Oahu’s North Shore captivates with action-packed adventure. The area covers it all from land, ocean, and air: hiking through lush rainforests, kayaking in pristine bays, and soaring above Mokuleia’s secluded beaches.
1. Mingle with Marine Marvels
The town of Pupukea is a North Shore favorite for its tidepools and snorkeling in an area known as Sharks Cove. During the winter, however, wave conditions can be treacherous. Always consult a lifeguard and use caution before entering the water. If you need snorkeling gear, you’ll find rentals at any of the mall businesses lining Kamehameha Highway near Foodland. Here, you can also fuel at several of the North Shore’s famous food trucks.
Hawaii Whale Tale Tours is the one-stop shop to sight majestic humpback whales. Leaving from the historic Haleiwa Harbor, the charter coast-guard approved boat also offers fishing and sunset tours.
Hawaii Shark Encounters takes adrenaline junkies miles offshore to face off with all types of sharks swimming in the Pacific waters – all from the safety of a floating cage. Large windows let you peer into the open ocean and watch these finned foes glide gracefully through the deep blue. Inspiring, invigorating, and educational, this adventure will definitely change your perspective on the underwater world.
2. Ride High in the Saddle
If you want to experience the North Shore as a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy), North Shore Stables (67-221 Waialua Beach Rd) offers trail rides along the beautiful coastline, lessons, pony rides, and ATV tours. An unforgettable party can also be created through pony rides and the use of their cabanas. With 60 acres of land and over a mile of stunning shoreline, North Shore Stables showcases a unique North Shore experience – that will be memorable for all ages.
3. Hit a Hiking Trail
With a relatively unspoiled valley and beach that are magnets for hiking, snorkeling, and camping, Ahupuaa o Kahana State Park (52-222 Kamehameha Hwy) is one of Hawaii’s few publicly owned ahupua’a (ancient Hawaiian land division).
The thousands of acres contain two trails that vary in intensity. Kapaeleele Koa/Keaniani Lookout Trail (easy to moderate) is a 1.2-mile loop delivering stunning views of Kahana Bay. The tougher Nakoa Trail (moderate to difficult) loops through a tropical rainforest and crosses Kahana Stream in three spots. This trail also has WWII military bunkers used in the training of soldiers. Be sure to stick to the marked trail and note that this is also a public hunting area!
