For a scenic lookout, you’ll turn into Kualoa Regional Park. Here look for an island in the distance. The island is called Mokoliʻi but is locally known as Chinaman’s Hat. This is just a quick stop for the view, but if you’re looking for some more adventure can come back another day with a kayak and paddle out to explore the island.

La'ie Beach Park is on your right just before you arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is nicknamed Pounder’s Beach by locals. It got its name from the relentless pounding shorebreak, making it an ideal spot for body surfing and boogie boarding. 

Officially named Ehukai Beach, Banzai Pipeline is a surfer’s mecca. “Pipeline,” as surfers call it, is known for its quintessential barreling waves that curl like a pipe. Each winter surfers from all over the world test their might at “pipe” during the annual Billabong Pipeline Masters competition. Hundreds of people flock to the beach to catch a glimpse of these athletes in action. Even during the summer months, when waves have calmed and the surfers have relocated, parking is limited. If you can’t find a spot, look for street parking. We recommend just admiring the surfers at this beach as it’s not safe for swimming, even in summer.

Kualoa Ranch is 4,000-acre private nature reserve with a working farm and adventure haven. While here, you can do all sorts of tours and activities including a movie tour, ATVing, ziplining, kayaking, and horseback riding. Since we have a jam-packed day, we recommend you make a quick stop at the gift shop, museum and restrooms for today. If you’d like to do one of the activities, feel free to see if they have any same-day openings, but to ensure a spot, we recommend you book in advance.

We’ll guide you to Leonard’s Bakery, one of Oahu’s most famous spots for some delicious malasadas. Have you ever had one of these deep-fried Portuguese donuts? Leonard’s features eight different types of malasadas from its original that’s coated in sugar to custard-stuffed varieties filled with flavors like haupia (coconut), guava and macadamia nut. There’s usually a line, but don’t let that deter you -- it moves pretty fast.

Hours: Open daily from 5:30am to 7pm.

Order online for pickup or delivery.

Known for its shrimp trucks, Kahuku is home to dozens of eateries serving up warm plates of garlic shrimp. But, shrimp isn’t all you’ll find, look out for pizza, plate lunches, burgers, yogurt, and huli huli chicken — another local favorite. Please note: most, if not all, of the food trucks in Kahuku are cash only.

As you’re driving on North Shore, you’ll pass a few fruit stands along the way. One of our favorites, Kahuku Fruit Stands, is located just past Turtle Bay Resort. Stop for some locally grown fruit that’s cut, chilled and ready to eat.

Ted's Bakery is a spot you won't want to miss! This local eatery features plate lunches, but it's most famous for its delicious cream pies. The specialty is their chocolate haupia, but they also have strawberry guava, blueberry, and pineapple macadamia nut, just to name a few!

Hours

8 AM - 6:30 PM DAILY

Dating back to the early 1950’s this popular dessert spot serves up Hawaiian shave ice in dozens of flavors! It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. There will most likely be a long line, but don’t let that stop you — it moves fast.

HOURS:
10am–6pm, DAILY

Pro Tip! If the line is long, check out Aoki's Shave Ice across the street.

Waimea Valley is a tourist attraction on the North Shore across from Waimea Bay that features a tropical botanical garden, Hawaiian cultural sites and one-and-a-half-mile round trip hike to a lovely 45-foot waterfall. Once you reach the falls, you’ll have the option to swim in the pool below. This is a great attraction that’s fit for the whole family, but it can get pretty crowded.

Admission Fee: $25/adult, $15/child (ages 4-12)

Hours: Daily from 9am - 4pm. 

Summer Hours: Daily from 9am - 5pm 

Stop for a quick view of a breathtaking sea arch at La'ie Point. As waves crash below you’ll see just how this magnificent geologic wonder was formed! See if you can spot the lizard from the story that the tour describes.

Byodo-In Temple was built in 1968 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. Nestled under the Koʻolau Mountains, the temple is a replica of a 950-year old Japanese temple in Uji, Japan that is listed as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Please note: the cost of admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child. Credit and debit cards only.

Hours:
8:30am–4:30pm, DAILY

Make a quick pit stop at the Tropical Nut Farm to try a wide variety of macadamia nuts from Maui onion and garlic to Kona coffee glazed. The farm offers free coffee and nut samples so you can try before you buy.

Hours: 
9:00am–5pm, DAILY

Go for a quiet beach walk at Kahana Bay, a gorgeous spot without any crowds. There’s also a public restroom if you need a bathroom break.

On our way to the next stop, we’ll quickly drive by Laie Temple. No need to get out of the car, just listen as we tell you the story of this site that was designed after King Solomon’s temple described in the Bible. With its gleaming white finish, the temple is dubbed the “Taj Mahal of the Pacific.” Here you’ll find a visitor center with clean restrooms if you want to make a pit stop.