The Perfect Day on Oahu’s North Shore – Kahuku & Hale’iwa

Driving around the island of Oahu is so picturesque everywhere you look. From the mountains to the beaches, to the homes, trees, etc. It’s just beautiful.

On our trip to the infamous North Shore for a day filled with adventures we first pulled over on the side of the road to see Sadie the Hawaiian Monk Seal. Monk Seals are endangered species and it’s a very special moment if you were to see one. If you do see one, please stand at a safe distance (150 feet) and don’t disturb them. Take lots of pictures/video as a keepsake but please let them enjoy themselves and don’t ever feed them as it’s unsafe and illegal.

After saying hello to Sadie, we drove to the the Kahuku Sugar Mill and had a delicious breakfast at Raised By The Waves. A vegan plant based ECO Cafe. A stellar menu that you definitely can’t go wrong with anything on it. On this visit we had the Sunrise Waffle, Avo Toast, and a delicious Cold Brew with Milkadamia. They also have great souvenirs as well. Check them out at https://raisedbythewaves.com or @raisedbythewaveshawaii

Once breakfast was over we walked over to check out the old Sugar Mill ruins. As you exit the Raised By The Waves area, head back onto the walking path and hang a immediate right and walk straight towards the tall concrete structure.

Another highlight to note is towards the front of the Kahuku Sugar Mill are various food trucks that provide a variety of different eats. So if one catches your eye definitely give them a try and check their hours as each vary. *We went back later that evening to have Tacos at Papis Tacos.*

Once we were done at the Sugar Mill, we began our journey to the Ehukai Pillbox Hike. Parking can be found at the lot facing Sunset Elementary or along the street. Make sure you aren’t blocking anybody’s homes, driveways, and definitely keep space for the vehicles near you to enter/exit as well. We hiked not to long after it had rained, so it was quite muddy, but it was totally worth the experience and oh the views were spectacular. A must do 3 mile round trip hike if you are up in the North Shore.

Finally we headed to Hale’iwa to enjoy a delicious lunch, do a little shopping, and relax on the beach. For lunch at The Beet Box Cafe we enjoyed the Beet Box Salad, Thai Tacos, the Rio Bowl, and a fresh baked cookie. https://www.thebeetboxcafe.com/ @thebeetboxcafe

AND you can’t visit Hale’iwa without getting some shave ice at Matsumoto! @matsumotoshaveice https://matsumotoshaveice.com

Finally, we finished the perfect day on the North Shore by watching the sunset at the beach.

Xx Heather & Huy