Oahu North Shore Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Oahu North Shore. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Oahu Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Tour: 9-Hr Deluxe Tour

• Oahu: Grand Tour Around Island with Snorkeling

• Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling—Small-Groups

• Oahu Circle Island Tour with Waimea Waterfall

• Oahu's North Shore: 8-Line Zipline Adventure

While there is no fee to explore the North Shore of Oahu, there are plenty of tour options that can help you make the most of your time on the Hawaiian island. Full-day Oahu tours that include snorkeling start from US$109, zipline adventures are on offer from US$200, and an Oahu shark dive is available from US$99.

Yes, the Oahu North Shore is worth visiting. This part of the island is known for famous beaches like Waimea Bay, as well as outdoor adventure opportunities such as snorkeling and surfing lessons. Travelers seeking a more relaxed, rustic part of the island will be drawn to Oahu's North Shore. Maximize your time by choosing a tour that includes several activities, such as visiting local waterfalls. 

Per one customer who booked the Oahu North Shore Experience: Activities, Waterfall & Free Time, "Great way to experience the North Shore! Sam was an unreal guide! One of the best we've had and we've done a lot of tours. A true local with awesome stories that kept the ride very interesting. Got to spend hours snorkeling at Shark's Cove, lunch, and explore Haleiwa. 100% worth it."

The best surf spots on the North Shore include Banzai Pipeline, located at Ehukai Beach Park; Waimea Bay, calm in summer with big waves during the winter season; and Sunset Beach, which has various breaks and hosts major surf competitions during the winter months.

If it’s big waves you’re after, winter is the best time to visit the North Shore for surfing. From November to February, large swells are a feature of the world-renowned surf breaks at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. For beginner surfers, summer offers more manageable conditions.

The North Shore’s must-try local foods include garlic shrimp from a roadside shrimp truck and, for dessert, a refreshing shave ice with your choice of syrups and toppings, such as mochi balls and taro. Or, opt for a plate lunch of chicken or beef, rice, and macaroni salad.

Top attractions near Oahu’s North Shore include Waimea Valley, where you can explore a lush botanical garden and swim in Waimea Falls. Or, grab a bite to eat in the small town of Haleiwa and browse its stores and art galleries. You can also tour the nearby Dole pineapple plantation.

The best way to get from Honolulu to the North Shore is by taking a bus tour or private tour that stops at multiple attractions—this way you won’t miss any hot spots. If you prefer to travel independently, it’s around a 45-minute drive or 1.5-hour bus ride (route number 52) to Haleiwa.

On Oahu’s North Shore, you can see green turtles and endangered Hawaiian monk seals in their natural habitat. Head to Kaena Point for a chance to observe the seals, found only on the islands of Hawaii. Laniakea Beach is a good bet for spotting green turtles basking on the sand.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Oahu North Shore. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Oahu:

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• Halona Blowhole

• Diamond Head

• Dole Plantation

• Mokolii Island

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Oahu.