Oahu's North Shore Self-Guided Audio Tour

It’s time to fuel up for the day ahead, and what better way than a deep-fried, Portuguese donut, known as a malasada? We’ll guide you to Leonard’s Bakery, one of Oahu’s most famous spots for these delicious treats. Leonard’s features eight different types of malasadas from its original that’s coated in sugar to custard-stuffed varieties filled with flavors like haupia (coconut), guava, and macadamia nut. There’s usually a line, but don’t let that deter you -- it moves pretty fast.

This 24-acre garden is steeped in history. The original Moanalua Gardens was located at a different site, but dates back over a century! When the gardens were moved to their current location structures from the original were preserved and transported to the gardens you’ll visit today. The gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and charge $10 admission for non-resident adults and $7 for children 6-12.

Need a quick cup of joe for the day ahead? Stop by Green World Coffee. This shop has a cafe where you can grab a to-go cup. While you’re there check out the shop for its wide variety of coffees using beans from different farms across Hawaii. They also offer free samples of coffee, tea, and chocolate--as well as free tours of their coffee farm. Green World Coffee is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoyable activities and best attractions for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour & the Plantation Garden Tour

Visit Oahu's laid-back surf town, Haleiwa

Check out the all-natural Hawaiian Bath and Body hand-crafted skincare products made locally right on the North Shore. The factory is located at the historic Wailua Sugar Mill. One of the best parts? The guided tour of the factory (paid) will show you how the soap is mixed, swirled, cut, and boxed! Call ahead to make reservations. The soap factory is open daily until 4pm.

Dating back to the early 1950’s this dessert spot serves up Hawaiian shave ice in dozens of flavors! It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. There will most likely be a long line, but don’t let that stop you -- it moves fast. Or--cross the road and check out Aoki's Shave Ice, another local favorite.

Also known as Turtle Beach, this little beach is a natural feeding ground for honu or sea turtles. This beach tends to get crowded and parking is extremely limited. If you can’t find a spot, just keep driving down the road. If you do stop at the beach, be careful while crossing the road from the small parking area and please be mindful to keep your distance from these protected animals. Getting too close to sea turtles will result in a large fine.

Waimea Bay is an exhibition playground for big-wave riders, including Hawaiian surfing legends

Now, we’ll take you to one of our favorite hidden gems on Oahu. You’ll drive up an unassuming road until you reach Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau. This National Historic Landmark might look like nothing more than a series of rock walls, but over 250 years ago, it was a major temple in Oahu. Learn about this heiau and see artist depictions of what it must have looked like from the informational displays near the parking lot. Please remember that a heiau is a sacred place of great cultural and historic significance and should be respected as such.

Check out one of the "Top Twelve Shore Dives in the World"

See some of the biggest, heaviest waves on the planet!

Visit a famous North Shore beach famous for big wave surfing during the winter season

At this point you might be hungry for some lunch, but can we suggest some pre-lunch dessert? You’re on vacation, right? We’re about to visit some great food trucks, but first, we’ll stop at Ted’s Bakery for some famous cream pies. The specialty is their chocolate haupia, but they also have strawberry guava, blueberry, and pineapple macadamia nut, just to name a few! If you did want to grab some lunch, Ted’s also has burgers, plate lunches, and sandwiches.

Park at Kahuku Fruit Stand and walk across the street to find a pathway that will take you to Kawela Bay -- a picturesque beach with banyan trees, soft sand, and turquoise waters.

Unassuming food truck offering a range of shrimp & local seafood, fried or steamed

On our way to the next stop, we’ll quickly drive by La'ie Temple. No need to get out of the car, just listen as we tell you the story of this site that was designed after King Solomon’s temple described in the Bible. With its gleaming white finish, the temple is dubbed the “Taj Mahal of the Pacific.” Here you’ll find a visitor center with clean restrooms if you want to make a pit stop.

Stop for a quick view of a breathtaking sea arch at La'ie Point. As waves crash below, you’ll see just how this magnificent geologic wonder was formed! See if you can spot the lizard from the story that the tour describes.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of Oahu’s most visited attractions. It features island villages that represent six Polynesian islands: Hawaii Tahiti Samoa Fiji Tonga, and Aotearoa (New Zealand) The center also has a luau, night show, and marketplace. Please note: A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is a full-day excursion. We recommend you stop by to check out the marketplace and come back another day if you’d like to do the activities.

Go for a quiet beach walk at Kahana Bay, a gorgeous spot without any crowds. There’s also a public restroom if you need a bathroom break.

Visit an incredible private nature reserve that has been the scene for a multitude of Hollywood movies and television shows.

Pull into Kualoa Regional Park for a stunning view of Mokoli'i Island. Known for years by its nickname, Chinaman's Hat, the cone-shaped island is a well-recognized landmark on the Windward side. This is just a quick stop for the view, but if you’re looking for some more adventure, you can come back another day with a kayak and paddle out and explore the island.

Visit a temple built for commemorating the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaiʻi

Now we’ll begin to make our way back to Waikiki with more stories about Oahu’s rich history along the way! When you’re in Hawaii, we ask that you act respectfully toward the locals, land, and wildlife. Please pick up your trash; never touch any marine life, plants, or other animals; and avoid unsafe spots. Hawaii’s natural resources are precious, and it’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources.