When locals want to get away for the day or have a little staycation, they usually tend to go to Waikiki or the North Shore. We personally love the North Shore for little weekend getaways, as there are countless beaches to swim at and always a large amount of delicious eateries to choose from. Some of the best things to do on Oahu are on the North Shore!

10 Things To Do On North Shore Oahu

1. Watch A Surf Competition

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While the surf competitions are generally only held in winter when the waves are largest, the beaches are enjoyable year round. During the winter waves can reach 20-50 feet, and while swimming during these times are usually closed off to the public due to safety reasons, you can watch some of the best surfers in the world catch some monster waves. A famous beach includes Banzai Pipeline.

Learn More: The Best Time To Travel To Hawaii

2. Try A North Shore Shrimp Truck

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The North Shore is pretty much known for their number of shrimp trucks, each proclaiming to have the best buttery, garlic shrimp. Our favorites include Giovanni’s shrimp truck and Hono’s – both are located in the same food truck lot in Haleiwa across from McDonalds. The lines are long, but it’s worth the wait!

Learn More: Where To Eat On Oahu, Hawaii

3. Grab Acai Bowls at Haleiwa Bowls

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There are a bunch of places to get acai bowls on the North Shore – it’s one of our favorite local treats! One of the best places to get acai is Haleiwa Bowls – definitely check it out for yummy smoothies and healthy fruit bowls.

4. Cliff Jump Off Waimea Rock

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Waimea Beach is one of my favorite beaches on the North Shore with soft sugar sand and clear, blue water. Another highlight is that there is a giant rock – about 30 feet – that beachgoers cliff jump off of into the waves. As long as the ocean conditions are safe, it’s a very popular activity for locals and tourists alike!

5. Visit Matsumotos Shave Ice

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You MUST try shave ice while in Hawaii – another favorite local snack. Matsumoto’s shave ice is infamous on the North Shore, and there’s always a line out the door to prove it.

Read More: 8 Foods You Must Try In Hawaii

6. Shop At Haleiwa Town

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While the pricing of the shops in Haleiwa are generally a little higher, you can always find beautiful and unique goods that represent the boho and beachy vibe of Haleiwa town.

7. Find Your Way Through The Dole Plantation Maze

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A fun option for the kids, Dole Plantation offers an entire ‘pineapple experience’ with train rides, famous dole whip, and a large pineapple maze!

8. Rent A Beach House

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Treat yourself to a beach front property and look for some North Short Airbnbs, sure to be a fun and relaxing weekend!

9. Snorkel At Sharks Cove

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While snorkeling at a place called ‘Sharks Cove’ doesn’t sound all that appealing, rest assured that the name is just that – there are no sharks at Sharks Cove! Just fishes and decent water clarity – a fun spot to snorkel indeed!

10. Go Skydiving in Hawaii

For ultimate thrill seekers only, the North Shore is the only place on Oahu where you can skydive Hawaii! We did it a couple years back, and the view was absolutely amazing!

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