Oahu North Shore Self-Drive Trip (from Honolulu or Waikiki)

In November, I was in Oahu, Hawaii on a cruise ship, so I had limited time to see as much as I could – from 8 am to 10 pm. Follow this Oahu north shore self-drive itinerary to see some of the highlights of this circle Oahu route, making a counterclockwise trip around the eastern half of Oahu.

Pick-Up Your Rental Car

There are many car rental offices around Honolulu and Waikiki.  There are many cars available at the airport,but renting from one of the offices in town may save money as there are no airport taxes added.  Make sure you understand the return rules – not all offices allow after hour returns. 

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

Oahu lookout

Upon leaving Honolulu, you’re going to head up Highway 61 towards the east coast.  The first stop on this Oahu North Shore drive is Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. There is a $3 parking fee at this viewpoint.

Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple

Visit this Buddhist Temple at the foot of the mountain and the top of a vast cemetery.  The gardens and temple are peaceful (except when someone gongs the prayer bell). Amazing amounts of Koi fish in the ponds are happy to each any fish food you provide (sold in the gift shop).  Entry to the temple and grounds is $5 per person.

Mikolii (Chinaman’s Hat), view from Kualoa Regional Park

Chinaman's Hat Oahu

Pull into Kualoa Regional Park for a very good view of Mikolii Island, a rock formation also known as Chinaman’s Hat.  This park has free parking and has great picnic facilities and a beach with calm waters.  Perfect for a little swim or kayaking.

East Coast Beaches

Some of the most picturesque beaches on Oahu are on the east coast.  Stop and take pictures if you can find a place to safely pull off the highway.

Sunset Beach to Watch the Surfers

There are big waves at Sunset Beach, especially in the winter.  The World Cup of Surfing takes place there in late November to early December.

Laniakea Beach for Turtle Viewing

Laniakea Beach Turtle

When you see a bunch of cars parked in a no parking zone, you’ve arrived at Laniakea Beach.  Turtles swim and rest on the east side of the beach and there is often a turtle conservationist.  Don’t cross the red rope so you don’t stress the turtle (I’m so happy they do this so all the selfie folk don’t do their posing next to these creatures that can be more than 40 years old). 

Shave Ice

Matsumoto Shave Ice
Guava, Pineapple, and Coconut

If you google “Oahu Shave Ice” you will find that Matsumoto is the place to go to try this sugary treat.  The line may belong but it goes very quickly and you can chose from dozens of flavors and mixtures.  You can pay extra to get a scoop of ice cream in the bottom or sweetened condensed milk on top.  Matsumoto Shave Ice is located in the charming historical town of Haleiwa which also has plenty of shopping. 

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Pineapple bushes

The Dole Pineapple Plantation has a free garden where you can see tropical plants and different varieties of pineapple (did you know pineapples don’t grow on trees?)  You can have a very yummy Dole Whip (frozen pineapple dessert in a cup or a cone) for $6.  Loads of pineapple flavored goodies and trinkets in their shop but they are quite pricey.  You can also pay to do the pineapple maze or take the toy train tour. 

Walmart and/or Costco Run

Since you have wheels, make a trip to Walmart or Costco to pick up necessities and inexpensive Hawaiian gifts.  As we were on a cruise ship, we picked up macadamia nuts and $5 bottles of wine (we had no problem bringing on one bottle of wine per person at each port). This post contains affiliate links.  This website earns a small commission for items purchased through these links with no additional cost to you. 

How Much Money Can You Save vs. an Oahu North Shore Tour?

Oahu North Shore tours are very expensive. The tours I could find ranged from $80 to $300 per person.  My rental car cost $38 (including a $5 after hour return fee for valet parking return) and I paid $12 for gas. 

How Much Time is Needed for Oahu North Shore Self-Drive Trip?

To do the North Shore Oahu itinerary above, you should plan at minimum 8 hours,and more if you want to make more stops or spend extensive time at any of the stops, or if you want to do one of these Oahu hikes.

Check out these other one-day itineraries for Cruise Ship passengers in Maui, Kauai, and Big Island.

Sharing is caring!