things to do North Shore Oahu

We would like to extend alohas to all surfers, organizers, and guests visiting to watch the WSL contests. We are in a very unique location in that we can offer you the best accommodations within steps from all the action. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a world class treat. The North Shore is home to the ‘seven mile miracle’ of beaches and some of the best waves in the world. In winter we have top athletes compete in our waves for world championships and it’s something you’ll never forget!

The famous contests happening on our shores include the Sunset Open & Sunset Junior, The Eddie Big wave Invitational, HIC Pro Sunset Beach & The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

Shark Swim & Cage Diving

Encounter the most majestic, ferocious, and awe-inspiring creatures of the ocean on a North Shore Oahu shark diving tour. Enter a shark cage to observe, or be brave and swim in the deep blue yourself. Get to know these elegant creatures as they glide through the water searching for prey—but don’t worry, you’re not on the menu! A professional, expert guide will join you to make sure that this is the safest and most exciting shark encounter possible.

Horseback Riding North Shore

Saddle up on an Oahu horseback riding adventure and take off on an equine excursion through some of the North Shore’s most diverse landscapes, beaches and premier private ranches. Great for all experience levels, choose from private or group trail rides, romantic campfire rides, sunset and moonlight rides, beach rides and more. There is nothing like exploring the beauty of Oahu’s North Shore by way of the horse.

North Shore Water Sports

The famous North Shore of Oahu is home to beautiful beaches and excellent surf, making it a great place to get out into the ocean for some fun! Learn to surf, kayak, or stand-up paddle and make use of your lesson immediately on North Shore waves. While conditions in the winter can get rough for beginners, the summer months provide a calmer setting for those that are just starting to learn. Friendly and professional guides will get you out on the water in no time!

North Shore from the Air

Get a bird’s eye view of Oahu’s beautiful North Shore! These air tours will have you cruising over the valleys and coastline of the rural northern side of the island. Circle the area in a helicopter, with the option of a doors-off flight for a more exciting tour with better views, or soar over the North Shore in an engine-less glider. For the truly daring, jump out of a plane from 15,000 feet up in a tandem skydiving experience! These tours are the best way to see the North Shore of Oahu.

Pearl Harbor Tours

Learn about the events of World War II at the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship, USS Bowfin Submarine & Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. The only naval base in the U.S. to be recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Pearl Harbor allows you the chance to honor the memories of soldiers who fought on the Pacific front of World War II.

Dole Plantation

Dole Plantation offers “Hawaii’s complete pineapple experience” with Pineapple Express Train rides, Plantation Garden Tours, and acclaimed 3-acre pineapple-shaped botanical maze—the biggest maze in the world! Visitors can explore the many fun things to do, visit the unique souvenir and gift shop or stop by the Plantation Grille for a refreshing taste of a fresh pineapple or the world-famous soft-serve dessert, Dole Whip!

Sunset Cocktail Cruises

Experience an Oahu sunset cocktail sail or booze cruise and drift away into the fading Hawaiian sun while sipping on tropical cocktails and nibbling on delicious appetizers. These sails are a great way to get the party started or top off your day of Oahu adventures. Raise your glass to your shipmates, make new friends, wave to the passing boats or just sit back and relax as the cooling ocean breezes surround you. Claim your seats early as they sell out quickly.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Wander through 42 acres of tropical splendor and enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectactular evening show in the islands. All of Polynesia in one exciting place.

Scuba Diving

Explore the underwater world of Oahu’s sea life, swimming past vibrant coral reefs and playful schools of fish. Experienced divers can explore the depths of reefs and sunken ships. Introductory scuba dives are also available, complete with lessons for first-timers. Snuba is just like snorkeling, but attaches you to an air tank floating at the surface, allowing you to swim freely. For those who aren’t strong swimmers, underwater scooter tours are a safe, fun, and easy way to visit the reefs.

Skydiving

Take the plunge from 15,000 feet in the sky. The North Shore of Oahu is one of the most beautiful places in the world to skydive, giving you a sweeping view of the island during your 15- to 60-second fall. All dives are performed tandem with a trained professional who will instruct you and ensure your safety during the descent. Whether you choose a regular dive or an ultimate freefall, this is sure to be an adrenaline-filled adventure that you’ll remember as the highlight of your trip!

Parasailing

Strap into a harness, clip yourself to a tether, and float into the air as a speedboat tows your parachute along. Parasailing is a fun, exciting, and safe adventure that anyone can enjoy—no experience needed!—whether flying single or tandem with a friend or loved one. See the coastline of Waikiki or Hawaii Kai from up to 1,000 feet in the air! Expert captains and crews will make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and having fun.

Ziplining

Zip through the sky with the beautiful landscape of Oahu surrounding you with panoramic views of lush island vegetation. Zipline tours are the perfect outdoor eco-friendly activity for thrill-seekers, couples, and even families who want a taste of adventure in paradise. These zipline courses are held to the highest safety standards, and trained guides will ensure you’re having fun and being safe. Braking is taken care of for you, which means all you have to do is zip free!

ATV & Off-Road Tours

Put the pedal to the metal as you explore the ranches, parks, and unpaved wilderness of Oahu on your own individual or multi-passenger ATV or off-road vehicle! Race across the beautiful and expansive Kualoa Ranch to visit the sites of Hollywood movie shoots, or try your hand at navigating Coral Crater’s technical dirt course. For those who don’t want to drive, you can sit in the passenger seat and be driven by a guide while you take in the rugged, natural beauty of Hawaii.

Sea Life Park Hawaii

Play, kiss & dance with dolphins! Stand in waist-deep water as the dolphins do tricks and approach to interact with you. Includes admission to Sea Life Park.

Hanauma Bay Snorkel Shuttle

Get a ride to beautiful Hanauma Bay! With several round-trip shuttles from Waikiki to choose from, your self-guided snorkeling adventure awaits.

Dolphin Watching Cruises

Get ready for a dolphin watching adventure on Oahu’s west side! Expert captains and dolphin lovers guide your search for the numerous Hawaiian spinner dolphin pods who call the area home. Observe as they curiously chase your boat, and learn everything there is to know about these friendly and playful sea mammals. After dolphin watching, further explore the coast by sail boat, catamaran or glass-bottom boat and even visit one of Waianae’s most popular sites for snorkeling.

Whale Watching (Dec – Apr)

Between December and April every year, the endangered Pacific Humpback Whales travel from Alaska to birth and nurture their newborn calves in the warm Hawaii waters. See them up close from a tour boat, glass-bottom boat or zodiac raft and enjoy whale watching while learning all about their lifestyle and habitat from a naturalist guide. These Oahu whale watching tours are an amazing, family-friendly way to get an up-close look at these magnificent, gentle creatures.

Waimea Valley Hike, Waterfall Swim & Zipline

This full-day adventure sightseeing tour lets you explore Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, and Waimea Valley before heading to Coral Crater for some ziplining fun!

Fishing

Go fish on Oahu! A variety of fishing tours are available, including bottom fishing, sport fishing, shark hunts, and spear fishing. New fishermen and fisherwomen are always welcome at these exciting tours, but more leisurely light-tackle and fly fishing activities are also available. Charter a fishing boat for a private excursion, perfect for a family outing or for hanging out with a group of friends. These fishing tours can accommodate a many different people and groups.

Turtle Bay Resort Golf Courses

Enjoy a morning round of golf at North Shore’s Turtle Bay Resort! Choose from, the Arnold Palmer or George Fazio designed courses!

Surfing Lessons

Learn to surf in the birthplace of surfing! These surfing lessons are simple, fun, and get you catching waves quickly. Here on the North Shore you’ll be able to find surfing lessons at a beach near you. Kids are welcome and one-on-one instruction is available for those who want the extra attention. With instructors who are friendly, courteous, and encouraging, you’ll find yourself hanging ten in no time!