Lauren & Alex
Activities
Lanikai Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world that hosts fine white sand and calm turquoise waters which just happens to be where Lauren grew up! This is our FAVORITE beach hands down so grab some beers and hang out on the beach or rent some kayaks or SUP and kayak to the moks!
Waimea Bay Beach
Waimea Bay is our FAVORITE beach to go to when we come to the North Shore. Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world’s best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming, snorkeling diving, and jumping off the famous Waimea bay rock!
Hana'uma Bay State Park
Hana'uma Bay is the most famous of all Hawaii’s snorkeling beaches because of it’s high fish population, calm shallow water, and white sand. This beach definitely has the tamest fish in Hawaii. There is a $5 entrance fee and a $1 parking lot fee, get there early to beat the crowds! Just make sure you bring reef safe sunscreen to help protect our native reefs and a snorkel and mask.
Leonard's Bakery
MALASADA: a deep-fried, sugar-dusted and/or custard filled fried-dough treat....ENOUGH SAID, go eat this! They also have a Malasada Truck at the Koko Marina Center Eastside of the island.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
A local favorite! Matsumoto’s have been in business since 1951 and serve some of the best shave ice that boasts an unlimited amount of flavors and toppings. Pro Tip: ask for ice cream on the bottom and “snow cap” for the top which is drizzled condensed milk to make your shave ice creamier. Other notable places: Island Snow- 30 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 and Waiola Shave Ice- 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Shrimp Truck
It’s not a trip to the North Shore without stopping at some of the famous Kahuku grown shrimp trucks. Giovanni’s is probably the most well known out of all of them but there is also Aloha Shrimp, Romys, and Hono's. Our favorite is the shrimp scampi!!! Just make sure you grab lots of napkins, you’ll get very messy! LOCAL TIP: if you go to Giovanni's ask them for a permanent marker and write your name on the truck.
Poke
If you don’t know what poke is by now you’ve been living under a rock. Poke is raw fish that is cut into cubes and tossed in various sauces and is one of the first things we get when we go back home! There are so many awesome spots to try so why don’t you try them all. Favorites are: Tamura’s, Tanioka’s, Foodland, and Fresh Catch!
Liliha Bakery at Macy's Ala Moana
Known for their famous coco-puffs and chantilly cake. This bakery is a must for first time visitors. There are two other locations, but felt that this would be the best bang for your buck since this is located at the largest outdoor shopping mall...Ala Moana.
Lanikai Pillboxes
Easy, scenic hike that overlooks Lanikai Beach and the Na Mokulua Islands or most commonly refereed to as “The Moks”. Our favorite time to hike this is before sunrise so you can beat the crowds and have an incredible view of the sun rising over the horizon once you get to the top.
Sharks Cove
Sharks Cove has been rated one of the "Top Twelve Shore Dives in the World". Located on Oahu's world famous North Shore, this small rocky bay forms part of Pupukea Beach Park and boasts blue water and an impressive amount of sea life. Get there early, between 9-10 if you want parking in the lot. If not, you can park on the road. Make sure you bring a mask and snorkel but if you forget one there’s a stand across the street that sells some.
Kuliouou Ridge Trail
This is an awesome easy/intermediate hike that has lush fauna and epic ocean views at the top If you're hiking at a leisurely pace it should take you about 4 hours to cover 5 miles. Begin the trail by walking to the end of the cul-de-sac and walking past the yellow gate. From there you just follow the trail, there is one fork in the road where you get the option to do the valley trail or the ridge trail, take the RIGHT to the ridge trail. Have fun!
Surfing at Chuns Reef Beach
If you’re leaving Haleiwa town and heading east on Kamehameha Highway, Chun’s Reef, often referred to simply as Chun’s, will be the second beach you see, right after Laniakea Beach. A popular spot for surf lessons, the beach has two main sections, a break closer to shore where beginners will find long, gentle waves, and a break further out where more advanced surfers sit. Like any spot on the North Shore, be aware of the surf forecast, as a seemingly small day can get out of hand if a large swell is rolling in later in the day. There are some sharp/big rocks on the ocean bottom so be aware where you step.
Ted's Bakery
You need to get the delicious Portuguese sausage breakfast sandwiches and the chocolate haupia pie, thats a North Shore must!