North Shore Tour
Likelike HWY or Pali HWY, Kailua, Kaneohe Bay, Macadamia Nut Farm, Kualoa Beach with Chinaman’s Hat, Kahuku Shrimp Trucks, Turtle Bay Beach, Shark’s Cove, Waimea Bay, Laniakea Beach (sea turtles), Haleiwa, Pineapple Farm (ice cream)
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Duration:
depending on what your plans are I would say 4–9 hours Waikiki to Haleiwa over Kailua without stopping: 1.5-2 hours Beaches along the route: + 2-4 hours Macadamia Nut Farm: + 30 min. – 1 hr Sharks Cove: + 1–2 hrs Haleiwa: + 1-2 hrs Distance: Waikiki – Kailua: 15 miles (~ 24km), 30 minutes Kailua - Haleiwa: 47 miles (~76km), 1.5 hours What to bring: Sunscreen and rash shirt, snorkeling gear, reef shoes and beach items, camera |
Getting to the North Shore from Waikiki: Drive up to Ala Moana Blvd and follow the boulevard north towards Honolulu and Alakea Street. Make a right on Alakea Street that merges into Pali HWY (61). Stay on Pali HWY North (61) that leads you along the central valley and mountain ranges towards Kailua downtown and the beachfront.
From Kailua: Drive up north towards HWY 830 aka Kamehameha HWY that leads you along the shore along beautiful beaches towards Kahuku, Turtle Bay, and finally Haleiwa. From the North Shore: drive down Kamehameha HWY towards Haleiwa and start the tour from the opposite direction down to Kailua or even further to Waikiki if you like. |
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1st stop: Nuunau Pali Drive and Nuunau (Pali) Overlook
Taking the Pali HWY, a scenic routh over the island, you can make a short detour over Nuunau Pali Drive. The drive is lined with a tunnel of trees and lush vegetation that runs parallel to Pali HWY. For getting there just leave Pali HWY at the exit Nuunau Pali and follow the road passing a reservoir. You automatically return to Pali HWY. Shortly after you come across the most breathtaking outlook over the East Shore aka windward side with Kaneohe Bay and Kailua. Getting there just exit at Pali Lookout going off shortly before the tunnel. The opening hours are weather permitting and you might have to pay an entrance fee. |
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2nd stop: Kailua
Behind the Pali tunnels you are entering the Kailua area passing Kawainui Swamp. Kailua is a residential area with many beach homes that are lining miles of beautiful and shallow beaches.
Historians say that fishermen populated Kailua already 1,500 years ago. Later in the 16th century the area was popular with the Hawaiian chiefs (also called Ali’i) as residential area as well as Oahu’s capital. A relict of an ancient stone temple is located close by called Ulupō Heiau. The heiau is open to public during daylight and accessible from the YMCA parking lot at 1200 Kailua Road. It is assumed that the heiau first was used to insure the area’s fertility (called heiau mapele) and later to pray and sacrifice for success in war. http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=32
Before you continue your North Shore trip make sure to catch a glimpse of the 2-mile long Kailua Beach attracting surfers, body boarders, as well as wind and kite surfers.
Behind the Pali tunnels you are entering the Kailua area passing Kawainui Swamp. Kailua is a residential area with many beach homes that are lining miles of beautiful and shallow beaches.
Historians say that fishermen populated Kailua already 1,500 years ago. Later in the 16th century the area was popular with the Hawaiian chiefs (also called Ali’i) as residential area as well as Oahu’s capital. A relict of an ancient stone temple is located close by called Ulupō Heiau. The heiau is open to public during daylight and accessible from the YMCA parking lot at 1200 Kailua Road. It is assumed that the heiau first was used to insure the area’s fertility (called heiau mapele) and later to pray and sacrifice for success in war. http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=32
Before you continue your North Shore trip make sure to catch a glimpse of the 2-mile long Kailua Beach attracting surfers, body boarders, as well as wind and kite surfers.
Kamehameha HWY
Leaving Kailua you continue your tour along Kamehameha HWY, a stunning road along bays, small coves and miles of white sandy beaches. The HWY was named after King Kamehameha the Great who conquered and finally unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810.
Allow enough time driving the HWY since you will tend to stop several times at amazing beaches or picturesque coves.
Coming from Kailua you also can do a small detour to a Buddist temple located at the foothills of the Koolau Mountains northwest of Kaliua. The Byodo Temple is a replica of the 900 year-old original in Uji, Japan and includes a nine foot (~ 2,7m) wooden Buddha inside. A Japanese garden with ponds surrounds the temple and you might recognize the setting from several TV shows playing on Hawai’i. http://www.byodo-in.com/
Leaving Kailua you continue your tour along Kamehameha HWY, a stunning road along bays, small coves and miles of white sandy beaches. The HWY was named after King Kamehameha the Great who conquered and finally unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810.
Allow enough time driving the HWY since you will tend to stop several times at amazing beaches or picturesque coves.
Coming from Kailua you also can do a small detour to a Buddist temple located at the foothills of the Koolau Mountains northwest of Kaliua. The Byodo Temple is a replica of the 900 year-old original in Uji, Japan and includes a nine foot (~ 2,7m) wooden Buddha inside. A Japanese garden with ponds surrounds the temple and you might recognize the setting from several TV shows playing on Hawai’i. http://www.byodo-in.com/
3rd stop: Tropical Farms (Macadamia Nut Farm), 49-227 Kamehameha Highway # A, Kaneohe
Although you might be distracted by the beautiful landscape in front of you, do not miss Tropical Farms. The company is a Macadamia Nut Farm outlet offering different flavors of nuts and other local produce like coffee and chocolates. Since 1987, the farm is settled at Koolau Mountain foothills opening a stunning panorama over the mountain range edges.
At the farm you learn how Macadamia nuts are produced and are invited to try all flavors for free. My recommendations are the honey glazed, and caramel coated nuts – be aware that you might get addicted. Stock up with some nuts since the prices are low compared to the stores. A benchmark is $5-6 for a small and $10-12 for a medium sized bag at the ABC stores depending on the special offers. http://www.macnutfarm.com/
Although you might be distracted by the beautiful landscape in front of you, do not miss Tropical Farms. The company is a Macadamia Nut Farm outlet offering different flavors of nuts and other local produce like coffee and chocolates. Since 1987, the farm is settled at Koolau Mountain foothills opening a stunning panorama over the mountain range edges.
At the farm you learn how Macadamia nuts are produced and are invited to try all flavors for free. My recommendations are the honey glazed, and caramel coated nuts – be aware that you might get addicted. Stock up with some nuts since the prices are low compared to the stores. A benchmark is $5-6 for a small and $10-12 for a medium sized bag at the ABC stores depending on the special offers. http://www.macnutfarm.com/
4th stop: Kualoa Regional Beach Park (Chinaman’s Hat), 49-479 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe
Directly behind the Tropical Farms you are approaching Kualoa Beach facing the small island Mokoli’i also known as Chinaman’s Hat because of it’s similarity to a Chinese strawhat. Kualoa is a former airfield from World War II, nowadays difficult to recognize since there is nothing left of the former runway. This area forms the northern point of Kane’ohe Bay. Some of you might recognize the setting from the movie ’50 First Dates’ with Adam Sandler.
The tiny island is accessible and locals usually use their boats or kayaks going over or they swim. During low tide you even can walk over within kneedeep water. Visiting the island you will meet the wegdetailed sherwater, a brown grayish seabird. Sometimes in the morning there also might be some sharks around. No matter how you access the island you will have a stunning view towards Koolau Mountains.
Continuing to the north you will have several vantage points opening a spectacular view towards Mokoli’i.
Directly behind the Tropical Farms you are approaching Kualoa Beach facing the small island Mokoli’i also known as Chinaman’s Hat because of it’s similarity to a Chinese strawhat. Kualoa is a former airfield from World War II, nowadays difficult to recognize since there is nothing left of the former runway. This area forms the northern point of Kane’ohe Bay. Some of you might recognize the setting from the movie ’50 First Dates’ with Adam Sandler.
The tiny island is accessible and locals usually use their boats or kayaks going over or they swim. During low tide you even can walk over within kneedeep water. Visiting the island you will meet the wegdetailed sherwater, a brown grayish seabird. Sometimes in the morning there also might be some sharks around. No matter how you access the island you will have a stunning view towards Koolau Mountains.
Continuing to the north you will have several vantage points opening a spectacular view towards Mokoli’i.
5th stop: Crouching Lion @ Crouching Lion Inn north of Kaaawa and Kahana Bay
Above Kahana Bay you can see a mountain ridge that looks like a crouching lion to the observer. The best view opens from the street edge of the Crouching Lion Inn restaurant’s parking lot.
A Hawaiian legend says that this formation is Kupua, a demigod and relative of Pele, who was turned into stone. Pele is the goddess of volcanoes, fire, lightning, and dance in the Hawaiian religion. However, the view towards the mountain range is very pretty and recommended for a stop.
Leaving the parking lot you will circle Kahana Bay, another scenic stop on your North Shore tour. North of the Bay follows a parking lot from where you have a stunning view over the Bay. Please be aware that there is no way of stopping along the road.
Continuing on Kamehameha HWY you will pass Punaluu and Hauula before you enter Laie, the home of the Polynesian Cultural Center. The center displays the history of the Hawaiians and their religion in several exhibitions. The property contains several tropical villages and temples explaining the different Polynesian cultures and dances.
With this said you already might guess that the center is very touristy. I wouldn’t come here and pay $50 for a general admission, excluding all extras like shuttles, food etc. But I can understand that many are curious about the South Sea cultures and religion, in particular the dances. For more information please see the centers’ webpage: http://www.polynesia.com/
Alternatively you can attend a free Polynesian dance show in Waikiki that is taking place every Tues, Thurs, Fri, and Sat, weather-permitting, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, near Duke Kahanamoku statue, beachside at the corner of Uluniu & Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki.
6th stop: Kahuku Shrimp Trucks, Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku
In case it is time for lunch, the best spot to eat jumbo garlic shrimps is Kahuku. The road is lined with several shrimp trucks offering different prepared meals for as little as $10-15 per portion. My favorite is Giovanni’s which does not only offers three different ‘flavors’ but also a little seating area underneath some trees slightly off the road. http://www.giovannisshrimptruck.com/
In case it is time for lunch, the best spot to eat jumbo garlic shrimps is Kahuku. The road is lined with several shrimp trucks offering different prepared meals for as little as $10-15 per portion. My favorite is Giovanni’s which does not only offers three different ‘flavors’ but also a little seating area underneath some trees slightly off the road. http://www.giovannisshrimptruck.com/
7th stop: Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, Oahu
Further north follows the huge Turtle Bay Resort with beautiful beaches like Kuilima Cove and Kawela Bay. The latter you usually should have for yourself coming here during the week. If you are interested in famous golf courses and hotel resorts you should think of paying a visit to the resort. Unfortunately, they are charging for parking but as soon you spend money in the resort you receive a validation.
The golf courses and grounds are beautifully maintained and fans of ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ will recognize the shooting spots immediately. There is a small walkway along the shore you shouldn’t miss because it offers a nice view over Kawela Bay and the ocean. The only downside is the incredibly ugly main hotel complex. It reminds me of a GDR prefarbricated high-rise but thankfully the ‘ocean villas’ and grounds are more appealing. If you paid parking my recommendation is to go to Kuilima Cove in particular if you travel with children to cool off a bit before you continue your tour.
Further north follows the huge Turtle Bay Resort with beautiful beaches like Kuilima Cove and Kawela Bay. The latter you usually should have for yourself coming here during the week. If you are interested in famous golf courses and hotel resorts you should think of paying a visit to the resort. Unfortunately, they are charging for parking but as soon you spend money in the resort you receive a validation.
The golf courses and grounds are beautifully maintained and fans of ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ will recognize the shooting spots immediately. There is a small walkway along the shore you shouldn’t miss because it offers a nice view over Kawela Bay and the ocean. The only downside is the incredibly ugly main hotel complex. It reminds me of a GDR prefarbricated high-rise but thankfully the ‘ocean villas’ and grounds are more appealing. If you paid parking my recommendation is to go to Kuilima Cove in particular if you travel with children to cool off a bit before you continue your tour.
8th stop: Ehukai & Sunset Beach, 59-360 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa
This beach is famous for the Banzai pipeline building up here in winter. During that time Ehukai Beach is packed with surfers either thinking of this waves as a dream or nightmare. This spot belongs to the most dangerous surf sites in the world but there are still enough crazy people competing here in contests.
During summer the 25ft (~ 7,6m) and even higher waves turn into a shallow and calm sea with only a few people around except on the weekends.
Along the same beach area lies Sunset Beach one of the longest beaches on Oahu with 2 miles of sand and palm trees reflecting people’s imagination of the South Sea. Similar to Ehukai Beach this beach is known for several surf contests in winter with big waves around 15-20 ft (~4-7m) high, which totally changes during summer as well when this area turns into a calm ocean. Snorkeling isn’t bad here either and you do not have to swim far hitting rocks and coral with a nice variety of fish. Although appearing calm be aware of rip currents in this area.
And of course, as the name applies, you experience jaw-dropping sunsets on this beach.
9th stop: Shark’s Cove, close to 59-727 Kamehameha Highway
South of Pupukea Beach on the opposite of the Shark’s Cove Grill is one of the great snorkeling spots on Oahu. You definitely should bring reef shoes, otherwise you run the risk of cutting your skin by entering the cove over the rocky area and reefs. Coming here in summer you almost cannot imagine that high waves are breaking in here during winter covering the reef completely. The cove lives up to its name and you might see some harmless reef sharks around, sometimes even turtles but definitely some colorful fish.
10th stop: Waimea Bay, 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
I recommend leaving on your swim wear since Waimea Bay is just around the corner. In my opinion this is the most gorgeous beach on Oahu. Waimea Bay features a long white sand stretch and monstrous and famous waves in winter and great body boarding and calm water in summer. Be careful with the strong current that might make you stumble entering the ocean. Coming here you can watch locals jumping from the rock at the far left into the ocean or do it yourself. It also happens that dolphins frequent the area sharing the water with you.
The only downside is the parking. Especially during the weekend it can be difficult to find parking due to limited spots, so bring some patience with you.
11th stop: Laniakea Beach – aka sea turtle beach close to 61-647 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
Just a few miles south of Waimea Bay you approach Laniakea Beach known as a sea turtle jetty! Unfortunately, this beach is very small and hard to find although it is directly located at the road. As soon you pass Pohaku Loa Way going off to the right from Kamehameha HWY you have to look for the small and sandy parking lane to the left of the road. Go down to the beach and look for the ‘stones’ lying in the sand. Now I just have to hope that the turtles come ashore while you are there…
12th stop: Halei’wa
Hale’iwa was founded by missionaries in 1832 and became a pitoresque plantation town popular for surfing, arts, and crafts. The town received its name from a hotel opened in 1898 named Hale’iwa composed of the words ‘hale’ (house) and ‘iwa (frigatebird).
Sugar cane industry and pineapple plantations dominated the area for over 100 years. With the commercialization businesses came into the town next to the first hotel and with them the first tourists. Thankfully, Hale’iwa didn’t develop like Waikiki but stayed a sleepy small village with many of the early business and buildings still remaining.
Entering Hale’iwa over Anahulu Bridge, a twin-span bridge, which you cross automatically coming from Haleiwa Beach Park, you enter the northern entrance of ‘old town’. Next you are coming across Lili’uakolani Church at 66-090 Kamehameha Highway, a small protestant church founded by the missionaries in 1832. The road is lined with further historic buildings around the North Shore Shopping Center. Before you leave Hale’iwa again drive off Kamehameha HWY at Paalaa Road and pay the Hale’iwa Shingon Mission a short visit.
Hale’iwa was founded by missionaries in 1832 and became a pitoresque plantation town popular for surfing, arts, and crafts. The town received its name from a hotel opened in 1898 named Hale’iwa composed of the words ‘hale’ (house) and ‘iwa (frigatebird).
Sugar cane industry and pineapple plantations dominated the area for over 100 years. With the commercialization businesses came into the town next to the first hotel and with them the first tourists. Thankfully, Hale’iwa didn’t develop like Waikiki but stayed a sleepy small village with many of the early business and buildings still remaining.
Entering Hale’iwa over Anahulu Bridge, a twin-span bridge, which you cross automatically coming from Haleiwa Beach Park, you enter the northern entrance of ‘old town’. Next you are coming across Lili’uakolani Church at 66-090 Kamehameha Highway, a small protestant church founded by the missionaries in 1832. The road is lined with further historic buildings around the North Shore Shopping Center. Before you leave Hale’iwa again drive off Kamehameha HWY at Paalaa Road and pay the Hale’iwa Shingon Mission a short visit.
13th stop: Dole Pineapple Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa
A final stop for the day is the Dole Pineapple Plantation along Route 99 (Kamehameha HWY). Not as you might think because of their train tour over the plantation but for their incredible delicious pineapple ice cream! Before you head home over HWY 99 make a stop here and walk over the pineapple grounds and fishpond with monstrous koi to the shop and indulge yourself.
If you want to give a point to your day head back to either Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach and enjoy the sunset before you have dinner, e.g. at casual Grasskirt Grill, Shark’s Cove Grill, fancy Turtle Bay Resort or somewhere close to your accommodation. If you did the tour starting from the North Shore, enjoy the sunset along Waikiki Beach and have dinner at one of the beach bars and restaurants. If you need recommendations you will find a selection under restaurants.
A final stop for the day is the Dole Pineapple Plantation along Route 99 (Kamehameha HWY). Not as you might think because of their train tour over the plantation but for their incredible delicious pineapple ice cream! Before you head home over HWY 99 make a stop here and walk over the pineapple grounds and fishpond with monstrous koi to the shop and indulge yourself.
If you want to give a point to your day head back to either Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach and enjoy the sunset before you have dinner, e.g. at casual Grasskirt Grill, Shark’s Cove Grill, fancy Turtle Bay Resort or somewhere close to your accommodation. If you did the tour starting from the North Shore, enjoy the sunset along Waikiki Beach and have dinner at one of the beach bars and restaurants. If you need recommendations you will find a selection under restaurants.