Page 8) Things to Do in Oahu in 2025 – Tours & Activities

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Really enjoyable tour to the North Shore

Reviewed by: Cmschwab

Picked this tour to the north shore due to the choice of activities and since it had pick up from Waikiki. Mike was our guide and informative. Snorkelled at Shark's cove then headed to Waimea Bay for some snorkelling and beach time. Then chose to paddle boarding down the river near Haleiwa instead of kayaking. Ended the tour at Haleiwa. Good tour for the time spent up north and activities you could participate in and p/u provided.

fish at shark's cove
busy Tuesday am at Shark's Cove
Shark's cove
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay beach calm in summer;40 foot waves in winter
fish in Waimea Bay
Flowering tree in Waimea bay parking lot
Paddle boarding on the river near Haleiwa
Turtle beach

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2017/06/22
Activity Date:	2017/06/06

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Surf bus

Reviewed by: Adrian

Good activities. Well organised
Bus driver/guide was very informative and friendly.

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2017/05/13
Activity Date:	2017/04/23

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

A day to remember

Reviewed by: Sandy

Such a great day! A fantastic way to discover the north shore, just the right blend between organized activities and free time! I would do it again without hesitation

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2017/05/01
Activity Date:	2017/04/28

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

A Great, Informative Tour!

Reviewed by: CoCoCorinne

This tour was great. I learned so much about Oahu and Hawaiian culture, and loved getting to visit the island's highlights. Our guide, Ed, was an absolute highlight. He was so knowledgeable and funny, sharing endless facts and not allowing the full day tour to get boring.

The bus was comfortable, so even though driving for most of the day, it was relaxing and enjoyable. The buffet lunch at Kualoa Ranch was tasty, with a beautiful view.

My favorite sight was probably the Byodo-In Temple. Such a serene setting..

I highly recommend this tour for anyone without a car rental, wanting to get out of Waikiki for the day and interested in learning about the island.

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Rating:
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2017/03/17

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Surf bus

Reviewed by: Susie

Sam was our driver and tour guide. He was very informative and we learned a lot about not just The North Shore but also Hawaii.
We were able to change activities if when we checked them out we changed our mind. Sam explained the activities well and made everyone feel comfortable.

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2017/01/14
Activity Date:	2017/01/09

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

A day filled with fun for the entire family!

Reviewed by: Tatiana Johnson

Even though I am not a tourist and have lived in Honolulu for almost three years, the circle island tour with Polynesian Adventure Tours was amazing to say the least. I had already been to most of the places we visited on the tour, but on that day I saw the island in a different light. Nothing like learning about Hawaii from a native Hawaiian guide! He was a human encyclopedia of information and facts. Culture, history, flora, fauna, movie set locations—he knew it all.

What specifically impressed me is when our guide talked about Captain Cook’s death. Many sources say that this European sailor might have been eaten by the natives. Our guide shared, however, that Hawaiian people never practices cannibalism. After Cook’s death his body was treated the same way a body of a local chief would be treated—the flesh was burnt but the bones remained intact for further burial. So, upon requesting their captain’s body, Cook’s team was issued a bag of bones, which made them automatically assume he had been eaten.

I would highly recommend the circle island tour to anyone wanting to see Oahu’s beautiful nature and also learn more about its history and culture. This tour will definitely broaden your horizons. I am thankful I had the opportunity to go!

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Rating:
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2016/12/01

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Great way to see the island

Reviewed by: Lauren

Great way to see the island in one day! Our driver Ed was awesome.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY]
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2016/10/15
Activity Date:	2016/10/12

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Somewhat Boring

Reviewed by: Dana

First part of the trip was informative and somewhat interesting. Half way through we stopped for lunch at the Kualoa Ranch ,food was not bad. Then after the lunch break the trip became very boring. Drove along the north shore of the island for well over an hour without stopping to view anything. We then turned inland heading to the Dole Plantation which took another 1/2 an hour plus. Stopped at the plantation for 15 minutes to buy gifts or have a Dole ice cream??. Then it was off to home sweet home. Our Driver Leo was very cordial and informative and generally helpful with the boredom. This tour should at best last the first part of the trip and head back. Sorry

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2016/10/01
Activity Date:	2016/09/19

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Excellent Tour

Reviewed by: vicki lewis

hi its was an excellent tour, the guide was knowledgeable, helpful food was good a great day

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY]
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2016/09/29
Activity Date:	2016/08/07

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

The "non-tour" tour of north shore

Reviewed by: Renee

The best of tour plusses without the negatives. You spend most of your time at the location you choose and doing the activity you choose. Justin was very knowledgeable and personable. He let us choose our activity on site and even let people customize it by picking 2 morning activites and no afternoon ones. It was awesome.

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/09/23
Activity Date:	2016/09/20

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Great Tour

Reviewed by: Kevin

Leo was awesome. If there is a possible stop before dole plantation would be nice toward end of day need to not drive so much. But still great time glad we did it.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/09/22
Activity Date:	2016/09/19

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Fun day

Reviewed by: Erin

Fun day off activities. Good driver and guide, well organised, good options of activities. Saw a variety of different beaches including sea turtles.

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/08/28
Activity Date:	2016/08/03

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Great scenery !!

Reviewed by: Jackie

Leo our driver was absolutely amazing , full of interesting facts about beautiful Hawaii , always patient and happy . The only reason I didn't give 5 Stars is the traffic , at times it was horrendous !! Luckily Leo took our mind off it with sometimes Hawaiian music sometimes quirky information,never boring , thank you

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY]
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/08/01
Activity Date:	2016/07/29

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Big disappointment

Reviewed by: cueno

Driver only spoke of food! Then it was not very clear on what was included so we missed the food trucks and NO lunch (after all talk and no food).

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Ms Cueno, we are very sorry to hear that the driver was not clear about things an only talked about food.
We will definitely talk to him about it.
Just to be clear, the tour package you bought included the kayak plus the admission to the falls park, but did not include a free lunch on us.
Some of the other customers use only one activity and have lunch on us -in lieu- of the second activity . Is this where the confusion started?
Our manager will call you to clarify everything with you.
Much aloha

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2016/07/06
Activity Date:	2016/06/29

North Shore Hiking Tours from Haleiwa with Expert Local Guide & Lunch

Hiking

Reviewed by: Margo

Our guide, Kai, was absolutely amazing! While we weren't able to make it to the swimming hole due to massive amounts of rain making it unsafe at the water crossings, he took us on an additional hiking section where we got to see various parts of the trail. The lunch provided was hand-made and was delicious... wish I knew how to make those rolls! I would more than recommend this excursion with Kai... he gets more than 5 stars!

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Rating:
Packages:	The Little Adventure (2-Mile Hike)
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2016/06/10
Activity Date:	2016/05/31

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

The Surf Bus

Reviewed by: Laura

It was great, i got picked up and he drove out to the northshore, showed us around the town and then the activities started. He was very available to pickup after each activity and drop you off where you wanted to go. Waterfall, snorkeling, shrimp truck, beach time & stand up paddle board, it was great. There are other activities to pick from. He even stopped because he saw a sea turtle was sitting on the beach, so we could see it and take pics, it was great!

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2016/06/06
Activity Date:	2016/06/03

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Outstanding!

Reviewed by: Angela

This tour is a great way to see and experience the North Shore from the land and in the water. Our tour guide (HC) knew his way around the island like nobody's business. He went the extra mile to ensure we had a great time. Plenty of time for snorkeling, bike riding, checking out waterfalls, SUP or kayaking AND SHOPPING! I highly recommend!

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2016/05/29
Activity Date:	2016/05/27

North Shore Hiking Tours from Haleiwa with Expert Local Guide & Lunch

Big hike!

Reviewed by: Oahu88

This was probably one of our more strenuous/lengthier hikes (water and proper footwear are highly recommended- it can get slippery on the trail). It was a lot of fun. We did cross some streams which were a bit difficult for some. You will get sweaty, wet, and dirty. No bathrooms, of course, so be prepared.
Great views. Tour guide was excellent, very passionate, helpful, and knowledgeable! Lunch was pretty good- everyone seemed to like it. Private mountain pool swim was enjoyed by most.

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Rating:
Packages:	The Big Adventure (3.5-Mile Hike)
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/05/24
Activity Date:	2016/05/07

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Tour

Reviewed by: Ted Galbreath

Ben our driver was great. Thoroughly enjoyed his narration as we traveled. Very informative. Long day but very very worth it!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY]
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/05/15
Activity Date:	2016/05/11

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Great Time

Reviewed by: Monty Magnet

Taking this tour was very helpful in making sure we made the most out of our visit. Our guide gave us a detailed review of the area so that we were able to make an informed decision on our activities. I would definitely recommend this tour.

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/04/25
Activity Date:	2016/04/22

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Amazing!

Reviewed by: Lauren

We loved this trip. The guide was super helpful and friendly. We will be booking this trip again.

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2016/04/07
Activity Date:	2015/05/14

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Awesome day on the North Shore

Reviewed by: Georgie C

I think our guides name was AC... he was amazing, had so much interesting information, made the drive to the north shore very entertaining.

First stop was Haleiwa Town on the north shore where we could have a look around and even got to try the famous shave ice. Next a drive along the shore to see all the amazing beaches and even some celebrity houses, then had a stop at the pipeline for some photos, and then he took us to see all the activities so we knew what they all were.

My friend and I chose the waterfall hike/swim, then AC took us the Waimea Bay for a swim, then the kayaking in the afternoon, and a great burger from Haleiwa Town. On the way back to Waikiki we stopped at a beach famous for turtles and we saw one on the beach. AC then dropped us off at the dole plantation - a complete surprise - so we could have a look around and try the dole whip. On the drive back AC played some stand up comedy on the tv so we could all relax and have a laugh.

Overall an incredible day!

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2016/04/02
Activity Date:	2016/03/12

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Great Trip

Reviewed by: kevin

Driver was great and very informative. would highly recommend this to anyone.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY]
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2016/03/05
Activity Date:	2016/03/02

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for!

Reviewed by: Lani S.

I wanted to head out to the North Shore, but did not want to sit on a stodgy bus all day and listen to someone drone on and on. The Surf Bus was the PERFECT choice since I not only got to experience the highlights of the area, but got to do some fun activities as well.

I decided to do Snorkeling, the Waimea Falls nature walk and SUP. Harry was very accommodating about squeezing in two activities for the morning section, and I am so happy that he did. The snorkeling was AMAZING! It was literally like swimming in an aquarium. I got to be in the water for a little over an hour and then I was picked up to go to Waimea Falls Park. The walk was quite easy, and if you have a hard time walking, shuttles are available for $10 round-trip at the park. I didn't go into the water since I just wanted to sit and relax, but the walk to and from the waterfall was about 45 minutes total. REALLY beautiful.

For my afternoon, I chose SUP and even though I had never done it before, I figured it out pretty quickly after the briefing from the guys at the surf store. I never quite made it to the "stand up" part of "stand up paddling", but my "sit up" paddle was just as fun and I made it all the way down the river.

With about an hour left before I had to meet the bus, I had a delicious burger and fries at Teddy's Bigger Burger and washed that all down with some shave ice from Matsumotos (lychee and strawberry YUM!). All in all, a great experience and wonderful way to see the best of the North Shore in a day :)

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Rating:
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2016/02/17

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Expectations...

Reviewed by: -PAUL-

I mentioned this before on the phone. This was fun, but was only able to do one activity. Unfortunately the ad misleads you into thinking you can do whatever activities, whenever. You are allowed to swim, snorkel, bike ride or hike in the morning. Then you can either surf(which you cant cause it will cost you more when you never did it, apparently you have to take a lesson before using their boards), kayak, or stand up paddleboard in the afternoon. It just was a disappointment to have an expectaion of what to get for my day, then not do it. In other words, two spereate locations for the morning and afternoon activities, so majority of your time is traveling. Which is fine, but also would of have a different opinion. Knowing what i know now, i probably would never choosen this activity.
I missed the bus to go to the afternoon location, needless to say i was given the wrong time by tourist, but honsestly by the time i got there, i was out of time. One thing that is odd is the memory game, being dropped off somwhere and being picked up elsewhere. However, the people that works at the snorkel rental place, especially that young kid, clueless to his surroundings. Knew who i was & i who else i was there with in regards of the other party on the tour bus & couldnt inform me of the other party making it back. So knowing the time i had to be picked up, this kid not being observant and missing the bus is all my fault, right? So thanks for that! I had to wait for the city bus to pick me up to find out where the tour bus was to get back on it.
All in all, i only did one activity and did a lot of sitting & waiting around. Snorkeling was fun, but was my excitement was short lived with the turmoil. I had fun snorkeling, and thats about it. Oh yeah, dont worry, ill take care of that bus fare!

Reply from activity provider

We are sorry you got the pick up times mixed up and were forced to catch a city bus to catch up , therefore missing your second activity. Normally we have other drivers on the North Shore and could have expatiated things so sorry for that too.PLEASE GIVE US A FUTURE DATE TO COMP YOU THE TOUR SO WE CAN SHOW YOU WHAT ITS REALLY LIKE.
P.S; FOR SAFTEY REASONS SURFING IS THE ONLY ACTIVITY WHICH IF YOU HAVE NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE WE REQUIRE YOU DO A LESSON. Those with some prior experience may surf with our basic package pricing.

Aloha Justin

only picture i could take, the rest was with my underwater camera

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Solo Travelers
Posted on:	2016/01/11
Activity Date:	2015/05/16

North Shore Hiking Tours from Haleiwa with Expert Local Guide & Lunch

Awesome

Reviewed by: Ken

The hike was one of the highlights of my trip. I loved the river crossings even though the river made all of my clothes really wet and went up to my chest, since I am only 4'11". Keola taught us many Hawaiian words including freshwater, wai, saltwater, Kai, and Life, Keola. He was very knowledgable about the history of the island and the Kamehameha family. The best part was probably talking with our fellow hikers and the small lake where we ate lunch. We will definitely do one of the other tours as well.

- Ken M.

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Rating:
Packages:	Huaka'i Iki [The Little Hiking Adventure] 50% Discount Review Rebate Special
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2016/01/01
Activity Date:	2015/12/29

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

This tour is essencial in your visit to Hawaii Islands.

Reviewed by: Alberto Ortega

Simply wonderful. You travel around Oahu, visiting many beaches and points of attraction, like the Budist temple, Kualua Ranch, Dole Plantation and much more. The tour guide was excelent, I give him the highest calification.

Budist temple
In the tour we visited a few wonderful beaches.
Kualoa Ranch, Oahu northeast.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY]
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2015/12/27
Activity Date:	2015/12/16

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

Great day with AC as tour guide

Reviewed by: McDougalls

We had a wonderful day with AC as our guide. He was very knowledgeable, pointing out local sites and giving history along the way. He bent over backwards to accommodate everyone on the tour, taking each group to their favorite locations, running back and forth moving us around from hot spot to hotspot as we each finished our excursions. He was very professional at all times. We would hIghly recommend him as a tour guide. We had a blast! He even went out of his way to go back and find a lost article for us- which fell out of the van at a previous stop.

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Rating:
Packages:	[From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2015/12/23
Activity Date:	2015/12/21

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Excellent tour once we got started

Reviewed by: Honolulu tourist

Our original driver lost his wallet so could not drive us. We had to wait close to an hour to get a new driver. This combined with heavy traffic due to a Christmas parade resulted in our tour being significantly delayed and feeling somewhat rushed as we tried to save time at each stop. Our second driver was very knowledgeable and gave us an excellent running commentary as we toured. We did skip a couple of stops/activities due to the delays, but we're not offered any type of compensation. While this is a highly recommended tour company that provided the service, I find it disappointing they did nothing to make up for their issues.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY]
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2015/12/15
Activity Date:	2015/12/12

Oahu Island Guided Tour, Waimea Waterfall Swim & Dole Pineapple Farm

Great tour!

Reviewed by: Mary W., Salem, OR

The tour guide was entertaining, funny, and knowledgeable. The scenery was breathtaking. Enjoyed all the stops.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2015/12/08
Activity Date:	2015/11/02

Things to Do in Oahu in 2025 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Haleiwa Town, North Shore in Oahu

Overall Rating

Reviews

Really enjoyable tour to the North Shore

Surf bus

A day to remember

A Great, Informative Tour!

Surf bus

A day filled with fun for the entire family!

Great way to see the island

Somewhat Boring

Excellent Tour

The "non-tour" tour of north shore

Great Tour

Fun day

Great scenery !!

Big disappointment

Hiking

The Surf Bus

Outstanding!

Big hike!

Tour

Great Time

Amazing!

Awesome day on the North Shore

Great Trip

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for!

Expectations...

Awesome

This tour is essencial in your visit to Hawaii Islands.

Great day with AC as tour guide

Excellent tour once we got started

Great tour!

Hawaiian Islands

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