Oahu's North Shore

Walking up to Waimea Falls (bridge lookout) - B. O'Rourke 2016

With heavy tourism present along Honolulu and Waikiki areas, the North Shore of Hawaii isn't as heavily populated with western tourists, however there are plenty of areas to explore. Our first choice was an easy 20 minute walk through spectacularly maintained botanical gardens located at Waimea Valley. The maintained pathway leads through areas of plants of varying origins, with a final destination being Waimea Falls. Of course we took the oppurtunity to have a swim and soak in some of the 'healing properties' of the waters. A lifejacket mandatory we attempted to swim against the falling waters for a photo op, but holding a camera and swimming wasn't easy.

Swimming in Waimea Falls - B. O'Rourke 2016

Seeing as the walk was not too strenuous, visiting Laniakea beach was our second activity for a mandatory North Shore turtle watching visit. This beach was located in Haleiwa, a short drive away.

We were able to take advantage of a big SUV to do so, with a stop off to throw a 'shaka' and obviously snap a photo.

Big rigging and 'shaka' slinging - B. O'Rourke 2016

While the turtles don't do a lot, being up close with these gracious sea creatures is still an awesome experience. Volunteers that protect the turtles when they are on shore provided us with some brief information, the most interesting fact being they were all over about 30 years of age. 

Sea Turtle 'Sapphire' - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sea Turtle 'Loki' - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sea Turtle 'George' - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sea Turtle 'Olivia Dawn' - B. O'Rourke 2016

We needed energy, and what better way than eating out at North Shore's famous food trucks. We shared the evenings experience with a crew of close friends, in which many beach burritos were devoured. With 'Endless Summer' playing on a screen in the background, it was a great finish to any day. Although the sunset on the most northerly point of Oahu's North Shore is something to be admired, with a burning impression forever in our hearts.

North Shore food truck crew - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sunset over the Pacific, A North Shore (Oahu) perspective - B. O'Rourke 2016