The North Shore of Oahu is world famous for its spectacular surfing and beaches, like Banzai Pipeline and Sunset. This iconic coastline also boasts a number of laid-back beach towns that still have that old Hawaii, country vibe – spanning from Kaena Point to Kaaawa.
A world away from big city bustle, the North Shore delivers a “stay-cation” experience you’ll want to enjoy time and time again – including with kids. With rural charm, famous surfing beaches, and small towns popping up amid agricultural areas, this is icing on the paradise cake. Oahu’s North Shore has activities to enjoy, whether for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime.
What Is The History Of The North Shore?
Before you embark on a North Shore adventure, share with your kids (in an age-appropriate manner) a little about the history of the area.
Here are some fun facts to include in your conversations:
- The sugarcane mill can still be viewed in Waialua, although now it is home to some legendary surfboard shapers. Drive through Haleiwa and you will notice the old sugarcane-style plantation homes, that were influenced by the Waialua Sugar Company.
- In 1898, Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel on the North Shore, constructing a railroad to connect his Hale‘iwa Hotel to Honolulu. From this time, Haleiwa has been home to vacationers.
- Further down the coast of the North Shore, Kahuku, Laie, and Hauula were once sparsely populated villages with fish ponds and heiau (traditional Hawaiian temples).
- When the land was divided between 1846 and 1848, it was cut up into parcels that went from the mountains to the sea; these parcels were called ahupua‘a – many which bear the names of the North Shore towns today. Remnants of Hawaii’s old past remain on the North Shore with rural agriculture lifestyles the norm.
