Oahu's North Shore Self-Guided Audio Tour
3.5 / 5 · 10 traveler reviews
Discover the laid-back charm and stunning beauty of Oahu’s legendary North Shore with Shaka Guide’s self-guided audio tour. Cruise past world-famous surf breaks, explore charming beach towns, taste local delicacies, and take in breathtaking coastal views—all while listening to captivating stories about Hawaiian history, culture, and island legends. Enjoy total freedom to start anytime, stop for photos, swim at pristine beaches, and try iconic North Shore shrimp trucks or shave ice. With offline GPS navigation, insider tips, and lifetime access, this tour lets you explore like a local without crowded buses or strict schedules. Highlights include Waimea Bay, Pipeline, Haleiwa Town, Shark’s Cove, and scenic drives along Oahu’s breathtaking coastline. Simply download the Shaka Guide app, hop in your car, and let your personal audio guide lead you on an unforgettable North Shore adventure.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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.
Stop 3
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.
Stop 4
Enjoyable activities and best attractions for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour & the Plantation Garden Tour
Stop 5
Visit Oahu's laid-back surf town, Haleiwa
Stop 6
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.
Stop 7
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.
Stop 8
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.
Stop 9
Waimea Bay is an exhibition playground for big-wave riders, including Hawaiian surfing legends
Stop 10
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.
Stop 11
Check out one of the "Top Twelve Shore Dives in the World"
Stop 12
See some of the biggest, heaviest waves on the planet!
What’s included
- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Tour Start is Customizable
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Not included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Lunch
Meeting and pickup
This tour has two starting points, Waikiki and Ko Olina. The tour travels in a clockwise loop, visiting Oahu’s famous North Shore. Look for the GREEN flag icon on the Shaka Guide app indicating the tour starting point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour can only be done clockwise.
- The tour has two starting points: Waikiki or Ko Olina.
- The Dole Plantation closes at 5:30 p.m. There is an entrance fee to do the activities at the plantation, but you can visit the gift shop and cafe for free. Byodo-In only accept credit card and contactless payments.
- Most of the food trucks in Kahuku are cash only.
- North Shore Soap Factory has a guided tour that costs $20 per person. Call ahead to schedule.
- Moanalua Gardens costs $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and is free for children 5 and under.
- Waves can get rough in winter (October-April). When in doubt ask a lifeguard.
- Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
- The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
- Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
- Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
- Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.