Here are all the spots you don’t want to miss when making your way to Oahu’s North Shore! These are hand picked bucket list locations by an adventurous couple who lives on Oahu! This itinerary is strategically planned so you’re not in a major rush, but you will be on the go!

North Shore 1 day itinerary (Oahu) 

Listed below is an outline of all the places to stop when visiting Oahu’s Northshore! This is a self guided itinerary, so you’re going to want a rental car for this day! Go with the advised time frame, or at your own pace! Swap things in or out as you please. North shore is best accessed during a weekday, as traffic can extend the drive duration. Note that Waimea Valley has a market on Thursdays. Let’s go!!!

The drive to North Shore is one of the most beautiful drives on the island! From Honolulu, you will make your way along the East Coast of the island to the North Shore. 

🌺 Stop 1. Breakfast at Leonard’s 🍽️

Today we are finally trying the famous Hawaiian style Malasadas at Leonard’s!

*Walk 🚶‍♂️ to Waimea Bay (Stop 7)  from Waimea Valley parking lot*

Malasadas are a sugar coated fluffy donut with your choice of filling! You’ll want to eat these outside your car, with lots of napkins as they make a big mess! 

Choose which location you’d like to stop at! 

Right down the road from the Macadamia nut Store, are the iconic views of Chinamans hat & the ko’olau mountains! 

Leonard's Bakery hours

Our favorite is the custard & chocolate filling! 

Hidden on the right side of the road, is the Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Store! 

Sample flavorful macadamia nuts & Kona coffee! 

Let’s stop in the park and take some pictures! 

This beach is one of the most picturesque locations on Oahu! If you can find parking, explore this area!

Now that we are full and happy, let’s continue on!

• Beach supplies (chair, umbrella, etc.)

Enjoy walking through a paved, botanical garden to the falls! It takes around 1 hour to walk the entire 1.9 mile round trip trail. Additional time added if swimming. 

*Wake up at 6:00am, be ready to go at 7:00am!

🚙 Head toward stop 2 (around 45 minute drive) 🚙

*Arrive around 9:30am, leave around 10:30am (1 hour)

*Arrive at 7:30am, leave around 8:30am (1 hour)

*Arrive at 10:40am, leave around 11:40am (1 hour).

*Arrive at 12pm, leave at 12:30pm (30 minutes).

*Arrive around 1pm, leave around 2:30pm (1.5 hours).

*Arrive at 3pm (30 minute drive), leave at 5pm (2 hours).

These add ons won’t align with the time frame, but can be swapped in if you’d like to do something different, or can be completed with adding a second day to your North Shore Oahu itinerary! 

*Time to head home! Take the H2 to get there quicker! 

We appreciate you choosing us to trust in forming your North Shore 1 Day itinerary! 

Timing might be scewed due to when you start your day, how long you take at each stops, closures, and traffic! 

This itinerary is meant to guide you to the must sees along the way to North Shore!

Please use caution when going into bodies of water, and please be aware that theft is always a possibility when parking your car. Take all personal belongings that you care about, with you! 

Sunrise/Sunset times change depending on the time of year.

Seeking more from North Shore? We got you covered with North Shore Day 2! Peep the sneak peeks above!

Kaaawa Beach

Kualoa Regional Park

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach

Leonard's Bakery

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts

• Waimea Valley charges a fee to enter. For more information, please visit https://fareharbor.com/waimeavalley/items/7943/  This beautiful (but sometimes wet and foggy!), paved, family-friendly hiking trail ends at Waimea Falls.  There is an entry fee (for adults and children, military pricing) for this hike. You will be asked to wear a life vest if you wish to swim in the falls. For more information, please visit: https://fareharbor.com/waimeavalley/items/7943/  The falls may be dry unless there has been recent rain.  While this trail is paved, the slope is often steep (over 8%). Trail goers navigating with a wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller may need assistance throughout this trail.

North Shore 1 day itinerary (Oahu)

Buy to unlock full guide