Drive an hour north to the other side of Oahu — Waimea Bay, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa, and Pipeline in winter. The best day trip from Waikiki.
Leave Waikiki by 7:30am. The H2 north through Haleiwa and out to the point is an hour. North Shore is a different island from the resort strip.
The original North Shore shrimp truck — a battered white panel van on the side of Kamehameha Hwy that has been serving garlic shrimp plates since 1993. The scampi plate (butter, garlic, white wine) is the one. Eat at the picnic tables out front. There are imitators; Giovanni's has the signatures on the side of the truck.
One of the most dramatic beaches in Hawaii — a deep turquoise bay backed by a cliff with a legendary jumping rock (30 feet, in summer when surf is flat). In winter (Nov–Mar) the bay faces 20–30 foot waves and swimming is prohibited. In summer it's the best deep-water swimming on the island. The shave ice stand at the entrance is mandatory.
Take H1 west to H2 north — about 55 minutes without traffic. H2 becomes Kamehameha Hwy, which runs through Haleiwa and out along the North Shore. There is no direct bus; rent a car or join a North Shore tour from Waikiki. Leave by 7:30am to beat the rental car crowd.
Create a free Wanderer account to save “North Shore Day Trip” and access the full block library.
Join free — become a WandererNo credit card required
Flights, stays, and experiences — find the best options for your dates.
Compare hundreds of airlines. See the cheapest dates and book directly — no markup.
Search flightsPowered by Travel Payouts
Bundle your flight and hotel to unlock package savings — usually cheaper than booking separately.
Powered by Expedia
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels, resorts, and rentals — free cancellation on most.
Search hotelsPowered by Expedia
Museum tickets, guided tours, and day trips — skip-the-line access, most with free cancellation.
Browse experiencesPowered by Tiqets
Pre-book a private transfer — fixed price, meet-and-greet, no surge pricing.
Book a transferPowered by Welcome Pickups
Compare rental cars from top agencies — pickup at airports, hotels, and city centers.
Compare ratesPowered by Expedia
Whole homes, cabins, and condos — more space, full kitchens, and local neighborhoods.
Browse rentalsPowered by Expedia
Trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation — get a free quote in minutes.
Get a free quotePowered by Travelex
One pass, unlimited top attractions — skip the lines and save vs. buying tickets individually.
See pass optionsPowered by Go City