
Plan for about 1- 1 1/2 hours, depending on how long you spend at the lookout and which trail you take.
If you’re looking for more hike recommendations, see our guide 8 of the Best Hikes on Oahu.
Or, if hiking is not your thing, consider taking the Jungle Expedition tour at Kualoa Ranch.
Beach break at Ka’a’awa Beach
After the hike, drive about 2 miles south to the picturesque Ka’a’awa Beach Park.
This stunning beach is easily accessible and just steps away from the busy Kamehameha Highway. However, with its rugged mountain backdrop, you’ll feel as if you’re in a remote region of the island.
Stop for a quick dip in the ocean to cool off from the hike then head back north for lunch.
Lunch at Pounders
Pounders is conveniently located just outside the Polynesian Cultural Center within the cute Hukilau Marketplace.
This restaurant is known for serving up hearty fresh Hawaiian dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Their Mango Mascarpone Pizza is divine! You can’t go wrong with the island-style Hawaiian Burger or Shrimp Tacos either. Just be sure to leave room for the Guava Cheesecake!
You’ll also want to pick up some fresh baked goods to go from Aunty Emily’s Polynesian Bakery located inside Pounders.
Afternoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the best things to do in North Shore Oahu and was one of our favorite things to do in Oahu with kids.
You’ll find authentic villages spread across 42 acres. Each village represents one of the six Pacific island nations of Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, and Hawaii.
Your visit will begin with an introductory film in the Pacific Theater then you are free to explore the villages.
Each village offers a taste of that island’s culture through music, dance performances, demonstrations, hands-on activities, games, and experiences.
Canoe rides and a daily cultural boat parade are also included with admission.
For an additional charge, guests can also experience the Ha: Breath of Life evening fire show, an Island Buffet dinner, or the Ali’i luau dinner show.
Sunset at Castles Beach
Malaekahana Beach, also known by the locals as Castles Beach, is located in Laie near the Polynesian Cultural Center.
This beach is relatively small, but the beautiful cove is surrounded by a thick forest. It is a hidden gem away from all the tourists.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful sunset and watch the surfers catch the last wave of the day.
If you’re interested, you can even reserve a tent site that gives you access to a fire ring so that you can have your own bonfire on the beach.
Dinner at Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers has become a North Shore institution. This family-owned restaurant has been slinging up hand-crafted burgers since 2009 and boasts the best burger on the island.
They take pride in using only fresh locally sourced beef and organic greens. Their signature burger is the Paniolo (Cowboy).
This burger is stacked tall with a beef patty, two thick hand-cut battered onion rings, grilled pineapple, bacon, cheese, and dripping in BBQ sauce.
It pairs perfectly with fresh-cut home fries and a creamy milkshake.
Seven Brothers has two locations open on the North Shore, I would recommend the one located at the Kahuku Sugar Mill.
Here you’ll find outdoor seating with a great ambiance and atmosphere.
Day 2
- Breakfast at Kahuku Farm Cafe
- Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove and Three Tables
- Lunch at The Elephant Shack
- Hike the Ehukai Pill Box Trail
- Watch the surfers at the Banzai Pipeline
- Smoothie Break at The Sunrise Shack
- Spend the evening at Sunset Beach
- Dinner at the North Shore Shrimp Truck or North Shore Tacos
Breakfast at Kahuku Farm Cafe
Kahuku Farm Cafe is a true farm-to-table experience. Their cute outdoor cafe is located right on the grounds of the fourth-generation family-owned Kahuku Farms.
You’ll see countless garden boxes and orchards teeming with fresh fruits and vegetables. Their seasonal menu uses fresh ingredients sourced directly from their farm.
Bring a blanket and once you have your order, find a spot on the sprawling lawn to enjoy a serene picnic.
Start your morning off right with a healthy Acai Bowl made from farm-grown organic Hawaiian açaí.
The Haupia Pineapple Smoothie is also a favorite. Or if you’re feeling naughty, indulge in their Grilled Banana Bread topped with vanilla haupia and caramel.
We also love coming here for lunch, the farm pizza is my personal favorite. They also sell fresh produce grown right on the farm.
If you have extra time, you can also make reservations for a farm tour. Keep in mind that the Kahuku Farm Cafe is only open Friday-Sunday from 11 am- 4 pm.
Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove and Three Tables
Head north on the Kamehameha Highway for a morning of snorkeling.
Three Tables and Sharks Cove are adjacent to each other and are arguably the best beaches on Oahu’s North Shore for snorkeling.
Sharks Cove is surrounded by a natural rock barrier creating a perfect pool of calm water filled with vibrant fish.
The bottom of the pool is made of large smooth boulders with plenty of caves and crevices for marine life to hide in.
The vibrant blue water is crystal clear and ranges from about 8 to 15 feet deep in the center. The beach is quite rocky and not very sandy, so be sure to wear proper footwear.
Younger kids will especially like the Pupukea tide pools that can be found on the south side of Sharks Cove.
The best time to visit is from May through September when the water is calm. The waves can get quite rough in the winter months making it too dangerous to snorkel.
Three Tables Beach is located less than a half-mile west of Sharks Cove so it’s easy to combine both beaches on the same day.
This beach gets its name from the three flat reefs resembling tables that can be seen just off the shore. In the summer when the tide is particularly low, you can even walk out to the tables.
This beach is part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, a protected marine sanctuary, which helps contribute to the large population of marine life.
The best snorkeling can be found near the reefs. The depth of the water reaches about 10 feet and visibility depends on how calm the water is.
Lunch at The Elephant Shack
The Elephant Shack is a food truck that can be found in the back of the Texaco parking lot at Sunset Beach.
They serve authentic Thai dishes that are made to order using fresh ingredients.
The Pad Thai and Pad See Ew are our favorites.
There isn’t any seating available at the truck, so you’ll need to take your order to go and find someplace else to eat.
For more food recommendations, see our guide 15 Best Places to Eat in Oahu.
Hike the Ehukai Pillbox Trail
After getting fueled up from lunch, head to the nearby Ehukai Pillbox Trail to burn off some calories.
The mountains of Oahu are scattered with old WWII concrete military bunkers called pillboxes.
There are several pillboxes that can be accessed by hiking trails and it is a unique and iconic thing to do while in Oahu.
The Ehukai Pillbox, also known as the Sunset Pillbox, is the only pillbox hiking trail on the North Shore.
The trail is conveniently located at Sunrise Elementary School at the back left of the parking lot.
When school is in session, parking is available along Kamehameha Highway, at the Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park or the Ehukai Beach Park.
The All Trails app lists the hike as 2.3 miles roundtrip, but other sources say that it is 1.5 miles out and back. I didn’t track it while we were on the hike, but it felt more like 2.3 miles!
The trail is rated moderate, it is fairly steep and can be extremely slippery and muddy.
Shortly after the trail starts, you’ll begin a consistent incline through a forest of narrow trees and a tangle of exposed roots.
The packed dirt trail is often muddy and slippery so be sure to wear proper footwear. There are ropes to assist climbers in particularly steep portions and man-made steps dug into the hillside.
As you make your way up, notice the small little ferns alongside the path. If you gently touch them, these bashful plants will immediately close up. Kind of cool!
About halfway up, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the ocean as you come across a picnic table overlooking the coast.
The picnic table was dedicated by the students at Sunset Elementary and you can see their handprints painted on the table. This is a great spot to catch your breath and have a snack break.
After you reach the top of the hill, you’ll continue on a flat trail until you reach the first pillbox.
You can go inside the graffiti-covered bunker and climb on top for incredible views over Ehukai Beach and the Banzai Pipeline.
A second pillbox can be found a little further along the trail, this is the one you’ve probably seen on Instagram with a peace sign painted on top.
However, we were told that you need to cross through private property to reach it so we didn’t attempt it.
Watch the surfers at Banzai Pipeline
After getting a bird’s eye view of Ehukai Beach, head back down the trail to watch the pro surfers in action.
The North Shore of Oahu has been coined the ‘Seven Mile Miracle’ due to the dozens of world-class surf breaks that can be found along this seven-mile stretch.
One of the most famous surf breaks in the world, Banzai Pipeline, is found at Ehukai Beach. Watching the surfers ride this iconic barrel wave is one of the best things to do on Oahu’s North Shore.
The Billabong Pipe Masters and Volcom Pipe Pro are held annually at Ehukai Beach. These are some of the best competitions to watch as the Pipeline breaks so close to shore.
You can also spot the surf company houses on the beach where the pro surfers stay during competitions.
Smoothie Break at The Sunrise Shack
After your afternoon hike, head to The Sunrise Shack for a refreshing snack. This cheerful little roadside stand serves fresh organic smoothies, bowls, and specialty coffee.
The Papaya Bowl is their most popular menu item.
My personal favorite is the Tropical Bowl with blended mango, banana, and pineapple, topped with coconut cream, honey, and granola.
It pairs perfectly with their sourdough avocado toast.
Enjoy your snack on the brightly painted picnic tables surrounded by the untamed beauty of the North Shore.
With the vegetated hillsides as a backdrop and the sprawling ocean on the other side of the road, you really can’t beat the view!
I also love the story behind The Sunrise Shack. It started as 3 local brothers picking fruit from their backyard and selling it from a stand in their driveway.
Their goal was to earn enough money to take a 2-month surf trip to Australia, which they did.
While traveling the world making their surfing dreams come true, they developed a passion for healthy eating and were inspired to open The Sunrise Shack once they returned home.
Spend the evening at Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is adjacent to The Sunrise Shack. It is the widest beach in Oahu and stretches over two beautiful sandy miles. It is also our favorite beach on the North Shore!
In the winter, the beach is often red-flagged as a no-swimming zone.
This is also when the massive waves attract professional surfers from around the world. Sunset Beach hosts several pro surf competitions such as the annual Vans Pro and Vans World Cup.
In the summer, the waves are much more calm. This attracts families and sunbathers to the golden stretch of sand.
Sunset Beach lives up to its name and really is one of the best beaches on Oahu’s North Shore to watch the sunset.
After a fun day of adventure, this is the best spot to relax and watch the sun sink below the ocean.
*Related Post: What is the Best Island in Hawaii to Visit?
Dinner at North Shore Shrimp Truck
Giovanni’s, Fumis, and Romy’s Shrimp Trucks reign supreme on the North Shore, but the North Shore Shrimp Truck can hold its own when it comes to fresh and delicious shrimp.
It is also located only about a mile from Sunset Beach and is the perfect way to round out your day on the North Shore.
The menu is kept simple with three plate options: Garlic Shrimp, Lemon Butter Shrimp, or Spicy Shrimp. All served over rice with a salad.
The shrimp is cooked with the shell on in order to trap in all the flavor, so you’ll need to shell it before you eat it.
You’ll find a nice seating area with beautiful views and string lights to create a festive ambiance at night. You can also take your order to-go and eat it on the beach at sunset if you prefer.
They also serve a refreshing Hawaiian Pineapple Drink that comes in a pineapple with a straw.
Or try their mouthwatering chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick for dessert.
For your picky little ones who may not like shrimp, there is a kid-friendly menu. This food truck accepts cash only.
*Related post: If you’re looking for more things to do in Oahu, be sure to check out our guide to The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List!
Day 3
- Breakfast at Kono’s North Shore or Farm to Barn Cafe
- Spend the morning in Haleiwa
- Visit the Dole Plantation
- Lunch at Haleiwa Beach House
- See the turtles at Laniakea Beach
- Afternoon hike to Waimea Valley Falls
- Cliff jump at Waimea Bay
- Dinner at Aji Limo Truck
Breakfast at Kono’s North Shore or Farm to Barn Cafe
Start your day in the cute town of Haleiwa where you’ll find plenty of breakfast options.
If you’re looking for a hearty start to your morning, then Kono’s North Shore is just the place.
They are known for their ‘Breakfast Bombers’, a breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of meat.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, then the Farm to Barn Cafe is for you. This farm-to-table restaurant serves fresh organic healthy dishes using locally grown ingredients.
Try the Ulu Waffle made from ulu, a local Hawaiian breadfruit, and topped with seasonal fruit and maple syrup.
The Coconut Sorbet Bowl or Bruschetta Avocado Toast are also delicious options. You can also purchase fresh produce to take with you.
Spend the morning in Haleiwa
Old Town Haleiwa is a darling village reminiscent of the Kahuku Sugar Plantation era.
The main street is lined with cute surf shops, kitschy souvenir stores, specialty gift shops, island clothing boutiques, art galleries, and even a free surf museum.
Spend the morning window shopping and picking out souvenirs, and be sure to stop at Matsumoto’s for some shave ice.
Before you leave, grab a quick picture at the insta-famous “Angel Wings” mural near Rainbow Bridge.
After you’re done exploring Old Town Haleiwa, head to Haleiwa Beach Park where you can hang out in the calm waves.
You can also rent a paddleboard and explore up the Anahulu River, one of the best things to do in Haleiwa.
Visit the Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation started out as a small fruit stand and has grown to be one of the most popular things to do on Oahu’s North Shore.
Guests can take a 20-minute narrated train tour around the plantation aboard the Pineapple Express. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids.
The Pineapple Garden Maze is considered the world’s largest maze.
The maze is created among 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants. It is spread across 3 acres and consists of nearly 2.5 miles of paths. Tickets for the maze are $8.25 for adults and $6.25 for kids.
Self-guided tours through the plantation’s eight gardens are also available for $7.25 for adults and $6.50 for kids.
Even if you choose not to participate in the activities, you can still stop by the plantation store to purchase gifts, fresh pineapple, and of course the signature Dole Whip dessert.
Lunch at Haleiwa Beach House
Head back into Haleiwa for lunch at the Haleiwa Beach House. This beachside restaurant has outdoor seating with incredible views.
Try the Thai Fried Chicken with Papaya Salad or Kalua Pork Sandwich with Garlic Fries.
See the turtles at Laniakea Beach
On your way to Waimea Bay, make a quick stop at Laniakeai Beach to check out the sea turtles.
This beach is nicknamed “Turtle Beach” and is one of the best beaches on Oahu’s North Shore to watch these gentle giants playing in the water and sunbathing on the shore.
For decades, the Green Sea Turtles have been frequenting these shores more than any other beach in Oahu. The boulder-laden beach itself is beautiful with powder-fine sand and swaying palm trees.
The Green Sea Turtle is endangered and it is illegal to get closer than 10 feet.
There are roped-off viewing areas and volunteers keeping an eye on visitors to ensure that they are not getting too close.
The turtles are tagged, named, and monitored. They have their favorite spots to sunbathe and signs are posted with information about each particular turtle.
The beach is small and unmarked so it’s easy to pass by. Just put Laniakea Beach in your maps and keep an eye out for a small parking lot on the other side of the street.
Parking is free, but the small lot fills up quickly so plan to arrive early. There is also limited parking along the highway. You’ll need to cross the busy road from the parking lot to access the beach, so use caution.
Afternoon hike to Waimea Valley Falls
Waimea Valley is located a few miles north and is rich in culture and beauty. The highlight of a visit to Waimea Valley is the natural rain-fed 45-foot waterfall.
The paved 3/4 mile Waimea Valley Trail (1.5 miles roundtrip) leads up through the stunning botanical gardens and past historic sights.
The trail ends at Waimea Falls where guests can take a dip in the refreshing lagoon and swim under the cascading falls.
Swimming in the falls is dependent upon weather conditions. If the falls are closed for swimming due to weather, guests will receive a voucher for free admission to return within 10 days.
Please note that swimming is only available Wednesday through Sunday and is closed for swimming on Mondays and Tuesdays.
See the Waimea Valley website for pricing and updates.
Life Jackets are provided free of charge and all guests that would like to swim are required to wear one.
There are changing rooms located near the falls, but no showers. Admission to Waimea Valley is $20 for adults and $12 for kids.
Cliff jumping at Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay Beach Park is located at the mouth of the valley where the Waimea River empties into the bay.
You’ll find a beautiful and well-maintained beach with restrooms, showers, and a grassy area with picnic tables.
The main draw to this beach is a massive rock situated on the shore that is perfect for cliff jumping. It’s one of the most popular things to do in North Shore Oahu.
There are ledges at varying heights that make it fun for kids and adults.
During the summer months, the clear calm water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding. This was our kids’ favorite beach!
In the winter, the monstrous waves can reach up to 30 feet making this a world-famous surf beach.
It’s a fun spot to watch the surfers in the winter, but don’t attempt to enter the water unless you are an experienced surfer.
The parking lot fills quickly so plan to arrive early. If the lot is full you can also pay to park at Waimea Valley 0.6 miles away and walk to the beach from there.
Dinner at the Aji Limo Truck
End your day with another casual meal at one of the North Shore’s best food trucks. Aji Limo Truck is a Peruvian-Japanese fusion family-run food truck.
They take pride in serving the freshest local fish and organic produce sourced directly from the nearby Pupukea Farm.
Their signature dish is the fresh poke bowls, but they also offer shrimp tacos, stir-fried yakisoba, sandwiches, and even vegetarian dishes.
There is outdoor seating, or you can take it to go and enjoy a sunset picnic at the nearby Shark’s Cove.
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I hope this guide will help you make the most of your time on your Hawaiian vacation as you discover the best things to do in North Shore Oahu!
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[…] We hope this guide has helped you know what to expect when hiking the Crouching Lion Trail in Oahu! And if you’re looking for more things to do on Oahu’s North Shore, be sure to check out our 3 Day North Shore Itinerary […]