Oahu North Shore: Waimea Waterfall & Beach Day Tour

Summary

Swim at Waimea Falls taste Kona coffee and see Oahu’s wild coast

You’ll ride from Waikiki through Oahu’s wild coastline—feeling wind at Pali Lookout, tasting fresh macadamias under banyan trees, swimming beneath Waimea Falls (life jackets required), and watching surfers tackle North Shore waves. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off so you can just show up and let Hawaii do its thing.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried real Dole Whip?" That’s what our driver, Kaleo, asked as we pulled up to the Dole Plantation on the way back from the North Shore. I just laughed because honestly, I’d only had some sad version at a mall once. But that was near the end of the day—by then my shoes were sandy and I still had bits of salt on my skin from swimming under Waimea Falls. The morning started early in Waikiki, with that sticky warmth already in the air. Picked up right at my hotel (which felt like a luxury), I found myself next to a couple from Osaka who kept pointing out every chicken we passed. There are a lot of chickens here.

We stopped first at this overlook near Diamond Head—wind tugging at my hat, sun just coming over the water. Our guide told us about Amelia Earhart taking off from there. I tried to picture it but mostly just noticed how quiet everyone got for a second; even the kids stopped squirming. Later, at Halona Blowhole, I could smell sea spray before we even got off the bus. The surf was up so the blowhole actually did its thing—water shooting out of black rock while some local teenagers cheered every time it went higher than their heads.

I didn’t expect to love the macadamia nut farm stop as much as I did—maybe it was just being handed hot Kona coffee and cracking open nuts under these massive banyan trees. There was this auntie behind the counter who told me if you eat too many you’ll “dream about coconuts chasing you.” Not sure if she was joking but I only had three (okay, four). By lunchtime we hit a shrimp truck near Banzai Pipeline—the garlic shrimp plate is messy but worth it, and they have veggie options too if that’s your thing.

Waimea Valley felt like a different world—lush gardens everywhere and birds making weird noises overhead. The waterfall swim is optional but honestly, floating there with cold water rushing past after all that heat? Kind of perfect. You have to wear a life jacket (they’re strict) but nobody seemed to mind. On the walk back, my legs felt heavy in that good way you get after hiking somewhere new. We finished off with one more beach stop—Sunset Beach—with surfers way out where the waves looked almost unreal. The sand gets everywhere but that’s part of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oahu's North Shore highlights

• Stop at Diamond Head viewpoint
• Pass by Hanauma Bay
• Visit Halona Blowhole
• Pass by Makapu’u Point cliffs
• Taste at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Shop
• See Chinaman’s Hat island
• Lunch with North Shore Garlic Shrimp
• Visit North Shore tropical fruit stand
• Pass by Sunset Beach
• Explore Waimea Valley gardens and waterfall
• Stop for souvenirs and Dole Whip at Dole Plantation
• Visit Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

Top questions

Does this North Shore tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Waikiki.

Can you swim at Waimea Waterfall during this tour?

Yes, swimming is allowed when lifeguards are present; life jackets are required.

Is lunch included on this Oahu North Shore tour?

No, lunch is not included—you’ll stop at a local restaurant or shrimp truck (bring cash).

What attractions does this day trip cover?

The tour covers Diamond Head overlook, Halona Blowhole, Makapu’u Point, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, Mokolii Island (Chinaman’s Hat), Waimea Valley & Waterfall (admission included), Sunset Beach/Banzai Pipeline (seasonal), Dole Plantation stop for Dole Whip.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes, non-shellfish and vegetarian options are available at lunch stops.

How long does it take to get from Waikiki to North Shore?

The drive takes about an hour each way depending on traffic and stops along Oahu’s coast.

Is admission to Waimea Valley included?

Yes, entry fees for Waimea Valley Botanical Garden are included in your tour price.

Do you need cash for anything on this tour?

You’ll need cash for lunch and any snacks or souvenirs along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, full narration by your local guide throughout Oahu’s North Shore highlights, entry to Waimea Valley Botanical Garden (with waterfall swim access when open), plus plenty of stops for photos—and time to buy lunch or try treats like Dole Whip before heading back in comfort.