Today is Day 2 in Hawaii and we are exploring the North Shore of Oahu. Along with our daughter and friends Lisa and Jack, and their kids, we have another full day planned. We are starting with some planned activities before exploring North Shore food trucks, beaches and more!
Make sure to check back regularly for all of our adventures in Hawaii at: Destination – Hawaii.
Planning – Exploring the North Shore of Oahu
Becky and Lisa wanted to book a tour at Little Plumeria Farms on Oahu’s North Shore. So we are making a day of it. On the way there, we will stop at Leonard’s Bakery to get some malasadas for breakfast. Afterwards, we will split up. While Becky and Lisa do the farm tour, Jack and I will take the kids to the Waimea Botanical Garden and Falls. Here we can take the leisurely walk through the gardens to Waimea Falls where we can swim. And afterwards we’ll meet back up.
Lisa made a reservation for the Little Plumeria Farms Tour at 9:15AM. And it’s an hour drive, so we’ll have to leave early. And the Waimea Botanical Gardens opens at 9:00AM, so we’ll plan to get there around the same time as the girls. Though reservations are not needed, you can buy admission tickets in advance online. So after our morning activities, we will meet-up in between at Laniakea Beach, aka Turtle Beach. Though you can swim here, we’ll plan only a short stop to look for sea turtles often found here. And afterwards we’ll head for lunch.
The North Shore is all about food trucks. And just north of Waimea Valley is Shark’s Cove, where we found an area with multiple trucks. After lunch, we’ll check out Shark’s Cove, another great place for snorkeling. And afterwards, we’ll head up the coast to Sunset Beach, renowned for its world-class surfing. Nearby is Ted’s Bakery if we get hungry again before heading back to Becky’s Aunt’s for dinner. There’s so much more to exploring the North Shore, we’ll see what else we can do.
Leonard’s Bakery
Leonard’s Bakery has been serving original Hawaiian malasadas, or Portuguese doughnuts with no holes, since 1952. It’s less than 10 minutes away and on the way to the North Shore. But Becky and Lisa decide to leave early to get to their plumeria tour on time. So, Jack and I take the kids to get the doughnuts. For more information check out: Leonard’s Bakery – Malasadas and more….
When we arrive there’s a line to get into their small parking lot. So I circle the block, but there’s no parking anywhere. However we find a Safeway a couple blocks away. So we park there and take the short walk.
At the bakery, a lot of people are hanging around outside. But we have to go in to order, and inside is only a short line. Though we are not ready for the multiple options. They have 6 filling flavors, and we want to order 12. So, we order 1 of each flavor with original sugar and another 6 with cinnamon sugar. And then we wait outside.
While waiting, one of the kids sees a sign for acai bowls at the Sunrise Shack next door. So, even though we’re getting a dozen doughnuts, we go and each kid gets something there. They all love it.
Back at Leonard’s our order is called and we are handed a heavy and warm pink box. And then we take it back to our car at the Safeway. Inside the box, I grab one. They are fresh, warm, delicious and messy. It’s hard to eat more than 1 or 2 at a time, so leaving some in the box for later. Time to clean up and head to the North Shore.
Little Plumeria Farms
Though plumerias were only introduced in Hawaii in the 19th century, their flowers are very popular for making leis. They come in different colors and varieties. In fact, Little Plumeria Farms has the largest collection in the world with over 100 unique hybrid plumeria varieties. Though it’s not a little farm, it’s named after the Little family. You can read more at Little Plumeria Farms.
Hey! Becky here…So, I’ve been excited about the Little Plumeria Farms Tour since Lisa told me about it few months. The 1 hour tour includes strolling through their Rare Hybrid Plumeria Garden and is followed by picking your own flowers. Plumeria flowers, amazing views, no kids or husbands – Sounds perfect!!
Little Plumeria Farms is truly a family business. Jim Little started the farm in 1973 and has created many of his own hybrids (the JL varieties). And today with his son Clark and grandson Dane, three generations run the family business. Clark is also a well-known photographer. (Again, Lisa introduced me to his work – Thank you, Lisa!) His photographs are breathtaking – waves, sea turtles, rainbows, plumeria….check him out! Clark Little Photography, Hawaii
Little Plumeria Farms Tour
Lisa and I have taken our time to arrive. Full disclosure, we had to find coffee. But we make it to the farm and the potting shed just in time to hear Clark Little give us a little history of the farm. Then they dive straight into how plumeria is cultivated and grown. They tell us about individual varieties, letting everyone select a flower of each variety. THEY SMELL HEAVENLY!! Every flower has its own unique fragrance and hues.
After swooning over the different varieties, the group splits up for a guided tour through the Rare Hybrid Plumeria Garden, aka the Plumeria Trail (These plants are only for admiring and smelling). Afterwards, they show us the trees that we can pick our own blossoms from. Seriously, this place is amazing. Everyone there is so knowledgeable about the farm and plumeria and so kind.
Lastly, it’s off to the gift shop. Please take my money!! Lisa and I both want some cuttings. They have cuttings that are properly prepared for agricultural clearance back to the mainland. We each got 3 different varieties to bring home, among some shirts, hats, and maybe a few Clark Little prints. (Clark was kind enough to sign all of the prints we purchased.)
Frankly, I didn’t want to leave. The property is so beautiful and relaxing. And the fragrance…WOW. But I also know that Lisa and I will be back here tomorrow. Right before we left Florida, Little Plumeria Farms opened a Sunset Lei Making Tour on Tuesday. It quickly became a must-do. So, begrudgingly, we leave after a good 2 hours at the farm. It’s time to go meet back up with our motley crew after their Waimea Valley excursion.
Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens and Falls
From the beach on the North Shore, a river flows into the Waimea Valley. This fertile and lush land from the mountains to the sea is deeply rooted in Hawaiian history. And since 1973, it has been open to the public as a park with a 150-acre botanical garden. You can read more at Waimea Valley.
After Leonard’s, we arrive at Waimea Valley over an hour later than planned. We park in an overflow lot and then walk in. Past the snack shop and coffee bar we head straight for the restrooms. And afterwards we get in line for the 0.75 mile walk through the gardens that lead to Waimea Falls. But once inside we see a sign to get a commemorative pin, and walk-up to a table first.
At the table a gentleman tells us a little about the gardens. He also gives each of us a card he stamped with the word “Kuleana” which means responsibility. And he teaches us about the Hawaiian customs and how they practice responsibility. He also tells us to enjoy the gardens and look for the next table to get the pins.
You could spend hours walking through all the gardens. There are different sections to explore. But even on the main path, you can see everything from a cannonball tree, red ginger, native hibiscus and more.
On the way, we exit the main path to explore a replica Hawaiian village. And here we find our 2nd table. We talk to another gentlemen who stamps our cards with “Laulima” which means helping hands. He explains what this means in Hawaiian culture and how everyone has their part in helping each other. He then gives us our commemorative pins.
Waimea Falls
After about an hour stopping at both tables and walking through the gardens and Hawaiian Village, we see a bridge. And on this bridge, we get our 1st glimpse of Waimea Falls.
The bridge is over the stream flowing from the falls and surrounded by lush greenery. But what we see next, we didn’t expect. We knew beforehand that you can swim in the falls. And that’s what we’re planning to do with the kids. But, what we see is a long line to check-in with a lifeguard. You have to check-in and get a life jacket before you can swim.
At this point it’s getting close to noon, and we decide not to wait to swim. We don’t know how long the wait is, and there’s a lot of people already in the water. So, we pass. Well if we’re not going to swim, at least we can get a picture in front of the falls. And maybe this time, our daughter will actually look at the camera. Oh well, let’s go…
I want to note they have lockers and a store that sells water shoes and anything else you might need. They also have a snack bar, where I get a scoop of haupia ice cream (Hawaiian coconut). It’s good and we share it on our way back. We only make a few quick stops, and get back to the entrance about 1.5 hours after we started. But before we leave, we stop in the store for a few minutes to look around. Though it’s now lunch time and the kids are getting hungry. So, it’s time to explore more of the North Shore.
North Shore Foods Trucks Lunch and More
After about 2 hours and little cell service, we leave and finally contact the girls. Becky and Lisa have been shopping and we’re all ready for lunch, so we head to Shark’s Cove. Right across from it, is a collection of food trucks with parking. And it’s less than a mile up the street. We easily find a parking spot in their lot.
There are multiple food trucks here with just about anything you want. They have shrimp, Mexican food, Asian food, burgers and more. The kids settle on the Mexican food, while I go over to Seven Brothers food truck to get their special burger. I am starving, so I also get their crazy fries with pineapple, caramelized onions and their house sauce.
Becky and Lisa arrive right when I’m picking up my burger. Behind the other food trucks are plenty of picnic tables, which is where Jack and the kids are. So, we all head over there. My burger is completely messy and absolutely delicious. And Becky shares my crazy fries which are also yum.
Afterwards, I tell Becky I’ll get us some shave ice. But she tells me she already had Matsumoto Shave Ice which is supposed to be the best. But, I heard this one is good too. I let our daughter order one, and I’ll just have a little bit. She gets to pick 3 flavors and gets coconut, mango and strawberry which are all good choices. You got to get the condensed milk on top as well.
Shark’s Cove
This area with the food trucks also has some games to keep the kids entertained. And the North Shore Surf Shop is also here if you want lessons. But after an hour and a half, we walk across the street to check out Shark’s Cove.
Shark’s Cove has a beach, but it’s known as a great snorkeling spot. It’s in a cove protected by rocks. It’s shallow and very calm making it good conditions for snorkeling. But it’s also very popular and crowded today.
I take the kids to the water climbing over some rocks to get there. It looks super cool, but again there’s a lot of people in the water in a confined space. So, we decide to head to another beach. We walk back across the street to our cars. And the ladies surprise us guys with authentic Hawaiian shirts they bought us earlier from the Kahala store in Haleʻiwa. They look great and can’t wait to wear them!
North Shore Beaches
The kids are ready to go to the beach and get in the water. So as I leave, I turn north toward Sunset Beach. But, I drive past it. So, Jack maps us to Turtle Beach. Though this isn’t the same as Laniakea Beach we had planned to visit earlier. But, we continue down Kamehameha Highway anyway. Our map has us turning in to the Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay. So, we head in and find a public parking spot for beach access.
We ask someone which is the best way to go to the beach. And he said either straight with a tiki bar and more people, or to the right is a more family beach. So, we decide to head right and walk past some condos to the beach. This is Kaihalulu Beach. Once on the shore, we turn right and pass an area with a lot of rocks and tidepools. And just past that is a sandy stretch. So, we put our stuff down and apply more sunscreen before letting the kids play in the water.
The area to the left that has a lot of rocks is shallow and calm. But it’s not great for swimming. So the kids go toward the sandy stretch. But, the waves are crashing pretty hard here. They’re not real big, but they are breaking right at the shoreline. So we keep our eyes on them.
But Kaihalulu Beach is beautiful. And it’s not crowded. We enjoy about 2 hours lying on the sand and playing in the water. It’s been relaxing, but there’s still one beach I want to visit.
Sunset Beach
Known for its sunsets and world-class surfing, Sunset Beach is a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach. And we park at Ehukai Beach Park, known as the location of the “Banzai Pipeline”. So, we walk down to the beach.
They have some of the biggest surfing competitions here in the winter. But in the summer, it is a great place to just enjoy the beach. There is golden sand for miles and the turquoise water is gleaming in the sun. We’re only on the beach for a little while because we decide to go back and change for dinner. But rather than head to Ted’s Bakery, Becky says see made a reservation at Haleiwa Joe’s.
Haleiwa Beach Park
We drive past the turnoffs for Waimea Valley and Little Plumeria Falls to the charming town of Haleʻiwa. And as soon as we do, Becky wants to pull into the Haleiwa Beach Park.
Becky stopped here earlier and said she saw a sea turtle, so she wanted to stop again. What we do see are a few big outrigger canoes paddling through the water. But as we walk out to the rocks, we see a head pop-up.
We spot a sea turtle in the water! And we look around and see a few of them popping their heads up briefly before going back underwater. We enjoy watching them for a few minutes while a sailboat comes back before sunset. It is quite a beautiful scene, but we need to meet up with the others for dinner. Luckily Haleiwa Joe’s is just down the road.
Haleiwa Joe’s Dinner
Becky had called earlier in the day and was able to get a reservation for 6:30PM. So when we arrive, we find the others. And once we’re all together, they seat us at a covered table outside. I’m glad we decided to eat in Haleʻiwa, because we totally missed it this morning driving to Waimea Valley. This charming and historic surf town is known as the social and cultural hub on the North Shore. And Haleiwa Joe’s has been serving local favorites here since 1998. You can read more at: Haleiwa Joe’s.
We 1st order some drinks while enjoying the views. Though for a little bit it sprinkles. Not much of a rain shower, but Becky’s aunt says that’s a Hawaiian blessing. With the Sun still out it can lightly rain often, increasing the chances of seeing rainbows.
Lisa walks out to take some pics near the water, while the rest of us relax from the table. The sun setting over the harbor is beautiful.
We enjoy our drinks, but are ready for some food. We order the fried chicken tenders for our daughter. However we both want the same thing and decide to share. So we order the Thai Fried Cauliflower appetizer minus the crushed peanuts. And we also order the fresh grilled fish with macadamia nut pesto, lobster cream sauce and garlic mash.
Our fish is ono again or wahoo. It’s cooked perfectly, and a nice size to share. The fresh delicious food, tasty drinks and harbor sunset views can’t be beat. After dinner, it’s dark and we still have to drive back to Becky’s Aunt’s. But we had a fun day exploring the North Shore.
Our Summary of Exploring the North Shore of Oahu
Becky will say exploring the North Shore was her favorite day in Hawaii. That’s because she loved Little Plumeria Farms that much! Though Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens and Falls was also a nice stop for the rest of us. The gardens are beautiful and we got to learn some Hawaiian culture on the way to the falls. And we got free commemorative pins!
After our excursions, I think we all loved the North Shore food trucks. They had everything you could want. And though we didn’t stay long at Shark’s Cove, we enjoyed a few hours at Kaihalulu Beach. And we stopped at more beaches on the way to dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s, a perfect ending to our day. There’s so much more we could have done, but we enjoyed exploring the North Shore!
Make sure to check back regularly for all of our adventures in Hawaii at: Destination – Hawaii.