A local's guide to
The North
Shore
Surf, food, hikes, beaches & hidden gems
Ka'a'awa → Hale'iwa
Welcome!
This is my personal guide to the North Shore
The places I actually go, take my family, surf, eat, and send friends. Use this guide as you explore from Ka'a'awa to Hale'iwa.
Kaʻaʻawa
China Man's Hat
Mokoliʻi Island
Right in front of Kualoa Ranch is this small island locals call China Man's Hat. Short adventure, epic views. One of my favorite things on the island.
- ▸Paddleboard, kayak, surfboard, or swim over
- ▸Hike to the top of the island
- ▸Look back at the Koʻolauu Mountains & Kualoa Ranch
Danny's Tip: Bring a board — the paddle over is half the fun!
Kualoa Ranch
Where Jurassic Park was filmed
Where Jurassic Park and Jurassic World were filmed. Very popular — and worth it.
- ▸ATV / UTV tours (my favorite)
- ▸Movie site tours
- ▸Zipline
- ▸Horseback riding
Crouching Lion Hike
About a 20-minute hike to a ridge that looks like a crouching lion from below.
Kahana Bay
A beautiful bay that sometimes turns into a mellow longboard wave when there's strong wind and swell.
Laʻie
Pounders Beach
Windy, powerful shorebreak with fun, pounding waves. Great for body surfing if you don't mind getting worked.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Think Disneyland of Polynesian culture: cultural villages, shows & canoe pageant, food trucks nearby for casual dinners.
- ▸Cultural villages
- ▸Shows & canoe pageant
- ▸Food trucks nearby
Laʻie Point
Park, walk out, and look both directions at the ocean. Great photo spot.
Laʻie Hawaii Temple
Laie Hawaii Temple
Beautiful grounds, peaceful walk, and visitor center with a large statue of Jesus Christ. Worth visiting even if you're not LDS.
Malaekahana Beach
Castle Beach
Mellow beginner surf, crumbly waves, good spot to learn.
“The best garlic shrimp you'll ever have”
Kahuku
Kahuku Sugar Mill Food Trucks
The best food truck stop on the North Shore. Don't miss these spots.
- ▸Seven Brothers – Delicious Burgers
- ▸Giovanni's Shrimp Truck – Yum
- ▸Ry's Poke Shack – get the Cajun (Ryi is the man) - Featured on Netflix: Street Food: USA Season 1
- ▸BadaBingSu – milk-based shave ice, unreal
Danny's Tip: Giovanni's garlic shrimp + Badabingsu for dessert. Trust me.
CLIMB Works Keana Farms
Zipline Tour
An incredible zipline tour over the lush North Shore farmlands. Multiple lines with ocean and mountain views — a must-do adventure.
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay Resort
A world-class resort with something for everyone — snorkeling, surfing, sunsets, and more.
- ▸East side: Best beginner snorkeling, calm & great for kids
- ▸West side: Jamie O'Brien Surf School — rent boards or take lessons
- ▸Sunset Bar: Drinks, live music, one of the best sunsets anywhere
- ▸Walking paths, golf course, gym, massage, restaurants
Kawela Bay
Hidden Gem
Enter across from fruit stands on Kamehameha Highway. Walk through the trees into a calm, protected, crystal-blue bay.
Danny's Tip: This is the a less known spot. Crystal-blue water, hardly anyone around.
“There's nothing like a North Shore wave”
North Shore Surf Zone
Velzyland
Perfect right-hand wave. Can get crowded but incredibly fun.
Sunset Beach
Winter: massive surf. Summer: perfect swimming & beach days.
- ▸Ted's Bakery nearby — hot square donuts + great breakfast sandwiches
Banzai Pipeline
Ehukai Beach Park
Winter: world-class wave watching. Summer: surprisingly great snorkeling over smooth reef.
- ▸Ehukai Pillbox Hike: 20–25 min with panoramic views from Pipeline to Sunset
Shark's Cove
My favorite snorkeling spot on the island. Summer = clear water, tons of fish, turtles. Foodland is right next door.
Danny's Tip: Winter is usually too big on the middle section — stick to the left where you can walk around if the waves are big.
Waimea Bay
Summer: jump off the famous rock, calm swimming. Winter: massive big-wave surf watching.
- ▸Waimea Valley waterfall hike nearby (easy & family-friendly)
Laniakea Beach
Turtle Beach
Turtle beach. You'll usually see honu resting on the sand.
Haleʻiwa
Puʻena Point
One of the best beginner surf spots on the North Shore.
Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park
Perfect for families: outside surf for experienced surfers, inside waves for kids & boogie boarding.
Haleʻiwa Town
Surf shops, boutiques, food trucks, and the legendary Matsumoto's Shave Ice.
Banzai Bowls
Danny's Favorite Treat
My favorite sweet treat on the North Shore. Fresh, thick acai bowls — perfect after surfing or walking town.
Danny's Tip: Get the original with extra granola. You won't regret it.
Shark Dives
For the adventurous: swim with sharks off Haleʻiwa. No cage = next-level experience.
“Take only memories, leave only footprints”
Need a place to stay?
Stay With Us
Two stunning vacation homes right here on the North Shore. Wake up to waves, sleep under palms, live the island dream.
Royal Turtle Palms
Kahuku is the authentic North Shore — world-class surf breaks, pristine beaches, local food trucks, and that slow-down island pace. Our homes offer the perfect basecamp for families and groups ready to experience the true aloha spirit.
4BR Aloha Modern
12 Sleeps4 Bed2 Bath
Turtle Bay Escape
10 Sleeps4 Bed3 Bath
Skip the fees. Get personalized service.