Stepping away from the vibrant city life of Honolulu, the North Shore of Oahu is a captivating escape with its own unique allure. The ‘Seven Mile Miracle’ stretches out, offering 7 miles of pristine waves and picturesque beaches from Hale’iwa to Velzyland. It’s a haven for surfers, hikers, and foodies, promising a blend of adventure and relaxation.
Introduction
Known for its turquoise waters, lush terrain, and welcoming Aloha spirit, it’s a favorite among LGBTQ+ travelers like my wife, Jessie, and me.
Over the past few decades, we have been fortunate to visit many Hawaiian islands. However, our most recent trip to Hawaii is particularly special to us. As Jessie approached her 40th birthday, we were on the verge of an extraordinary journey. After overcoming two battles with cancer, Jessie – a symbol of strength and inspiration – chose the island of Oahu as the destination to celebrate her return to good health and commemorate this significant milestone.
Day 1
We started Jessie’s birthday in style, treating ourselves to a first-class upgrade for our Hawaiian Airlines flight.
Once aboard, the friendly flight crew welcomed us with a choice of mai tais, prosecco, or juice. Opting for the tropical flair of mai tais, we settled in for the long flight, grateful for the liquid courage to soothe any pre-flight jitters.
The first-class seats reclined to a luxurious 180-degree angle, providing ample legroom and a footstool for added comfort. Although the seat was a bit firm and the pillow was thin, these minor inconveniences were outweighed by the in-flight luxuries—such as an iPad preloaded with movies on demand, a cozy blanket, and a few nice meals.
Upon arriving at Honolulu Airport, we quickly picked up our rental SUV from Budget, which we had booked through Costco Travel.
While it’s possible to explore the sights of Oahu without a rental car, especially if you’re staying in Waikiki, there’s so much to see and discover that we prefer the convenience and flexibility that a rental car provides.
Tip: Costco Travel does not have a cancellation or change fee. So, if you reserve your car far in advance, check the website for any price changes.
Our previous familiarity with Oahu didn’t dampen our sense of discovery.
We started a beautiful drive along Oahu’s leeward side and stopped to watch the sunrise at Ko Olina Lagoon, a new find.
Then, we had a delightful breakfast at My Cafe in Kapolei.
The Vanilla Mac Nut Coffee and Banana Mac Nut Waffle was tasty and a great way to start the morning.
For our stay, we arranged a charming one-bedroom condo at Turtle Bay Resort through VRBO.
We opted for a short-term rental because it provided the convenience of having a full kitchen, washer, and dryer in the unit. We highly recommend short-term rentals for the comfort and experience they offer. Not only do you get all the comforts of home, such as a place to wash swimsuits and beach towels, but you also get a taste of what it’s like to live like a local.
One of our favorite activities was relaxing at the Turtle Bay Beach Club.
We rented lounge chairs under an umbrella and indulged in edamame guacamole dip and wonton chips while soaking up the sun and surf. It was the perfect remedy for our jet lag.
Day 2
We were excited to visit Pupukea Tide Pools, also known as Sharks Cove.
It’s a beautiful spot nestled amidst lava rocks and coral, perfect for snorkeling. We had a fantastic time capturing the stunning underwater world swarming with colorful fish. And don’t worry, despite the name, Sharks Cove is completely shark-free.
Tip: When visiting Sharks Cove, aim to arrive early to beat the crowds and secure parking, as the area can get busy. Bringing water shoes with good traction is a game-changer for navigating the tide pools comfortably.
After our incredible snorkeling adventure, we explored the charming town of Hale’iwa and stumbled upon Island Vintage Coffee at the Hale’iwa Store Lots.
I treated myself to an iced Island Latte with macadamia and coconut, which was absolutely divine, and their Breakfast Plate, featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, asparagus, and avocado. The cranberry-walnut bread and blueberry jam perfectly complemented this delicious meal.
Energized and in high spirits, we explored the charming local shops. T&C Surf, Malibu Shirts, and North Shore Goodies were favorites. We had so much fun browsing through all the cool stuff and found many souvenirs.
We craved something sweet, so we stopped at Kaimana Shave Ice.
We had the most delicious shave ice made with syrups from fresh fruit and other natural ingredients. We shared one and tried the coconut and strawberry shave ice served over macadamia nut ice cream.
Later that evening, we enjoyed a delightful early dinner at Banzai Sushi Bar, indulging in their irresistible Happy Hour specials.
If you like sake, I recommend the Lychee and Lilikoi Sakatinis.
Day 3
Jessie’s 40th birthday kicked off with an exhilarating 3-hour ziplining tour at CLIMBworks.
As we soared along Oahu’s longest ziplines, some stretching nearly half a mile, we were captivated by the lush Hawaiian farms and the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It was an adrenaline-pumping experience that will be etched in our memories for years!
Tip: Remember to slather on that sunscreen! Even though there are plenty of trees around, there’s minimal shade while you wait your turn to rappel through the stunning coastal landscape.
After an action-packed morning, we were starved, so we made a pit stop at Seven Brothers Burgers at The Mill.
I ordered the Paniolo burger with BBQ sauce, onion rings, and pineapple, while Jessie opted for the Teri-Samoa teriyaki burger with bacon, pineapple, and cheese. Oh, and we couldn’t pass up the chance to try the Coconut Macadamia Nut Shrimp – a customer favorite!
For Jessie’s birthday dinner, I made reservations at Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi.
The staff there went above and beyond to make Jessie’s birthday unforgettable. Our table had an impressive oceanfront view, and a hand-painted “Happy Birthday” sign greeted us. The staff even helped us capture a few photos before sunset!
The dinner was an absolute delight!
We started with the Sweet Land Farm Dip and the North Shore Harvest salad before sharing the Beach House Trio for our main course. It was the perfect way to sample some of the menu’s best items—the Misoyaki Deepwater Black Cod, Jumbo Shrimp, Lobster, and Truffle Crab Mash were all incredibly tasty!
The dinner was absolutely fantastic, but the highlight was definitely the dessert.
We had pre-ordered the Caramelized Pineapple Butter Rum Cake, but to our surprise, the staff brought out two more desserts – a cute little chantilly cake with “Happy Birthday” written on it and a small molten chocolate cake. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture!
Day 4
After a busy week, we opted for a low-key day and headed back to Turtle Bay Beach Club.
We relaxed in cozy chairs under an umbrella, drank frozen cocktails, and listened to the soothing sound of the waves.
Day 5
We had an incredible time tearing through the “Jurassic” Valley in Ka’a’awa on Ultra-Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) at Kualoa Ranch.
This iconic location has been a backdrop for numerous TV shows and movies, including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Hawaii 5-0, and Lost.
As we navigated the rough terrain, our fantastic guides shared fascinating stories about the history of the Ka’a’awa Valley. We made frequent stops to admire the awe-inspiring views and capture some fun snapshots. With the hot, humid weather and sporadic rain, we were thankful for the helmets, goggles, and gaiters provided by Kualoa Ranch to shield us from the elements. The wash stations to freshen up before heading out were a much-appreciated bonus.
Tip: Wear clothes you are okay with parting with or are easy to clean. I learned this the hard way after staining my favorite sports team t-shirt. It’s still a work in progress to get those dirt stains out!
Day 6
On our final full day in Oahu, Jess and I couldn’t resist the pull of Sharks Cove for another round of snorkeling.
Despite being there before, the early morning calm made the water crystal clear, offering us an even better view of the vibrant marine life below.
Next up was a stop at the famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for lunch.
The garlic shrimp with lemon and rice was an absolute delight, and we enjoyed a little picnic under the shade of the trees.
Tip: Parking can be challenging, so be ready to hunt for a spot or consider paying a small fee to park in a lot. Also, if garlic shrimp isn’t your thing, don’t worry—plenty of food trucks offer various delicious options.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed an early dinner at Hale’iwa Joe’s.
The ahi poke, kalbi ribs, and grilled fish were absolutely mouthwatering. We were lucky to arrive before sunset, which allowed us to find the perfect parking spot and secure a table with the most magical view.
To end the day on a high note, we went to Sunset Beach and were treated to a mesmerizing sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
It was so awe-inspiring that no photo could genuinely capture its beauty!
Day 7
On our last day, we enjoyed a drive down the scenic Kamehameha Highway.
The breathtaking views, delicious food, and thrilling activities made our trip to Hawaii unforgettable. However, what truly made our experience special was the warmth and hospitality of the locals. We felt like a part of the community, and it left a lasting impression on us.
If you have yet to go to Hawaii, we highly recommend you visit the North Shore of Oahu and immerse yourself in the beauty of this wonderful place. We will always cherish our time in Hawaii and eagerly look forward to returning to relive this incredible experience.
Until next time, Aloha!