North Shore, Oahu

The North Shore is one of my favorite places, ever… that’s why Jordan and I bought a 3 unit property here and now consider it home! Overall, North Shore is a little haven away from the bustling city of Honolulu. It’s known for its famous “Seven Mile Miracle”, which is 7 miles of straight perfect waves, beaches, and coastline starting in Hale’iwa and ending up at Velzyland. There are endless waves to surf, beaches to explore, hikes, good food, and overall amazing vibes. Use this guide on how to plan your trip, where to eat different meals, shop, and more.

How to plan your trip:

Fly into HNL (Honolulu, Oahu). It’s imperative to rent a car if you’re staying on North Shore, as there’s literally no other way to get around. You can use one of the chain car rentals, or if you’re looking for a cheaper rental option, use Turo.

Where to stay:

If you’re looking for a local experience: I’d recommend staying in Hale’iwa or as close to Hale’iwa as possible. This is where all of the restaurants, shops, and easy access to pretty much everything you want to do are. There are so many great waves to surf in Hale’iwa, including Hale’iwa, Walls, Pu’ena, Chuns, Lani’s, etc. It’s also really easy to drive to town from Hale’iwa as well. If you want to rent from Jordan and I, we own a rental property called the Hale’iwa House that’s right on the beach, and we would love to host you! Check it out here: thehaleiwahouse.com

If you’re looking for a classic “Hotel Vacation’ or tourist experience: stay at Turtle Bay Resort. It’s super nice, right on the beach, has great bars, pools, restaurants, and an epic golf course. It’s pretty pricey, but it’s the only hotel option on North Shore, so if you’re debating it and you’re boojie like that, just pull the trigger!

Overall tips: 

  • You have to rent a car if you’re coming to North Shore (we rent one if you need it, reach out!)

  • Besides Hale’iwa, there is no commercial business licensing on the North Shore. That’s why there are so many food trucks! So you’ll see a ton of food trucks, and many of them are really delicious. See my recs below for food and meals.

 

GROCERIES

  • John the fish guy: ask me for his number :)

  • Local farm delivery: ask me for a referral link

  • Farmers Market: at the Waialua Sugar Mill, Saturdays 8:30am-10am. Everything is usually sold out by 10am

  • Celestial Natural Food: pricey but great healthy options

BREKKIE RECS:

  • Tropical Tribe: best acai bowls on north shore. The acai is shipped direct from Brazil. Get the Tropical Tribe Bowl with the Tropical Topping. Also incredible coffee!

  • Bird’s Nest Coffee: Best coffee shop on North Shore

  • Nalu Health Bar: Healthy grinds, good (2nd best) acai bowls. Get the Nalu Bowl (24 oz), don’t get the smaller size.

  • Crispy Grindz: 3rd best acai bowl on the North Shore. Traditional Braziliian style, also this is a food truck across the street from Nalu.

  • Farm to Barn: Unbeatable vibes! Outdoor on a farm. Go on Friday or Saturday AM, usually live music. Good healthy breakfast foods, juices, also good burritos.

  • Cafe Hale’iwa: Classic egg breakfasts, waffles, pancakes, OJ, etc. This is definitely more of a popular spot amongst the locals - recommend!

  • Ted’s Bakery: Best bakery on the island, for all of your sweet tooth pastry needs. Famous place right in Sunset Beach!

  • Hi Pie: really good Poi Banana Bread

  • Other thoughts: I would skip Sunrise Shack, it’s kind of a tourist trap. Always crowded, takes forever, and the bowls are mediocre. It’s tempting to go there because it’s on the beach, but trust me, save your acai bowls for Tropical Tribe, Nalu and Crispy Grindz!

LUNCH RECS:

  • Poke for the People: Best poke bowls on North Shore, in Hale’iwa.

  • Waialua Bakery: Epic sandwich spot!!!! You have to get a sandwich and a smoothie, the smoothies here are insane and cheap ($5). Don’t get anything on the rolls, make sure to get your sandwich on the wheat bread. Also, they have gluten free bread, it’s not on the menu so you have to ask for that. Popular spot for locals. Cash only!

  • Nalu Health Bar: Get the ahi tuna sandwich - so bomb!

  • Wicked Hi Cafe: Delicious fresh cooked sourdough pizzas, and insanely good lilikoi (passionfruit) shave ice freezes. Located in Waialua, cool thrift store upstairs.

  • Seven Brothers: Great burgers. I usually get the ahi tuna and coconut shrimp plate, it’s insane. There’s one of these in Kahuku, one in Hale’iwa, and one at the food trucks near Sharks Cove… so you’re guaranteed to find one close to you!

  • Raised by the Waves: Vegan cafe in the Kahuku sugar mill. I like their juices, smoothies, and their tempeh sandwich. It’s right next to Seven Brothers, so if you’re with someone who is craving a burger, and you want something healthy, it’s a good place to divide and conquer.

DINNER & DRINKS RECS:

  • Banzai Sushi Bar: My favorite restaurant to get dinner on North Shore. They play surf films and have traditional tatami floor-style seating. Good sushi, solid drinks. Hot tip: put your name on the waitlist from Yelp in order to get a spot.

  • Kahuku Beer Garden: such a fun spot! Great beers on tap. Hot tip is to get food to go from one of the food trucks or seven brothers, take it to the brewery and eat there! We do this once a week!

  • Elephant Thai Truck: SO GOOD, amazing thai food, located in Sunset Beach. One of my favorite date nights: pick up thai from Elecphant Truck, take it to Sunset Beach across the street, and have a picnic on the beach while watching the sunset. So fun. A must! Order ahead online, if you wait until you get there, the wait is a few hours.

  • Maya’s: Tapas, cocktails, wine, vibes. Great spot where a lot of locals go, probably the best drinks I’ve had on north shore. Live music on Thursdays which I love! You must make reservations ahead of time because it’s fully booked every night. Do not go here for lunch, this is a dinner spot. Food is mediocre, but vibes and drinks are great.

  • No 7 Japanese Food Truck: Yummy sushi on the north shore. Jordan and I eat here once a week, haha! Super casual and so yummy. Always a lot of locals here, guaranteed to have a good meal. Hot tip: go to Malama Market across the street to get booze for BYOB. Order: garlic shrimp on spicy tuna (MUST), spicy ahi bowl, super chirashi bowl, any of the rolls.

  • Surf N Salsa: Local spot, great tacos and mexican food. Good vibes. Casual, cheap!

  • Sunset Bar at Turtle Bay: Best place for drinks at sunset on the north shore in my opinion. Casual menu. Get here an hour before sunset to grab a seat and relax.

  • Alaia Turtle Bay: Upscale dining at a price. Overlooks the water, great for a boojie date night. Make reservations.

  • Roy’s Beach House at Turtle Bay: Great menu, great drinks, located on the beach. Expensive, but a solid date night for a vacay. Make reservations.

SURF SPOT RECS:

  • Text or call Emily for recs, it’s kind of a no-no to post stuff like this online. Also… I’d love to go surfing with you!

YOGA RECS:

  • The Den in Haleiwa: I teach here on Wednesdays and Sundays! Amazing yoga classes and sculpt classes right in the heart of Haleiwa

  • North Shore Yoga Co Op: Best yoga classes on north shore hands down! Wide variety of different classes offered every day except Tuesdays and Sundays. Highly recommend: Kara, Kilty, Sarabeth

  • Private Studio in the Sunset Beach Treetops: message me for more info, this is my favorite spot to practice ;)

HIKING RECS:

  • Ehukai Pillbox Trail: quick 45 minute hike through bamboo forests, trees, and ends up at beautiful views. I do this hike at least 1x/week. You can see pipeline from above! Start at Sunset Beach Elementary School.

  • Lulumahu Falls: one of my favorite hikes on island. A bit of a drive from north shore, but definitely worth it, especially if you take the route down the east side of the island.

  • Kuliouou Trail: FAVE. Really incredible hike that takes you through the greenery and up, up, up onto the top of the island. You can see all of Kailua and the east side from the top, along with views of the city… it’s truly epic. About 5 miles roundtrip and a great workout. Highly recommend this one!!

  • Kaiwa Rudge / Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Another one of my favorites, a bit of a drive. I like to hike all the way to the 3rd pillbox. Insanely stunning views!

  • Ka’ena Point: Great trail on North Shore. This one is pretty flat and coastal, it’s a good one to do with parents or someone that doesn’t like inclines. It’s about 2 miles in and 2 miles out, pretty easy. Great place to go about 2 hours before sunset. I personally love this area, Mokule’ia - it’s right up against the mountains and the water is aqua blue. Some ancient Hawaiian folklore states that Kaʻena Point is the "jumping-off" point for souls leaving this world.

  • Laie Falls Trail: Long 8 mile hike on north shore. Pretty incredible.

  • Skip: Manoa Falls and Diamondhead hikes… these are the most touristy hikes on the island. Crowded with tourists and selfie sticks. ew

SHOPPING RECS (all in Hale’iwa):

  • Mahina: cutest clothes, boho, beachy

  • Guava Shop: cute clothes, bikinis, bags, jewelry - they have it all!

  • San Lorenzo Bikinis: best bikini shop on island, they have tons of stuff and it’s all local

  • Coco’s Trading Post: crystals, decor, hanging laterns, yogic stuff, all the vibes! One of my favorite places to shop

  • Polu Gallery: for all of your local art needs

Emily MeersandComment