North Shore

What things can I do on the North Shore? 

Golf

• Kahuku Municipal Golf Course – 9 holes with a million-dollar view. See Trip Advisor to read all of the 5-star reviews. 3 ½ miles north of the PCC. Open 6a – 530p daily
• Turtle Bay Resort Golf Courses – Featuring courses designed by Arnold Palmer and George Fazio. Just 5 miles north, Turtle Bay is situated on one of the most beautiful points of the North Shore. 7 miles north of PCC on Kamehameha Hwy 645a – sunset, daily

Hiking

There are many awesome hikes along the North Shore to enjoy. Check the weather and stick to the trail, our mountains look deceptively tame. If you use your head, and a bit of sunscreen and mosquito repellant, you’ll be able to experience a great adventure while taking in some of the most beautiful ocean and mountain views in the world. Some local suggestions (look on Google maps for directions):

• Hauʻula Trail
• Lāʻie Falls(permit required)
• Ehu Kai Pill Box

Horseback Riding

• At Gunstock Ranch, the horse trails wind up through the hills, allowing you to experience the outstanding country side of ʻOahu. 2 miles north of PCC, across from Mālaekahana State Park. Open 8a – 5p, Mon – Sat

Keana Farms Zipline

• This 3-hour tour will take you over working farms and lush vegetation as you zip from tropical mountains towards the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean below. It’s an adventure like no other. Three miles north of PCC and on the left, just before Kahuku High School. Open 8a – 5p, Mon – Sat

Where can I eat on the North Shore? 

Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Offers everything from sit-down dining at Pounders Restaurant to casual fare at our many food trucks and kiosks. You’ll find Polynesian barbeque, New Zealand style fish and chips, crepes, roasted chicken, burgers, fresh fruit smoothies and more! There’s something delicious for everyone in your family! Open M-Sat from 11a – 930p.

Hau’ula Shopping Center
2 ½ miles south of the PCC. Times vary.

North Shore Taco
It’s said that they have the #1 fish taco on the North Shore. Judging by the crowds, they just might be right! Open daily 11a – 9p.

Domino’s Pizza
Pick up or delivery, and easy to find at the Hau’ula Shopping Center.

Papa Ole’s
Delicious local food – try the garlic chicken and kalbi ribs!

Hukilau Café
Eat what the locals eat at this popular local café serving breakfast and lunch only. Get there early – it’s packed! Just 1 mile north of PCC on a little side street off Kamehameha Hwy. (look for the signs). Open T-Fri 630a – 2p, Sat 7-1130a, Sun-Mon closed.

Kahuku Farms
A unique cafe across from the Kahuku shrimp farms that uses their own produce to make delicious lunch dishes, smoothies, liliko’i jelly, flavored syrups and more. Healthy never tasted so good! Open every day but Tues, 11a – 4p.

Kahuku Open Market
in the middle of Kahuku. 3 ½ miles north of the PCC. Times vary.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
This is the one EVERYONE comes to. Classic seafood, casual Hawaii.

Nelly’s Mexican Food
Their mini tacos are DE-licious!

Ono Yo Yogurt
Fresh and tart with lots of toppings to choose from. Two flavors offered daily and more! Look for fresh barbeque, barbequed corn, burgers and more!

Kahuku Shrimp Trucks
Just north of Kahuku you can find a string of shrimp stands – and there is so many styles to choose from garlic, tempura, sweet n’ sour, and more! No matter which truck you pick, you’re sure to see why people from all over the world come here. 3 ½ miles north of PCC. Times vary.

Kahuku Sugar Mill
3 miles north of the PCC.

Wili Wili’s Shave Ice
Go to the side window of Vulu’s, over by Seven Brothers and design a special treat to beat the heat! Lots of flavors and variations to make your shave ice a one of a kind treat! In true Hawaiian style, they’re open when they’re open.

Ken’s Fish
Just north of the world famous Hukilau Beach is a place the locals consider the best fish plate on the island. Open Friday and Saturdays only – unless they aren’t. Okay, it’s quirky, but when you’re the best, you get to call the shots. Just a little over 1 mile north of the PCC, on the left.

Korean BBQ
South just a couple of miles in Hau’ula you will find a wide variety of yummy Korean food. Limited seating. Open M – Sat 10a – 8p. Closed Sunday.

Lāʻie Shopping Center – Open M-Sat; Closed Sunday. ½ mile north of the PCC. Times vary.

• Angel’s Ice Cream (smoothies, ice cream, shave ice) – great selection, including the Pineapple Whip!
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (plate lunch/dinner) – come try our local Hawaiian dishes
• Laie Chop Suey (Chinese)
• Pizza Hut
• Seven Brothers (fresh burgers) – Come to this comfy sit down restaurant in Laie where everything is made fresh daily. Servings are generous and delicious. Actually owned by a family of seven surfing brothers, so you know it’s ‘cool’. Open M-Thurs, Sat 11a-11p, Fridays 11a – 12a (closed every day from 4p-5p) Closed Sunday
• Subway Sandwiches – all your favorites
• Taco Bell

McDonalds
Everything you love plus some local favorites. Don’t forget to try the taro pie! Next to the northeast corner of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Open daily from 430a – 12a.

Roadside fruit and food stands
Ready to eat fresh fruit….this is what makes Hawaii, Hawaii. You’ll find them dotted along the Highway from Kaneohe to Haliewa. Lots of great choices. One of our personal favorite areas is just ½ mile south of The Polynesian Cultural Center, where you will find some refreshing otai, a delicious Polynesian fruit slush combination that is incredibly refreshing. Times vary.

Seven Brothers
– Kahuku – This second site of our popular local burger joint is just to the left of gas station in Kahuku. Everything is made fresh daily. Servings are generous and delicious. Open M-Thurs, Sat 11a-11p, Fridays 11a – 12a (closed every day from 4p-5p) Closed Sunday.

Sharks Cove area food trucks
You name it, they have it! 12 miles north of PCC on Kamehameha Highway. Times vary.

The Bistro at the Courtyard Oahu North Shore
Walk-up counter open for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus specialty beverages made with Starbucks® coffee. Adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center TIME.

Ted’s Bakery (near Sunset Beach)
THE place for an amazing piece of chocolate haupia or lilikoʻi pie and other awesome baked items, plus some great main dishes too. The line forms at the counter and wraps around the outdoor eating area – but it is so worth it! 10 miles north of the PCC. Open Daily, 7a – 8p.

Turtle Bay Resort
Lots of great choices from elegant to a quiet dinner on the beach. 3 ½ miles north of the PCC. Times vary.

Haleʻiwa
Got a hankering for something specific, something special, something delicious? You’re going to find it in Haleʻiwa. Go north from the PCC 18 miles. It’s the last town before you head inland. Just look for the custom wood signage as you enter town. Times vary

Where can I make a hotel reservation on the North Shore?

Courtyard Marriott Oahu North Shore (Adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center)

A modern hotel with a truly Hawaiian country feel. You’ll feel relaxed and at home with the friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and beautiful outdoor pool….and just across the street is their beautiful park-like access to the beach! Adjacent to the PCC.  Learn more about the Courtyard Marriot ʻOahu North Shore.

Turtle Bay Resort

An upscale resort providing an island experience just 6 miles north of the PCC. Pools, two golf courses, tennis courts, spa, restaurants and more will make it hard for you to believe you will ever need to leave.

Vacation Rentals

Check out VRBO or Airbnb to find a custom space just right for your family, but start early! These listings go fast.

Where can I rent a car on the North Shore? 

Alamo Car Rental

Mention The Polynesian Cultural Center and save on Alamo’s everyday low prices. Choose from their wide selection of quality vehicles, and take advantage of great savings and benefits. Let Alamo help you to explore the famous north shore of Oahu and your magnificent day at The Polynesian Cultural Center.

Where can I get gasoline on the North Shore? 

Foodland Gas station
1/2 mile north of the PCC. Open 7 days a week. Opens at 5:00am and closes at 9: 00pm.

Vulu Gas Station and the Kahuku Sugar Mill
3 miles north of the PCC. Open Monday – Saturday from 9a – 5p, Sunday 10a – 4p.

Foodland
Laie Shopping Center. ½ mile north of the PCC. Open Mon-Sat 5a – 12a, closed Sunday.

Tamura’s Market
Hauʻula Shopping Center. 2 miles south of the PCC. Open 7 days a week, 8a – 9p.

Kahuku Superette
Who knew you could find poke heaven inside an obscure little corner market? Another local secret we’re happy to share with you! 3 miles north of the PCC. Open M-F 630a – 10p, Sat-Sun 7a-10p.

• Find some sand anywhere along Kamehameha Highway and enjoy! We recommend Hukilau Beach, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay to get you started. Note, gates are locked at all public beaches at 8pm, if you’re driving, don’t get stuck inside!
• Surfing beaches – Beginners and moderately skilled – Mālaekahana Beach Park (Castles or Goat Island breaks), Turtle Bay, Chun’s Reef, Laniākea, Aliʻi Beach. Skilled surfers – Sunset Beach, Pipeline, Rocky Point, Waimea Bay. And for experienced body or boogie boarders, head over to Pounders (at Lāʻie Park)

We know you want to look and feel your best while visiting Hawaiʻi. Here are a few suggestions for a cool and comfortable trip.

First, think about what activities you want to do when you get here. Next, figure out what items you’ll need while doing them. Now, take a moment and reassess. Ask yourself, do I REALLY need it, will I REALLY use it, and do I REALLY want to pack it with me through the airport? There’s a lot to be said for ‘packing light’, and remember, Honolulu is a modern metropolis with many stores and rental shops. You can avoid the extra luggage fees and fill in the blanks once you get here. Plus you need to leave room in your bags to bring back all your cool Hawaii mementos, right?

Hawaii is rated as the most perfect weather in the 50 United States, averaging between 75 – 82 degrees year round. Here are the general rules of what to pack:

• Shorts are pretty much accepted everywhere.
• Shirts and cover-ups are important once you’re off the beach.
• After a day in the sun, the cool trades at night can feel cooler than the actual temperature, so be sure to bring a light sweater or jacket.
• Bring a pair of slacks/comfortable dress for a nicer night out.
• Sandals are accepted everywhere as appropriate footwear.
• Remember, we are a tropical island. It takes a lot of rain to keep this level of green, so bring your umbrella, or a rain poncho, or better yet, live like the locals and dance in the rain. It’s Hawaiʻi, after all. It will be sunny again soon!

From there, you should plan around your activities:

Visiting lots of different attractions?

• Comfortable shoes
• Loose, cool clothing
• Hat
• Sunscreen and After Sun
• Your favorite water bottle

Beach bum?

• Comfortable cover ups – for when you leave the beach briefly to restock
• At least 2 swimsuits so one can be drying while you wear the other one
• Cute (or manly) flip flops
• Hat
• Sunscreen and After Sun
• Your favorite water bottle
• A collapsible cooler for snacks and drinks so you can stay at the beach longer

Adventure seeker?

• Good hiking shoes (don’t forget your socks)
• Comfortable hiking gear
• Hat with a brim
• Sunscreen and After Sun
• Backpack for your water and food
• Your favorite water bottle
• Bug spray/repellent
• Don’t worry about equipment. You can rent most anything you need once you get on-island

Haleiwa
Fun shopping with an amazing 60s surfer vibe. Head north on Kamehameha Hwy and drive 18 miles to the far side of the North Shore. Times vary

Hukilau Marketplace
Comfort needs – sunscreen, hats water to resort wear and beautiful island gifts. Multiple stores. At the Polynesian Cultural Center. Open M-Sat from 11a – 8:30p

Kahuku Open Air Market
Come visit this informal yet robust outdoor market where you will find locally written and published books, hand-carved gifts and more. 3 miles north of the PCC. Open daily 1030a – 630p

Longs (CVS) at the Hau’ula Shopping Center
2 miles south of the PCC. Open daily from 7a – 10p