With its beautiful beaches, iconic surfing spots, and charming seaside towns, Oahu’s North Shore is a treasure trove of exciting Hawaiian experiences. We’ve gathered the best tours and activities you can mix and match to build the perfect 1-Day Oahu North Shore itinerary. Check out our recommendations below.
Morning: Shark Cage Diving or Speedboat Adventure
Start your day with a thrilling adventure! Shark cage diving tours operate throughout the day, but mornings have the best visibility.
For a more relaxed alternative, join a morning tour takes you to see Hawaii’s marine life from the comfort of a speed boat.
Shark Diving
- See sharks up close
- Cage diving, viewing from the boat, and free swim options are available
- Expert crew ensure your safety and comfort
Speed Boat Adventure
- See dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and turtles all year round
- See whales in winter (Dec to Mar)
- 1.5-hour tour with daily departure
Lunch at Haleiwa Town
The cultural hub of North Shore is the perfect place to grab a bite for lunch. You’ll see plenty of mom-and-pop shops, colorful food trucks, as well as cozy cafes and bars.
Afternoon
For afternoon activities, you can go on a 2-hour glass-bottom kayak tour or enjoy coastal views on horseback. We’ve also added two off-the-beaten-path options for you to choose from. You can go on an off-road expedition or hike the Tropical Valley. Both come with a mountain pool swim.
Glass-Bottom Kayak
- Oahu’s only glass-bottom kayak tour
- 2-hour guided ocean and river adventure
- Great for both beginners and seasoned riders
Horseback Riding
- Ride on Oahu’s most popular beachfront horseback trails
- Daytime and sunset tours available
- Caters to riders of all ages and levels
Off-Road Expedition with Mountain Pool Swim
- Explore hidden areas of North Shore on an open-air 4×4 Pinzgauer
- Visit private areas only accessible on this 3-hour off-road expedition
- Swim in a secluded freshwater pool
Tropical Valley Hiking & Mountain Pool Swim
- Hike past exquisite freshwater pools
- Enjoy the best mountain swimming on the islands
- Hear stories about the land from your guide
Evening
There’s no better way to cap a day full of adventure than with food and festivities. Join one of North Shore’s luaus and experience the true spirit of aloha.
Toa Luau
- A traditional, family-run luau with cultural activities
- Delicious Polynesian dinner buffet
- Includes admission to Waimea Valley
Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
- Choose from three dining packages with live entertainment
- Watch “Ha: Breath of Life,” a stunning evening show featuring over 100 Polynesian performers
- Taste kalua pig and other local specialties
Build the Perfect North Shore Itinerary
The above tours and activities are just some of the best we have to offer. If you want to see more of what you can do on Oahu’s Noth Shore, click here. And if you do end up following this itinerary, don’t forget to let us know what you think. We hope you have tons of fun and a pocketful of memories!
