The Ultimate North Shore Road Trip by Bus
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Hawaii and cheap doesn’t go hand-in-hand. All it takes is a quick stroll through Waikiki’s lavish resorts and restaurants to know that between the food, transport and activities, the costs add up. But where there is a will, there is a way and if you, like us, want to see Hawaii to the fullest without spending the big bucks, you can. One such perfect area to explore the is the North Shore.
Hawaii’s North Shore is home to the world’s premier surfing competitions and swiftly evokes some major 90s nostalgia. Only about an hour’s drive from Waikiki, this day trip is perfect for exploring with a rented car. While the option of a tour is always available to cover the island circle, this area to me was all about the simple island life. There was just something so right about getting lost in the colourful streets on our own that wouldn’t have been part of the experience had we found a guide to show us the way.
If you, like us, choose not to rent a car or if you are on a budget (hello students!), ‘TheBus’ is your rescue. Although you don’t get as much freedom as you would in a car, planning ahead and being vigilant in monitoring the sometimes late buses, through ‘TheBus’ app, is all you need to enjoy this form of commute. Be sure to also pack some drinks and nibbles to later snack on at the beaches and keep the lunch cost low. The bus journey takes two hours but don’t worry, it passes quickly given the beautiful surrounds.
Our first stopover on this trip was the historic Haleiwa town, a charming mix of everything country and surf related. It was quite a shock to reconcile this laid back town with the bustling and posh vibe of Waikiki but we loved the contrast. The high-end boutiques and swanky eateries were nowhere in sight and instead we were greeted with an earthier scenery. Stop by the locally run surf gear shops or quaint boutiques selling Hawaiian wear and an assortment of trinkets to pack as souvenirs.
Haleiwa is also where you can find the iconic Matsumoto's shaved ice. Given our love for this Hawaiian specialty, we had treated ourselves to many servings of delicious shaved ice but the flavours available here were definitely a unique find with pickled mango, Yuzu and Root Beer being some of the offerings. And unlike my experience in Italy where interesting flavours of gelato in Rome didn’t necessarily equate to good gelato at all, Matsumoto, despite its popularity served some amazing shaved ice.
The next stop along the way was Shark's Cove, a rocky bay perfect for some snorkeling. Although a stunning spot, it was welcoming to see it lacking the crazy crowds of Hanauma Bay. A word of caution though, given the lack of sand, be careful of the rocky terrain while going into the water.
If your snorkeling adventures have worked up an appetite, drop by the vibrant food trucks situated opposite Shark’s Cove like we did. If you miss this opportunity though, be sure to stop by one of the many other food trucks speckled across the North Shore. Averaging at 10 USD, they are not be the most budget-friendly option but given how good the food was, we urge you to give it a try at least once.
After your lunch, end your day trip by walking to Banzai Pipeline to catch the surfers in their element. Given the beach’s mammoth waves, this is the perfect opportunities to catch thrill-seekers take part in some exciting surf action. The waves tend to reach quite high (even reaching about 30 feet) so if you’re not a full confident swimmer or surfer, give this one a miss.
In our super jam-packed day we also managed to fit in a visit to the Dole Plantation (more on that coming soon). We chose to stop there first before heading Haleiwa but had to sacrifice a visit to Waimea Valley. If you’re going by bus like us, we recommend you to plan your itinerary accordingly. You can always opt to visit Waimea Valley instead and keep the Dole Plantation saved for another day!
35 comments
these pictures are gorgeous!!! thank you for sharing, love!
ReplyDeleteXx, Tiffany Lea
https://zimmylifestyle.com
It looks so nice! I love these pictures!
ReplyDeletehttp://violettedaily.com/
Wow, wonderful pics, amazing beach!
ReplyDeleteLove, Paola.
Expressyourself
Woww!! Impressive pictures!! I would like to be there!
ReplyDeletexx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: CALI DAYS: ZARA ROMPER & VINTAGE LEVI'S
That place look so rad! I miss surfing :)
ReplyDelete❤️ Alyssa // STYLE VANITY // Instagram
OMG These pictures are just incredible. Thanks for sharing these beautiful vibes.
ReplyDeletexx Ashon
http://ashonfashionary.com/pink-floral-outfit-for-spring/
What a great way to have a road trip while still being in sydney!! Love that its not too dear as well!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteBernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
Nice place! Love your photos! Kisses
ReplyDeletehttps://thefashionjump.blogspot.com.es
This sounds (and looks) amazing, I am very jealous of you! Gorgeous photos as well x
ReplyDeletewww.bisoushollyolivia.co.uk
Oh myyy!! So jealous of this! Looks like a lot of fun :)
ReplyDeleteEnclothed Cognition
This looks like so much fun! I have never been surfing, but it looks ideal.
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
Your shots are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
http://gallech.blogspot.com
Hello!,
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a greeting <3
Hello!,
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I like it :)
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a greeting <3
Hi babe
ReplyDeleteSo amazing pictures. These are impressive
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog
I miss the North Shore! I had a fantastic time there! Great shots!
ReplyDelete- Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Amazing photos!
ReplyDeleteHugs Bella, http://nouw.com/bellss/zara-lace-top-30283920 // Instagram: bellaskoog
Wow, it looks absolutely amazing here, girlie! You have me itching for a vacation now, haha. There's nothing like being on the beach and eating great food. Thanks for sharing and I hope you're having a great week so far!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jalisa
www.thestylecontour.com
hehe, we all need some inspiration from time to time :)
DeleteI absolutely loved North Shore! Unfortunately when I went, it was super high tide, so I wasn't able to go into Shark's Cove, but there's always next time. Great pictures!
ReplyDeletexo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Ahhh that sucks! But I guess you would have gone Hanauma Bay and snorkeling there is amazing too !
DeleteStunning photos, and great blog in general! I like your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love to travel too, so check out my traveling adventures:
http://www.travelingawesome.net/
Yea taking the bus makes it more of an adventure right?! I always use public transport when i travel, helps me to interact with locals and discover more about the culture.
ReplyDeleteYour images are lovely by the way!
Have a great weekend!!
http://anaturellecraving.blogspot.sg/2017/05/how-i-clean-my-handbags-diy-hacks.html#comment-form
Yep you're so right! Saw locals just going about their day, grocery shopping or going to work, it was beautiful :)
DeleteOmg these photos are stunning!!! That place truly looks like heaven on Earth. Every picture with the palmtrees was gorgeous, and I also love how blue the water looked. Thanks for sharing dear! I absolutely loved it!
ReplyDeletexx
www.stylebydeb.com
Thank you ! Palm trees have a way of transporting you to island life don't they :)
DeleteWow, thanks a lot for publishing these adorable pictures! I see it is really worth to do this trip :)
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Spectacular photos. I would love to catch a surf competition one day and enjoy the beauty.
ReplyDeletewww.fashionradi.com
Great shots, lady- North Shore looks amazing!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Your photos make me wanna go on a road trip so much! You know, traveling is my call!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thequinoxfashion.com
What stunning photos! I've never been to Hawaii but I would love to go someday. x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
This looks so beautiful! I love your travel photos so much. The food, scenery, and style is so chic :) You make me want to go here badly <3 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/06/fathers-day-essentials-to-buy-right-now.html
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness....so much gorgeousness! I've never been to Hawaii but would love to someday:)
ReplyDeleteLaura
Black Coffee Beautiful
This place just look amazing, I would love to spend my summer here. I hope you have an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteCamila,
My Vogue Style | www.myvoguestyle.com