North Shore day trip
What should I do on Oahu's North Shore in one day?
Answered by Hawaii Glider Rides
The answers
Start with an eco flight at MokulēiaBook firstAsked most
Dillingham Airfield sits at the west end of the North Shore. It is a glider flight, so there is no engine and no noise, and once it is soaring it burns no fuel. You float over the reef, Kaʻena Point and the whole mountain ridge. Morning air is smoothest, so do this first and build the day around it.
Waimea BaySeason matters
Calm and swimmable in summer, enormous surf in winter. In winter watch from the sand rather than getting in. Parking fills by mid-morning.
Turtles at LaniakeaRoadside
Green sea turtles rest on the sand here most days. Stay well back, it is required by law. Parking is on the far side of a busy road, so take care crossing.
Haleʻiwa townLunch stop
Shave ice, small shops, and a good place to eat and slow down for an hour. It sits roughly in the middle of the North Shore, so it works as the midpoint of the day.
Shrimp trucks at KahukuCash helps
A cluster of trucks at the east end. Garlic shrimp is the standard order. Lines are longest right at noon.
Sunset at the west endFinish here
The North Shore faces roughly north and west, so the sunsets from Mokulēia and Kaʻena are the good ones. Bring something warm, it cools off fast once the sun drops.