The island of Oahu has a lot to offer, with every region of the island offering a unique experience. If you're looking for a relaxed getaway with a feel of the local culture, I'll give you the same advice a friend gave me: "if you want to avoid tourists, stay in North Shore."
North Shore had a calm, quiet, and relaxed spirit. It was the perfect local experience, and I felt completely safe traveling solo as a woman. Because I was traveling alone during a transitional time of my life -- I looked at this trip as a time to heal and cleanse my energy for a new journey. Haleiwa, where I stayed, offered beaches, waterfalls, hikes, and delicious food -- endless adventure for a spiritual (and beautiful) experience. And the good news is, the rest of the island is only a short drive away.
Here's a quick list of 7 of my favorite things to do in North Shore, Oahu:
1 ) Try a food truck
You can find these almost anywhere-- keep an eye on the side of the highway when driving! That's how I stumbled across a small gathering of delicious food trucks (which I'll discuss in a later blog!).
There are a plethora of Shrimp trucks to choose from and I, of course, had to try the infamous Giovanni's.
If you can handle spicy food, I highly recommend the spicy flavor over the garlic. But I'm a sucker for anything spicy....
2) Snorkel at Shark's Cove
This is a stunning little cove, perfect for snorkeling or just relaxing in the water. I didn't have a GoPro on me for underwater shots, but I promise the sea life was beautiful. This Cove is walking distance to 3 Tables Beach and a short drive down the road to Waimea Beach. Tip: water shoes are a must-- the reef is unforgiving on bare feet.
3) Try local food: Ted's Bakery
This spot is perfectly filling after a long day of snorkeling or playing in the water. I ordered a classic Hawaiian dish of short ribs and shrimp and had to try their speciality: Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie. I can't wait to visit again for another slice!
4) Watch the sunset from Three Tables Beach
Named after 3 rock formations that resemble table tops (you can spot one in the image)-- this beach is private, quiet, and connected to Shark's Cove. It's far less crowded than the neighboring Waimea Beach which makes it ideal for catching the Sunset at the end of your day.
5) Zipline Tour at ClimbWorks
ClimbWorks has a beautiful facility at Keana Farms. I have a slight phobia of heights and thought this would be a fun way to face my fears-- the tour guides were young locals who made us laugh and feel safe the entire time.
As you go through the tour, you get to try some of the fresh vegetables, nuts, and fruits they grow on the farm. My favorite part of this experience was the sudden rain that came down as I zipped down one of the lines! I truly felt like I was flying through nature in that moment.
Tip: Come prepared to get rained on (a waterproof fanny pack kept my iPhone nice and dry. I ended up storing the other guests phones in there as well...Yes, there are lockers to store your things! But it's tempting to bring a camera to capture stunning tree top views).
6) Explore Waimea Bay Beach
Parking is tough here, but worth the battle! Aside from it's sandy shores and perfect-for-surfing waves, there's a popular cliff jump at Waimea as well as a waterfall to explore-- but be mindful of the weather. When I visited the waters were too rough for a jump and the infamous rock I was meant to dive off of was blocked off. The rain had also caused the waterfall to shut down the day I planned to visit. Although I didn't get to explore much, it's a gorgeous beach and North Shore's most famous!
7) Enjoy a Maui Thai at Turtle Bay Resort
(And watch the sunset from a jacuzzi)
Turtle Bay Resort offers a lot. Plenty of jacuzzis, a heated pool, and a poolside bar to enjoy as you overlook the water. This was one of my first stops after getting off the plane, and although it was gloomy out, sipping on my first Maui Thai and watching the sun come down was still the best way to recharge after a long flight.
Need more Oahu ideas? Stay tuned for my recommendations on places to eat, hikes, and what to pack-- coming soon!