Drive along the North Shore

If you're staying at a hotel or resort along bustling Waikiki and would like to experience a quieter region of the island, consider renting a car for the day and exploring the North Shore. This area of the island is much less commercial compared to Waikiki and offers visitors the chance to see a side of Oahu that many tourists don't venture to.

Highlights of the North Shore

Renowned Beaches and Surf Spots

The North Shore is perhaps best known for its epic waves, especially at Waimea Bay, 'Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach. These waves are much too dangerous for anyone but the most advanced surfers, but it's still fun to stop at these famous spots to relax on these (quite windy) beaches as you marvel at the pros.

Hale'iwa Town

Another highlight along the North Shore is Hale'iwa Town – the antithesis of Waikiki. This laid-back surf town is home to boutiques, art galleries, food trucks, and perhaps the island's most famous shave ice at Matsumoto.

Getting There

Several Waikiki hotels have car rental desks on site, including the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach and the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, so it's easy to rent a car for the day if you're based in the resort area (no need to rent a car at the airport). From Waikiki, you'll hop on Interstate H-1 and drive roughly 35 miles north (about 45 minutes) to start your exploration of the North Shore.

North Shore Tours

Renting a car will give you the most freedom to explore the North Shore at your leisure, but if you'd rather let an experienced local navigate the island's roads, consider signing up for a guided tour. There are several daylong tours that not only include round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels but also plenty of stops at many of the must-see spots along the North Shore.

Top-Rated Tour Companies

Some of the top-rated tours are offered by the following companies (via Viator):

• Fun Group Hawaii
• E Noa Tours
• The Surf Bus