Kahuku Things To Do
Things to Do near Kahuku on Oahu
Find yourself along the northern tip of Oahu during your trip to the local beach town of Kahuku!
Kahuku is a small island town found on Oahu's northeastern coast (right along the northern tip), between Laie and Turtle Bay. Many fishers like the area surrounding Kahuku's beaches for the variety of fish and lack of swimmers.
There are plenty of activities for the whole family in Kahuku, whether you’re looking for something adventurous or relaxed. Places of interest in the area include beaches, spots for hiking and fishing, art galleries, and shrimp trucks.
Other ways to explore Kahuku include photo tours, ziplining on Oahu’s North Shore, Mountain Biking, helicopter tours, and more! Family-friendly activities are wide-ranging; discover the island through a tour with snorkeling to see green sea turtles or a Circle Island adventure.
A former sugar plantation town, Kahuku, is also home to one of the few remaining family-owned farms in the area: Kahuku Farms. This destination offers educational tours of what it’s like to farm on the island of Oahu and is also a great place to stop for a treat!
The Turtle Bay area is one of the most popular aspects of Kahuku. The unique destination is located along Oahu’s North Shore, offering resort accommodations, beach cottages, coastal access, and restaurants that are open to the public.
Eating Well, Island-Style
As a town that borders the Pacific Ocean, there’s no shortage of seafood found in the Kahuku area. If you’re a fan of shrimp dishes, there is plenty for you to try, from hearty plates at shrimp trucks to garlic shrimp and other North Shore seafood staples.
Brief History of Kahuku
The Charmed History of Kahuku includes the Kahuku Sugar Mill. This destination commemorates what was once an agricultural mecca in Oahu’s North Shore. The land surrounding Kahuku was turned into a very successful and productive sugar plantation, which was Hawaii’s largest industry at one point in time. Kahuku truly began to flourish after the Civil War but is now largely seen as a way for the area’s culture, history, and way of life to be preserved.
Today, many visitors can stop by the Kahuku Sugar Mill, housed in the main mill building where restaurants and shops exist as well. You can tour the Kahuku Sugar Mill and learn more about the history of the area.
Kahuku’s plantations had several sporting facilities, a sports-focused legacy that continues to this day. Kahuku’s high school is very well known for its feats in football and welcomes many scouts for professional talent in football leagues in the country.
Kahuku, The Film Star!
Kahuku has been the setting for filming in the past. If you’ve ever heard of The Diamond Head Game, then you've likely seen Kahuku in action, and you didn't even know it! More recently, The Fox TV show North Shore was also filmed there and showcased the stunning landscape.
Directions to Kahuku
Many visitors arrive on the island of Oahu through the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which is located on the opposite end of the island. The town of Kahuku is roughly an hour’s drive from the airport in normal conditions. Take a scenic drive through the center of the island by heading along Highway 2 north and then taking Highway 99 and Highway 83 toward Kahuku.
You can make use of the drive by incorporating other towns along the way, like Haleiwa or Pupukea!
Kahuku, Did You Know?
Kahuku in Hawaiian means “the projection.” Kahuku’s well-known Kahuku Point is the northernmost tip of the island of Oahu, making the name of Kahuku completely understandable.
Now that you’ve got your itinerary set and a little Hawaiian under your belt, it’s time to book that trip!
Kuilima Cove and Turtle Bay Beaches
Kuilima Cove and the nearby Turtle Bay beaches offer well-kept white sand and North Shore scenery. Kuilima Cove is especially well-known for snorkeling and is hailed as one of the most sheltered and serene snorkeling spots on the island of Oahu. If you're just starting to learn how to snorkel, Kuilima Cove is a great place to be a beginner as a rock barrier protects the cove from harsh waves.
From the center of Kahuku, Kuilima Cove and the Turtle Bay beach area are a short drive away. Take Highway 83 east and turn right onto Kuilima Drive, where you will quickly reach your destination.
Picture provided by Kahuku Farms
Kahuku Farms
Located just outside of the center of Kahuku is Kahuku Farms. The farm is a family operation that began three generations ago by a family that came to Hawaii to work on the island’s sugar plantations. Now, the farm grows a wide variety of produce, including bell peppers, papayas, watermelons, and bananas—all the tropical fruit that you’ve been craving!
To get to Kahuku Farms and enjoy treats from the Farm Cafe, follow Kamehameha Highway east from central Kahuku and watch for the farm entrance near the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge area.
Local art and gifts in Kahuku
Local Art and Gifts
Wood carvings and kapa-inspired designs are traditional forms of art in Hawaii, and the North Shore is a good place to look for locally made gifts. As you explore Kahuku and nearby towns, keep an eye out for small shops and artist displays where you can bring home something more personal than a standard souvenir.
Check current shop hours and locations before you go, especially for smaller makers whose markets and displays may change seasonally.
Picture provided by Roy's Beach House
Roy’s Beach House
A spot that both tourists and locals enjoy is Roy’s Beach House! The Hawaii-inspired "Euro-Asian Cuisine" at Roy's Beach House is a casual but upscale open-air restaurant that allows you to enjoy your meal with a beautiful view of the beach and ocean. The dinner menu consists of delicious dishes such as Kahana Style Tiger Shrimp and Macadamia Nut Opah.
Roy’s Beach House is located in the Turtle Bay resort area, a short drive northwest from central Kahuku along Highway 83.
Kahuku, Did You Know?
Kahuku in Hawaiian means “the projection.” Kahuku’s well-known Kahuku Point is the northernmost tip of the island of Oahu, making the name of Kahuku completely understandable.
Now that you’ve got your itinerary set and a little Hawaiian under your belt, it’s time to book that trip!
