Oahu North Shore Tours
52 Reviews
Surfing is king on Oahu’s North Shore, where summer’s placid snorkeling spots are transformed into pounding 40-foot (12-meter) waves come winter. On land you’ll find a peaceful respite from hectic Honolulu, with scenic waterfall hikes, sleepy farms selling tropical fruit, and food trucks doling out garlic shrimp.
The Basics
There are a number of options for exploring the North Shore. Head to the water for a surfing or stand-up paddle board lesson, a sunset catamaran cruise, or a shark cage diving excursion. On land, tour the area’s rich farms, hike to Waimea Valley Falls, explore the fields and jungles of Kualoa Ranch, or see the island from above on a helicopter tour. While many tours leave from nearby Waikiki, it’s also possible to visit the North Shore on a day trip from Honolulu. Some full-day excursions include visits to Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay State Park, or the Dole Plantation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Only expert surfers should attempt to ride the North Shore’s massive winter waves.
- Parking can be difficult to find, especially during the winter surf season.
- Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
Oahu’s North Shore stretches for more than seven miles (11 kilometers) and is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. During winter, the one-way road along the North Shore’s “seven-mile miracle” of popular surf beaches can back up for hours, so it’s best to visit on a tour to avoid the hassle of driving and parking.
When to Get There
The North Shore’s summer and winter seasons each have their benefits. In summer, seas are calm and you can to take beginner surf lessons, go kayaking, or enjoy some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling. Winter is the busiest time to visit, when expert surfers hit the waves and other visitors stick to the safety of land. If you opt for a winter visit, it’s best to arrive early (before 9am) to score a parking spot.
Must-See North Shore Spots
Don’t miss the historic Haleiwa Beach town, with its clapboard shops, surf boutiques, and restaurants. The Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are some of the most famous North Shore beaches, while Turtle Beach offers a chance to see sunbathing Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Address: Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Ohio 96712, USA
Admission: Free
68 Tours and Activities to Experience Oahu North Shore
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Zipline Tour On Oahu's North Shore
1053
Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring from the top of Oahu’s longest ziplines on this guided tour. Start with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu's famous North Shore from long, high and extra-quiet ziplines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. Along the way, encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and a couple of surprises for some fun activities that challenge in a safe and controlled way.
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From
$181.19
From
$181.19
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Oahu Shark Dive
1017
Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.
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From
$109.26
From
$109.26
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Highlights of Oahu Tour: Circle Island, North Shore, Turtles & Local Food
64
Get a comprehensive overview of Oahu's landmarks and highlights on this circle island tour. Enjoy a small-group setting to ensure personal attention from your local guide while seeing over thirty local attractions. See the surf and sand at Waikiki Beach, taste some samples of Dole pineapples, learn about the history of Haleiwa town. Get the insider info about favorite local eateries and see filming locations for various movies and television shows. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is included.
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From
$167.61
From
$167.61
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Oahu Grand Circle Tour with Snorkeling with the Turtles
739
Explore Oahu on this full-day minibus tour with a small group and a local guide. With your small group of 20 people or fewer, make plenty of stops at the island's highlights, including snorkeling with green sea turtles on the North Shore. See the Dole Plantation, the Halona Blowhole, Diamond Head, and Makapu’u Beach during this day-long outing. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is included.
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From
$130.99
From
$130.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Royal Crown of Oahu - 60 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On
66
Explore Hawaii’s island of Oahu by air on this helicopter tour. Fly above the island and many of its most well-known landmarks, such as Diamond Head, Sacred Falls, the Dole Plantation, and Pearl Harbor. On this ride, choose your departure time and whether or not you’d like the helicopter doors on or off.
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From
$325.00
From
$325.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Best of Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center
14
Discover Hawaiian history and culture in one day during this small-group tour of Oahu. Start your day off at the Pearl Harbor memorial site to learn about the U.S. and World War II. Then, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn more about Pacific Islanders and local culture. Conclude your tour to the famous Dole Plantation where you can sample the famous Dole Whip and other pineapple treats.
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From
$219.00
From
$219.00
Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu
108
Enjoy a 2-hour surfing lesson with an experienced guide who is also a professional lifeguard in Hawaii. Learn to read the surf and ride the waves during a lesson that includes instruction on the beach followed by practice in the warm waters of Oahu’s North Shore. This family-friendly experience provides plenty of customized attention and fun, along with the chance to view the sea turtles that are commonly found in this area.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Photo Adventure of The North Shore, Hawaii
40
Spend the day exploring and photographing the North Shore of O'ahu during this full day of activity from Waikiki. Visit a local coffee farm and learn about the cultiviation of 100% Hawaiian coffee. Then head to Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, and the historic Haleiwa town, as well as Waimea Falls. Round-trip transportation from your Waikiki hotel included.
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From
$119.95
From
$119.95
Oahu Circle Island Small Group Tour
187
Experience Oahu’s top sights on a small-group tour. Relax while your guide takes care of driving, and makes sure you don’t miss any key spots. Visit Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole, and Diamond Head Crater, then explore Haleiwa town and try some local flavors for lunch. Get some cultural insights from your guide and finish the day with a great overview of the island.
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From
$136.29
From
$136.29
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Intimate North Shore Eco-Fun Waterfall from Waikiki
5
Spend the day immersed in small town Hawaii on an intimate tour of the North shore. See famous big wave surfing beaches, explore the quaint surfing village of Haleiwa town, and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian lunch. Take an easy hike to Waimea waterfalls and swim below the rushing water. Explore Waimea Valley botanical gardens and see the fragrant flowers used to make traditional lei. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting to see a slower pace side of the island.
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From
$147.36
From
$147.36
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Secret Oahu Circle Island Tour
92
Circle the island of Oahu and its many points of interest on this guided adventure. Learn about Hawaiian history and culture while exploring the coastline. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Chinaman’s Hat, and Laie Point. Also, see famous places like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. For lunch, try some fresh Hawaiian shrimp from one of the local food trucks (own expense). And if time permits, check out some of the secret spots for viewing sea turtles and monk seals.
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From
$166.00
From
$166.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private North Shore of Oahu Tour
19
Explore the North Shore of Oahu with a private guide who showcases the Hawaiian island's top sights. Visit scenic lookouts and historical sites such as Diamond Head, Chinaman's Hat, Waimea Bay lookout, and more. You'll also stop for a delicious lunch (own expense) and visit a Japanese Buddhist temple on a tour that includes private guide and vehicle, entrance fees, live commentary, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Honolulu.
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From
$178.88
From
$178.88
North Shore and Circle Island Adventure
341
Explore Oahu, including the North Shore, on this small-group day trip from Waikiki. Admire the views as you drive across the Ko'olau Mountains toward the Valley of the Temples. Enjoy the scenic shores of Kahana Bay, catch sight of Mokuauia Islet, see the legendary Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline, and visit a shrimp farm in Kahuku—with a stop at food truck for an included lunch plate and Hawaiian shave ice.
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From
$89.01
From
$89.01
North Shore Turtle Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour
23
Go snorkeling off Oahu's North Shore on a guided snorkeling tour. Head out to open water from the beach for the chance to see fish, green sea turtles, and other Hawaiian marine life in their native environment. Snorkeling equipment is provided. A private option is available if you prefer a more personalized experience or need assistance in the water.
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From
$86.77
Price varies by group size
From
$86.77
Price varies by group size
Small Group North Shore Circle Island Tour
12
Visit the top stops of the North Shore of Oahu with this small-group tour. You'll see dozens of local points of interest, including the Dole Plantation, Haleiwa Town. Turtle Beach, and North Shore surf spots, to name a few. You'll also have plenty of time to stop and snack at local food trucks before making your way back to your hotel.
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From
$178.88
From
$178.88
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Swim with Sharks (cage-free)
46
Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend roughly half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.
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From
$153.85
Price varies by group size
From
$153.85
Price varies by group size
Intimate North Shore Eco-Fun Waterfall from Ko'Olina
2
Get away from the tourist center of the island and spend the morning exploring the Oahu’s countryside on the North Shore. Visit famous big waves beaches like Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach and explore the quaint surf town of Haleiwa. stop for lunch in Waimea Valley, and take a dip at Waimea Falls. This tour is ideal for visitors who want to see some of the island's natural beauty and visit less touristy spots.
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From
$159.02
From
$159.02
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
6-Hour Private Customized Luxury Convertible Tour of Oahu's North Shore
24
Explore Oahu’s North Shore on a six-hour, fully customizable, private tour with space for four passengers plus your driver. Visit top sights like Banzai Pipeline and sunset beaches and swim, snorkel, or boogie board with equipment provided. Your driver can suggest stops to sample local delicacies like chocolate haupia pie, and garlic shrimp. Have time to look at boutiques and surf shops in Haleiwa town, and opt for a visit to the Dole Pineapple or Green World Coffee plantations if you choose.
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From
$471.92
per group
From
$471.92
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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North Shore Biking Adventure
15
Travel from Honolulu to the North Shore of Oahu for a full-day tour that includes a bike tour along the Seven Mile Miracle, a world-class surfing destination. Stop at Kualoa Park's Dinosaur Mountain, Turtle Beach, the old town of Haleiwa, and a beach where you can swim and snorkel. Includes lunch, bike and snorkel equipment, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
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From
$179.00
From
$179.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Private Circle Island Sunset Photo Tour
55
This comprehensive tour of Oahu hits many of the island’s most iconic locations such as the Dole Plantation, Waimea Valley, Shark's Cove, Byodo-In Temple, Halona Blowhole, and more. You’ll also visit several beaches where you’ll have time to take photos. Along the way, sample tropical fruit, macadamia nuts, coconut water, and other island fare.
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From
$239.58
$59.90 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$239.58
$59.90 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Aloha Circle Island Tour - Full Day Adventure
177
Combine a circle island tour of Oahu with the chance to swim and snorkel on this all-day adventure. With pickup and drop-off in Honolulu, you can make it around the island in a single day and without even renting a car. All transportation and the use of snorkeling gear is provided for you so you can get the most out of your tour. You'll stop at all the must-see Oahu spots and listen to in-depth guided commentary as you travel.
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From
$109.95
From
$109.95
Grand Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling with the Turtles
61
Circle most of the island of Oahu on a full-day tour by minibus limited to 20 passengers, a smaller group than typical island coach tours. With an informative guide, you’ll make about a dozen stops, including the chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat during an hour of snorkeling on Oahu’s North Shore. Get a comprehensive overview of top attractions such as Diamond Head, Makapu’u Beach, Halona Blowhole and the Dole Plantation. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki is included.
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From
$91.69
$39.30 savings
From
$91.69
$39.30 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
North Shore Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson
3
Ride a stand-up paddleboard down a sheltered river during a 2-hour lesson on Oahu’s scenic North Shore. Choose a small-group, semi-private or private lesson, then paddle alongside your instructor as you practice balancing, steering and maneuvering your board. Take your first paddle, or improve your skills with tips from your skilled instructors, then watch for bright fish and sea turtles as you explore a tranquil cove and enjoy this traditional Hawaiian water sport.
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From
$80.13
From
$80.13
Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour
32
Explore Oahu's most popular spots all in one day on this tour, including transportation to and from your hotel. Travel comfortably around the island in an air-conditioned coach or minivan as you pass by Diamond Head and North Shore Surfing Beaches. Make stops at the Dole Plantation, Kualoa Ranch, Byodo-In Temple, and a variety of lookout points.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More