We have compiled a list of the North Shore sightseeing spots that we particularly recommend.
It is an area where you can enjoy outdoor activities, enjoy the blessings of the land such as coffee and pineapples, learn about culture and history, and experience the authentic Hawaii.
You can fully enjoy the atmosphere of old Hawaii, which is quite different from Waikiki.
We have listed them here, so please look for places you want to visit or things you want to do.
→North Shore, Oahu Popular Spots Complete Guide [Permanent Edition]
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in North Shore
We have summarized the sightseeing spots mainly in the Wahiawa, Haleiwa, and Kahuku areas.
If there is a place that interests you, please use the link to the detailed article under each heading.
Alii Agriculture Farms
Alii Agriculture Farms is the only fishing pond in Hawaii.
It is a uniquely Hawaiian facility where you can fish for various types such as tilapia, grass carp, catfish, and prawns (shrimp larger than standard shrimp), and as a bonus, they will even cook the fish you catch!
Since it stands alone in an area surrounded by great nature, the scenery is also very nice.
Catching fish and shrimp that are not commonly seen, being healed by Hawaii’s nature, and spending time leisurely might be the ultimate luxury.
It is recommended as a spot where you can easily interact with Hawaii’s living creatures!
→See more about Alii Agriculture Farms
Ehukai Pillbox
Ehukai Pillbox is the only scenic trail on the North Shore.
Also known as the "Sunset Pillbox," it is a popular pillbox spot known for its beautiful sunsets and stylish atmosphere!
Since it is a relatively gentle trekking course, it is safe for hiking beginners and serves as a walking path not only for tourists but also for locals.
By the way, Ehukai Beach lies right in front of Ehukai Pillbox, and this is the surf point known as Pipeline.
It is one of the world’s leading spots as a surfing beach, so please try to enjoy both the beach and the pillbox.
→See more about Ehukai Pillbox
Gunstock Ranch
Gunstock Ranch is a great nature spot where you can experience peaceful horseback riding typical of Hawaii.
On land spanning 900 acres, you can enjoy both the North Shore ocean and the majestic Koolau Mountain Range!
It is also a place that specializes in environmental conservation, conducting forest restoration activities known as the "Hawaii Legacy Forest," the first on Oahu.
Horseback riding during sunset hours and the scenery are particularly popular, and enjoying the coastline at dusk from atop a horse is a special experience.
Since it is a hidden gem, the service is small-group and friendly, so please visit if you have the chance.
→See more about Gunstock Ranch
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort is the only luxury resort hotel on the North Shore.
The grounds are extremely vast, large enough to fit all of Waikiki inside!
It is highly recommended for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, enjoy activities like golf and horseback riding, or spend time slowly in Hawaii.
Since it is built on a point projecting into the sea, a charming feature is that you can gaze at an ocean view spreading before you regardless of which room you stay in.
While touring many sightseeing spots in Hawaii is good, a Hawaii where you do nothing in a place where there is nothing might also be nice once in a while!
→See more about Turtle Bay Resort
Angel’s Wing
Angel’s Wing is a mural (wall art) that is among the most famous in Hawaii.
It is the art that sparked the trend of Instagrammable spots, and it is painted at the entrance of an ice cream shop near the bridge in Haleiwa Town!
It is photogenic no matter how you frame it, and it is the most popular mural in Haleiwa Town, the town of artists.
It is an easy sightseeing spot where anyone, regardless of age or gender, can simply take a photo.
Please stop by when you visit Haleiwa for sightseeing!
Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation is a classic sightseeing spot boasting overwhelming recognition as the headquarters of Hawaii’s pineapples.
Hawaii imports most of its food from the US mainland and other places, but thanks to Dole, the self-sufficiency rate for pineapples is 100%!
Originally a small gift shop in the Wahiawa area, it is now surrounded by pineapple fields as far as the eye can see.
The park is full of attractions such as a maze, a train, and garden tours, making it more than just a sightseeing spot for souvenirs and pineapples.
It is a facility that anyone from children to adults can enjoy, so please be sure to stop by when sightseeing on the North Shore!
→See more about Dole Plantation
Haleiwa Sign
The Haleiwa Sign is a popular photo spot that can be called the symbol of the North Shore.
Many people think it is a tourist attraction due to its stylish appearance, but actually, it is just a normal sign indicating the entrance to the North Shore town, Haleiwa Town.
Many people think it is inside the town, but in reality, it is located along the Kamehameha Highway running parallel to the town!
Since it cannot be found inside the town, we often get asked, "Where is it?"
If you want to take a picture with the sign, let’s head out of town!
It is in a place where you might easily overlook it, so please look for it carefully.
Hawaii Polo Club
Hawaii Polo Club is a ranch where you can enjoy a leisurely horseback ride along the deserted Hawaiian coast.
Being in the countryside of the North Shore with nothing around, you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere to the fullest.
It is actually a historic polo club established in 1963, and since the horses are smart and trained for polo, they listen well to commands.
While many horseback riding experiences at tourist spots generally have fixed routes where the horse moves semi-automatically and you are "just riding," at Hawaii Polo Club, moving, stopping, and turning are all up to you.
Same-day participation is OK, the price is reasonable, and it is a recommended spot where you can ride slowly while watching the spectacular view of the seaside!
→See more about Hawaii Polo Club
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a famous sightseeing spot where you can learn about Polynesian history and culture.
It is Hawaii’s largest hands-on theme park where you can learn about Polynesia, making it a very popular facility visited by many tourists!
Also, the Polynesian show, which is top-level even compared to those held daily at various hotels and facilities, is a must-see.
While it is common to visit on a tour, it is also possible to pay only the admission fee without transportation.
It is a spot recommended for families that can be enjoyed day and night, so when you visit, please enjoy a day feeling like you have traveled back in time!
→See more about Polynesian Cultural Center
Wahiawa Botanical Garden
Wahiawa Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of plants where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a hidden gem while being one of Hawaii’s five major botanical gardens.
The park is a valley, and the atmosphere changes depending on the elevation where you walk.
You can enjoy Hawaii’s native forests in the paved upper area, and a tropical rainforest jungle in the lower area after descending into the valley!
Since it is a plateau area sandwiched between the Waianae and Koolau mountain ranges, there is a large amount of rain throughout the year, and many tropical plants inhabit the area.
It is the best location to take a leisurely walk while listening to the singing of birds.
→See more about Wahiawa Botanical Garden
Access to North Shore
The North Shore is the furthest area, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes from Waikiki.
As for access methods, we recommend "tours" for peace of mind, comfort, and efficiency, "The Bus" for cost performance, and "rental cars or Turo" if you value freedom.
Recommended Transportation to North Shore
The Bus Complete Guide [Public Transport to Move Around Hawaii Cheapest]
Rental Car & Turo Complete Guide [Private Cars to Explore Hawaii Freely]