Oahu] What is the North Shore, a popular area on Oahu? Recommended 10 Sightseeing Spots

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii is one of the states of the United States, although it is far from the continental United States, and you may know that it is a beautiful resort area surrounded by an everlasting summer climate.

However, some people may not know that the center of Hawaii is not on the island of Hawaii, but on the island of Oahu. Oahu is home to Honolulu, the central city of the Hawaiian Islands, and popular tourist destinations such as Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are also located on Oahu.

Most of the scenes of Hawaii that you see on television and in magazines are from the island of Oahu. This time, we would like to introduce the North Shore, the most popular northern coastal area of Oahu.

 

What is Oahu like?

First, let's check out some basic information about the island of Oahu. Oahu is a large island with an area of 1,545 square kilometers and a large community of about 980,000 people.

There are several cities on the island as well as Honolulu, and each direction has different characteristics: the south, with its advanced tourism development; the north, where surfers are popular; the west, with its strong local flavor; and the east, with its rich natural environment.

The island has so many attractions that you will not be able to fully appreciate them all within a tourist itinerary.

 

How to get to Oahu

As it is a very popular destination for overseas travel in Japan, there are numerous flights to Oahu. Direct flights are available from Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and New Chitose airports.

In addition to major airlines such as JAL and ANA, there are also many LCCs and U.S. carriers such as Hawaiian Airlines to choose from, so you will be able to find a flight that meets your requirements.

Due to the jet stream, there is a discrepancy of approximately 7 hours on the way there and 9 hours on the way back, so we recommend that you plan your trip with this in mind.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu has all the elements required of a resort destination, including easy accessibility, abundant natural scenery, convenient cities, and a wide variety of activities. One of the most notable features of Oahu is its mild year-round climate.

The coldest month of the year on Oahu is January, but the average maximum temperature is about 25°C. 25°C is equivalent to a summer day in Japan, so Oahu is literally an island of everlasting summer.

The warm climate also softens people's hearts, and visitors to Oahu all have smiles on their faces.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu's warm climate is fully utilized by the sparkling blue, jewel-like waters of Oahu. Oahu's waters are teeming with coral reefs, which are home to an abundance of tropical fish.

Like the temperature, the ocean water is very warm, making it perfect for swimming and marine activities, and it has become a main tourist attraction. Oahu also has many attractions on land.

The many scenic spots, such as Diamond Head, Tantalus Hill, and Manoa Canyon, offer a wide variety of great locations to enjoy.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu, with its many attractions, attracts more than 10 million visitors in a typical year. As Oahu has grown more and more into a tourist destination to accommodate these visitors, the resort environment could not be better.

Many world-famous hotel chains are located in the area, and many leisure facilities have been built, and the quality of their services is very high, so you will be able to have the most relaxing time.

In addition, since there are many tourists from Japan, there are many tours available in Japanese, making it a very easy resort for Japanese to visit.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Of course, there is also a rich variety of shopping environments and restaurants to enjoy. One feature of Oahu is its large shopping centers, with Ala Moana Shopping Center, International Marketplace, and other popular facilities.

Shopping is a form of entertainment on Oahu, as there are three or four large shopping centers lining a single street. The gourmet food is also a must, with everything from traditional local food to cutting-edge cuisine from around the world to keep tourists coming back.

There are also many chain restaurants from Japan, so even if you are not sure if foreign food will suit your palate, you can rest assured that there is something you can eat.

 

What is the popular North Shore of Oahu like?

Let's look at the main topic of this article, the North Shore. North Shore is a term used to describe the area that stretches along the northern coast of Oahu.

There is no specific town called North Shore, but rather a collective term that includes several towns and beaches.

 

Recommendations

The North Shore is a place where you can enjoy the old-fashioned atmosphere of the town and the beautiful ocean. With so much to see and do in the area, you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of activities in a single visit.

The area has a thriving culture centered on surfing and excellent cuisine, and is packed with the best of Oahu.

 

About Access

Accessibility from Waikiki is relatively easy, and the North Shore area can be reached via the H1 freeway to the H2 and then to Kamehameha Highway.

It is also accessible by bus, and you can take the No. 52 bus from the bus stops on Kapiolani and Piikoi Streets near Ala Moana Center without having to change buses.

 

North Shore Attractions

One of the major attractions of the North Shore is that it retains the good old Hawaiian local mood, unlike areas such as Waikiki, where resort development has progressed.

The roads along the coastline are uplifting to drive along, and if you stop by the ocean, you will be greeted by a number of beaches that are considered sacred places for surfing.

 

Explore the unique streets of the city!

The town of North Shore is not as resort-oriented as Waikiki, but it has been designed with tourism in mind, as many people visit the area for ocean fun and surfing.

The city is also characterized by the presence of art here and there throughout the city, and you will never get tired of looking at it even if you just stroll around without setting a goal. You can also enjoy shopping at a wide variety of stores, ranging from surfing equipment to fashion and gourmet foods.

 

Unspoiled and beautiful wilderness

The North Shore's ocean is characterized by calm conditions suitable for swimming and marine recreation in the summer, but powerful waters with high waves bare their fangs in the winter. Such a winter environment is ideal for surfing, and the three major world competitions that conclude the most important season for professional surfers are all held on the North Shore in winter.

If the time of year is right, a visit to watch these competitions is a recommended travel plan.

 

Enjoy the activity experience!

The beautiful ocean is also perfect for experiencing activities. There are a variety of activity tours available, so you can enjoy the North Shore to the fullest by joining one of them.

It is also suitable for surfing and bodyboarding, although it is for advanced surfers. If you know what you are doing, why not try it and take all possible precautions?

 

10 recommended attractions on the North Shore

Now, let me introduce some of the most popular tourist spots on the North Shore.

We have picked out 10 locations for you to check out in order!

 

Haleiwa (islands)

One of the most tourist-friendly towns on the North Shore is Haleiwa, which is located along Kamehameha Highway, a major road that offers a variety of stores and other amenities.

Known for its many fashionable apparel stores and delicious B-class gourmet restaurants, it is a very popular tourist destination, especially for the younger crowd. With numerous spots clustered around Haleiwa, it is an inevitable area to visit when touring the North Shore.

 

Recommendations

Haleiwa is a North Shore city where surfing is very popular, so surfing culture has taken root throughout the city. Surfing in Hawaii is an activity that has led the youth culture, and the streets of Haleiwa are characterized by both a relaxed mood and a fashionable atmosphere.

It is also a town that offers a variety of directions, including a highly regarded garlic shrimp restaurant and popular coffee and sweets stores.
If you are in doubt, we recommend that you first go to Haleiwa and enjoy a stroll here and there.

 

Access

When accessing from Waikiki, first go to Kamehameha Highway as described in the North Shore Access section. Follow that road toward Waimea and you will reach the town of Haleiwa.

Similarly, for buses, it is possible to go directly to Haleiwa by taking the 52 bus from the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

 

Polynesian Cultural Center

There are so many different things to do on the North Shore, there is even a theme park that boasts an area the size of three Tokyo Domes. That theme park is the Polynesian Cultural Center.

This facility features a rich experience with Polynesian culture, which is comprised of several island nations, including Oahu, Fiji, and Samoa. According to Hawaii state government research, it is also the most popular paid attraction in Hawaii, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Oahu.

 

Recommendations

The main attraction is the Huki canoe show, which is a powerful show performance based on the mythology and history that is the backbone of Polynesian culture. The show is based on the mythology and history that is the core of Polynesian culture.

The spectacle of seven large canoes being moved with all their might by a large number of performers is a spectacular spectacle that is well worth seeing. With a wide variety of souvenir shops and dining options, you can have a very satisfying sightseeing experience in this one place alone.

 

Access

If you plan to rent a car to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center, first travel to Haleiwa, and from there you can see the center by traveling to Haleiwa, Waimea, and Kahuku. Parking is free, so don't worry about the fee.

There is also a shuttle bus from the center to major hotels in Waikiki, which provides easy access to the center. Japanese-speaking guides are also on board, so you can use the bus with peace of mind.

 

Waimea Valley

Next, I would like to introduce Waimea Valley, a scenic spot where you can experience the great nature of Oahu.

Waimea Valley, which covers an area of approximately 7.6 square kilometers, is characterized by a well-maintained botanical garden that covers an area of approximately 1.2 square kilometers. The warm climate of Oahu's tropical climate will provide a relaxing experience for both body and mind as you enjoy the colorful tropical plants.

 

Recommendations

Waimea Valley is a spot that has become more popular in recent years due to its use as a location for famous foreign dramas. It is said to have been used in a foreign drama series that gained popularity in Japan as well, so those who often watch foreign dramas may find the location familiar.

Waimea Falls is located at the end of the canyon and is 13 meters high with a 9-meter-deep pool. The 30-minute one-way walk to the falls is a popular trekking course.

It is also well known as a spot overflowing with spiritual power, and you are assured that you will be surrounded by negative ions while taking your time to nourish your energy.

 

Access

When accessing Waimea Valley from Waikiki, buses require many transfers and are not suitable for sightseeing trips.

It is preferable to rent a car and travel to Haleiwa first.

At the entrance to Haleiwa, go straight in the direction of the bypass and you will see a spot called Laniakea Beach, which will take you to Waimea Valley.

 

North Shore Marketplace

The North Shore Marketplace is one of the most famous shopping centers on the North Shore. The North Shore Marketplace is a unique oceanfront area where shoppers can enjoy shopping in an open and airy atmosphere.

While shopping centers in Waikiki and other areas often have an assortment of goods that are geared toward tourists, here you can enjoy a local atmosphere.

 

Recommendations

From surf stores and apparel brands loved by locals to local food stores that fill the stomachs of locals, a visit here offers a glimpse into North Shore life.

Many shopping centers on Oahu close by around 8:00 p.m. and their hours are usually shorter on Sundays, but this one is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., regardless of the day of the week.

It is a great place to stop by on the way home from playing in the North Shore ocean, and is easy to incorporate into a sightseeing course.

 

Access

The North Shore Marketplace is located in Haleiwa. Please refer to the Haleiwa section for means of access.

 

Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach, which I will introduce next, is small for a beach and is not a suitable environment for swimming due to its rocky terrain.

Despite this environment, Laniakea Beach is beloved by many for one reason. It is also known as Turtle Beach, where you can see adorable sea turtles in any season.

 

Recommendations

There are spots around the world where you can see sea turtles, but since it is nature, it tends to be very uncertain whether you will see them or not. However, Laniakea Beach offers a very high probability of seeing sea turtles, making it a spot well worth visiting if you want to see them.

This is also a popular surfing spot, so those who enjoy surfing may want to give it a try, taking their own skills into consideration!

 

Access

If you are accessing the area by rental car, take Haleiwa toward the Hwy 83 bypass. You will eventually see and reach Laniakea Beach on the left.

For buses, it is possible to go directly from the Ala Moana Shopping Center by taking the No. 52 bus, as is the case for buses to Haleiwa.

 

Haleiwa Ali'i Beach

Haleiwa Ali'i Beach Park is listed as one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore.

Like Laniakea Beach, this beach is famous for its sea turtles. It is also a popular surfing spot, and the environment is relatively easy for the generally challenging North Shore waters.

 

Recommendations

If you visit Haleiwa Ali'i Beach on a nice day, you may see sea turtles sunbathing on the sand.

The tropical scenery is sure to captivate you as you watch the sea turtles relax and enjoy themselves on the beautiful beach!
You will feel as comfortable as the sea turtles.

However, be aware that sea turtles are carefully protected creatures in Hawaii, and the act of approaching them forcefully to scare them is prohibited by law.

 

Access

To get here, please refer to the directions to Haleiwa mentioned above. You can reach the beach by turning right on a street called Haleiwa Road.

 

Giovanni

The North Shore is a treasure trove of local b-grade food. One of the North Shore's most famous specialties is garlic shrimp, fresh shrimp cooked with a garlic-based seasoning.

Giovanni's, with two locations in Haleiwa and Kahuku, is a very popular restaurant that invented such garlic shrimp.

 

Recommendations

Not only Giovanni's, but many garlic shrimp restaurants are outdoorsy in style with a vehicle-shaped storefront called a shrimp truck. You can enjoy the rich natural scenery of the North Shore with the ocean breeze blowing through while tucking into delicious shrimp.

Giovanni's popular "Shrimp Scampi" is a dish of shrimp in a lemon butter sauce, which goes well with rice and is sure to please the Japanese palate!

 

Access

If you are accessing from Waikiki, we recommend the Haleiwa store as it is closer and easier to get to.

If you head to Haleiwa, you can easily visit the store, which is prominently located on Kamehameha Highway.

 

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Check out another local sweet among the many North Shore delicacies. Shave ice, as the name suggests, is shaved ice, quite similar to Japanese shaved ice.

However, it is characterized by the fact that it can be topped with several colorful syrups and toppings such as azuki beans and mochi (rice cakes), making it fun to look at and extremely photogenic.

 

Recommendations

Shave ice is familiar to the Japanese because of its similarity to shaved ice, but there are many unusual flavors available only on the exotic island of Oahu.

With so many tropical flavors available, such as coconut, guava, papaya, and lilikoi, it's hard to decide what topping to use, considering how colorful they look.

Of course, there are also familiar flavors such as strawberry, green tea, and ramune, so everyone is sure to find a flavor to their liking.

 

Access

This store is also located on a street in Haleiwa, so please refer to the route to Haleiwa.

It is a popular restaurant with a prominent location and a long line of customers, so you will be able to get there without getting lost.

 

Sunset Beach

Of the many beaches on the North Shore, the most popular is Sunset Beach, which we will introduce next.

Named after Sunset, this beach offers one of the most beautiful sunset views in all of Oahu. Seeing the brilliant Hawaiian sun tipping into the waters of the North Shore will surely be one of the best memories of your trip.

 

Recommendations

Sunset Beach is a good spot for sightseeing outside of sunset hours, and is also perfect for swimming, with facilities such as showers, toilets, and changing rooms. Its waters are extremely beautiful, and its proximity to the city of Haleiwa means that there is a very good selection of restaurants in the area.

It has become a mainstay spot for North Shore tourism.

Also, during the winter surfing season, the Vans World Cup, the highest level world competition, is held, so it would be interesting to go and watch it if the time is right.

 

Access

If you are traveling by rental car from Waikiki, take Kamehameha Highway toward Waimea. Continue toward the bypass and you will reach Sunset Beach.

If you are taking a bus, board the 52 at Ala Moana Center and get off at the Haleiwa Ali'i Beach stop. You can get off at the bus stop in front of Sunset Beach by changing to the No. 55 bus.

 

Kukaniroko Birthstone

Last but not least is the Kukaniloko Birthstone, one of Oahu's most prominent power spots.

Unlike the seaside areas introduced so far, this spot is located in the center of the island.

 

Recommendations

The Kukaniloko Birthstone was once the site where Hawaiian royalty would travel to give birth.

It is said that the stones on this land were believed to ease labor pains during childbirth, and the land was so important that unrelated people would have been executed if they tried to enter. Today, it is considered to be a power spot that brings blessings for fertility, and many people visit for this reason.

Of course, even those who are not interested in the fertility of children will find it interesting and enjoyable, as it is a place with a rich history!

 

Access

If you are renting a car from Waikiki, follow highways H1 and H2 and take Exit 8 to the town of Wahiau. Continue toward the north shore, cross the railroad bridge, and the destination is near the first traffic light.

For buses, just take the 52 from Ala Moana Center as you would for other destinations on the North Shore. The bus will take you very close to the center, so accessibility is relatively good.

 

Recommended Tours

Now that we have covered the various tourist attractions of the North Shore, we will introduce information on tours, which are essential for efficient overseas travel.

All of these tours are very attractive, and we hope you will find them useful.

 

North Shore (Haleiwa) Sightseeing What's This Tree & Dole Plantation, with or without Diamond Head Climbing! Iron plate tour

This tour plan combines the many attractions of the North Shore into a single package.

Visitors can efficiently tour numerous spots, including Moanalua Gardens, where you can see the Hitachi tree familiar from the "Kono Ki no Nani no Ki Ni Naru Ki" commercials, and the town of Haleiwa.

There are also a variety of options available, such as climbing Diamond Head, allowing you to play according to your preferences.

 

Horseback Riding Experience A walk on the North Shore seaside

Horseback riding is one of the most popular activities that can be enjoyed in the rich natural environment of the North Shore. This tour offers a horseback tour of the North Shore's seashore, giving you the opportunity to see the spectacular scenery from a higher vantage point than you ever imagined.

The horses that ride on our backs are trained for polo competitions, so they are familiar with people and can be ridden with confidence.

 

Kailua + North Shore Sightseeing Tour with Sunset & Starry Sky Viewing

This tour plan is also packed with the attractions of North Shore tourism, most notably the beautiful sunsets and starry skies.

The evening and night skies of Oahu are at their most beautiful, but because of security concerns overseas, individuals are a bit uneasy about going out at night in unpopular places.

However, by joining a tour, you can enjoy the best night on Oahu without any extra worries about security or lack of familiarity with the area.

 

summary

We have introduced you to one of the most popular areas on Oahu for sightseeing on the North Shore. This article has only covered a small portion of the North Shore's charms. There are still many beautiful natural landscapes to explore, and the streets are filled with wonderful stores that will make your heart skip a beat.

Many popular restaurants are lined up for delicious food, and you will generally find a high-level lineup. When winter arrives, the surfing season, the North Shore is abuzz with excitement as world championships are held for several weeks. Surfing is an important part of the North Shore's culture.

If you have the opportunity to visit Oahu, please take the time to explore the North Shore. You will be greeted with the most wonderful sightseeing experience imaginable.