Private tour: Coffee, Pineapple, and a Turtle Encounter

The sun was already high in the sky, casting a warm glow over Waikiki as I pulled up to the hotel lobby at 8:00 am. The family, already brimming with excitement, was waiting, ready to embark on their private tour of Oahu’s North Shore. They were eager to escape the urban bustle of Honolulu and embrace the laid-back beach life of the North Shore.

Knowing the H1 freeway could be a bit of a traffic nightmare, we opted for an early start, aiming to beat the morning rush. We swapped the busy H1 freeway for the rolling hills and charming towns of the H2, leaving the city behind for the serene countryside.

Our first stop was a charming coffee farm, nestled amidst rolling hills. The aroma of freshly roasted beans greeted us as we arrived, and the family, especially the kids, were captivated by the fragrant air. We enjoyed samples of their signature North Shore blend, learning about the coffee growing process from bean to cup.

Next, we headed to the iconic Dole Plantation. The bright yellow pineapple icon on the sign was a beacon of fun. We took a ride on the plantation train, marveling at the vast fields of pineapple plants, and then navigated the giant maze, giggling at each other’s attempts to find the exit. The kids, of course, couldn’t resist the delicious pineapple ice cream.

By noon, we reached Haleiwa town, a charming surf town with a relaxed vibe. We took out the lunch box from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, and Huli Huli Chicken. We savored our meal at Alii Beach Park, the gentle waves crashing against the shore, and enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the beach, letting the kids play in the warm sand. We encountered a green sea turtle at the beach, a magical moment for everyone.

Our afternoon adventure took us to the lush Waimea Valley, where we hiked through a breathtaking botanical garden and were mesmerized by the stunning Waimea Waterfall.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in fiery oranges and reds, we made our way back to Waikiki, our hearts full of memories and the salty air still clinging to our skin. It was a day filled with adventure, delicious food, and the enchanting beauty of the North Shore, a day that would forever be etched in our memories. The journey from the urban sprawl of Honolulu to the laid-back charm of the North Shore was a refreshing escape, a reminder of the island’s diverse beauty and its welcoming spirit.