Hawaiian Surf Spot: Welcome to the North Shore

There are about 195 countries around the world, and each of them has its specialty to offer. One example is the islands of Hawaii. 

The Hawaiian archipelago comprises eight major islands. Within those major islands are regions that can offer tourists different experiences and adventures, allowing tourists to enjoy their Hawaiian vacation anywhere they go. While Hawaii is mostly enveloped in Polynesian culture, each island and district have their own distinct and dynamic systems, habits, traditions, and so much more.

Take Oahu into account. The Gathering Place is divided into five unique regions – Honolulu, the Windward Coast, Central Oahu, the Leeward Coast, and North Shore. Today, you will be introduced to Oahu’s most famous surfing spot – the North Shore. 

Where is North Shore?

In Oahu’s geographical context, the North Shore is the north-facing coastal area of the island. It is sitting between Kaena Point and Kahuku. The largest town that can be found on the North Shore is Haleiwa, which is best known for its incredible surfing community. Moreover, this community was home to the first Vans Triple Crown of the Surfing awards ceremony that was ever held. 

The history of the North Shore

The North Shore continues to maintain its one foot in the past and one in the present, resulting in a striking balance between progress and preservation. This exceptional stability between the old and new worlds on the North Shore appeals to tourists and residents alike. This region in Oahu also promotes diversity while being home to agriculture, laid-back family living, and a frontier for adventure, sports, and commerce. 

In 1100 A.D., Hawaiians settled in the Waialua and Koolauloa Districts along the North Shore. Here, they established villages along the valleys, streams, and bays. They also grew crops, such as taro and sweet potatoes. 

In 1832, Gideon Laanui, Kamehameha’s konohiki or chief, invited Christian missionaries to the Waialua District, where they built the Waialua Protestant Church. Later on, Haleiwa, which figuratively means “beautiful people,” was built near the Anahulu stream to be a seminary for girls. At the end of the 19th century, Benjamin J. Dillingham built a railroad, a sugar mill, and a destination hotel named Haleiwa Hotel, Hawaii’s first-ever destination resort. 

Dillingham hired the former Iolani Palace major Domo, Clifford Iaukea, as the hotel’s manager. Iaukea set the tone of the hotel to royal luxury, which appealed to many investors. These stocks were used to raise the capital for the hotel and the steel-fabricated sugar mill. The Waialua Agricultural Co. developed the best water infrastructure in the islands. This served 10,000 acres of sugar cane for nearly 100 years until its closure in 1996.

Things to do in Oahu North Shore

Your Oahu tour would not be complete without tasting the island’s delectable dishes and experiencing its clean beaches. Fortunately, you are in the right place because here is a list of the things you can do on your Oahu vacation. 

• Visit Waimea Botanical Garden

Hawaii has many hidden gems, and the Waimea Botanical Garden is just one of them. This exceptional garden hosts botanical collections from places like Ogasawara Islands, Central and South America, Fiji, Guam, and the Mascarene Islands. You can also stroll through the assortment of plants, many of which are rare and endangered, that can only be found in Hawaii. Many species of birds and fish can also be found in the garden.

So if you are interested in a relaxing tour around the garden and a stop at other tourist attractions, such as the Chinaman’s Hat and Kualoa Valley Mountain Range, click on this link to book an excursion: www.gotourshawaii.com/oahu-tours/waimea-botanical-garden.

• Check out the Byodo-In Temple

Are you looking for a tour that will allow you to relax and experience tranquility? Why don’t you check out the Byodo-in temple tour? This excursion will take you to a lushly landscaped paradise nestled in a cleft of the pali. This tourist spot is also home to wild peacocks and hundreds of Japanese koi carp.

The temple is a replica of the same Buddhist temple located in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture. The Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii is built as a dedication and commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.

For more details about the tour, you can check this link:
www.gotourshawaii.com/oahu-tours/hidden-gems-of-oahu/ 

• Go Turtle Spotting

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles hold an important role in Hawaiian history. Therefore, a Hawaiian vacation without witnessing these majestic creatures would not be complete. 

The Green Sea Turtles are considered endangered; thus, they are under Hawaii’s wildlife protection. But even with this, tourists can still do turtle snorkeling on Oahu and swim alongside them, as long as you keep the rules in mind.

On the other hand, if you just want to see them swim from afar, you can avail of tours with turtle spotting on their itinerary. You can find this kind of excursion at www.gotourshawaii.com.

• Spend a day at the Dole Pineapple Farm

Another tourist activity you can try when visiting the North Shore is the Dole Pineapple Farm tour. The pineapple farm is also among the tourist spots that hold so much history. 

In 1899, a young Massachusetts native named James Dole used his savings to move to Honolulu. These savings were then used to purchase a 64-acre homestead in Oahu’s Central plains, where he experimented with several crops. Later on, he decided to grow pineapples. From then on, the business rapidly grew as they launched ad campaigns in magazines. He also began to ship pineapples to neighboring countries. 

These days, the Dole Pineapple Farm has become one of Hawaii’s main attractions where tourists can witness the process of planting and harvesting pineapples. Moreover, guests will also receive a complimentary Dole Royal Hawaiian Gold Pineapple to take home.

If this tour sounds exciting, you may check Go Tours Hawaii’s Dole plantation excursion at www.gotourshawaii.com/dole-pineapple-tour.

• Surf or enjoy at Sunset Beach

What’s a trip to Hawaii’s most popular surfing spot if you don’t try surfing or relaxing on the beach to admire some of the best surfers in the world? Sunset Beach is one of the most iconic surfing spots due to its big waves, especially during winter. During the summer months the waves are a bit calmer and great a time for beginners to take surf classes from one of the many great North Shore surf schools.  Also as if the name didn’t give it away, this is a great place to watch a Hawaiian sunset. So we definitely recommend you to go munch on some snacks while waiting for the colors of the skies to change from blue to hues of pink and orange at one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

You may also visit Sunset Beach on an Oahu Day Tour by booking one of the Hidden Gems of Oahu Tours that Go Tours Hawaii at www.gotourshawaii.com.

Have fun in Hawaii with Go Tours Hawaii

Going on a Hawaiian vacation should not be filled with anxieties and hassles. Instead, it should be just about having fun and relaxation. So if you are looking for a way to achieve a relaxing getaway, try checking out Go Tours Hawaii.

We are a local Hawaii tour operator specializing in Oahu Tours. Let us take you on an unforgettable Oahu vacation you will remember for a lifetime. For more information about us, what we do, and the list of our tours, you can visit our website at www.gotourshawaii.com.