Whether it's for the surf or the shrimp trucks, the drive to Oahu's iconic North Shore is the "road trip" getaway locals crave when living on an island. Visitors staying in Waikiki make a day of the trip up north, stopping at each roadside attraction for an Instagrammable selfie.
Every winter surf season, you'll find our little family trekking the 40 miles with a car full of boards and every beach item imaginable (cooler, umbrella, chairs, wagon, etc.). We like to be prepared for the long drive and the long day away from home. Those things seemingly doubled in quantity when we began braving the commute with our little one.
It takes a little over an hour (via freeway) to drive from Waikiki to Ehukai Beach Park. And while that might barely put a dent in mainland commutes, it's automatically dubbed a road trip here in Hawaii.
Once off of the freeway and passing Wahiawa, pineapples fields decorate the rolling foothills of Waialua. They're a famous feature welcoming drivers to the "country." For us, it's those sweet horses roaming Kawailoa Ranch that we always look forward to seeing.
If you choose the more scenic route to the North Shore (via Kamehameha Highway), then tack on another 45 minutes to your drive. Instead of pineapple fields, you're welcomed with fresh ocean air and an even more laidback vibe characterizing each winding turn. Stop at one of the local roadside vendors for fresh fruit or freshly caught shrimp.
Till this day, the anticipation of a North Shore day never gets old, with the first winter swell of the season feeling like Christmas morning. And no matter which route we end up taking, we know it'll always lead us to a refreshing change of scenery and a relaxing change of pace.
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