Rainy Day Things to Do on O‘ahu’s North Shore

If you live on the North Shore of O‘ahu, you’ve already tasted the secret sauce that makes this place so special. Even in bad weather, there’s lots of things to keep a person entertained. Obviously, if you’re a surfer, you don’t mind getting wet and you’ll be out there in the ocean, rain or shine, if the waves are good. While the big draw to living on Oahu’s North Shore are the pristine beaches, epic surf, and slower pace of life (especially compared to “town”), locals know there are so many other reasons to live at the world’s epicenter of surfing.

Here are just a few ways to while away a rainy afternoon. If you’ve driven up from “town”, fear not. Even in a downpour, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Here are a few of our Haleiwa sales team’s favorite ways to spend a day in our own backyard, so to speak.

Tour One Haleiwa’s Art Many Art Galleries

In the heart of historic Haleiwa town, there’s an art lover’s treasure trove of charming art galleries and shops. You can find some amazing fine art photography, original paintings, sculpture in a variety of mediums, and more to grace your home. There are all kinds of gorgeous finds to bring to friends as a souvenir. Much of the artwork you’ll find here is ocean, surf, and sea life themed, perfect for your Hawaii home. For the art collector on a budget, there are less expensive prints and reproductions, photos printed on aluminum and giclée canvases. For a list of our favorites, be sure to read our recent post Haleiwa’s Art Gallery Gems.

Browse Boutiques To Your Heart’s Content

Honestly, the North Shore is a boutique browser’s heaven, replete with cute, unique little concept shops to meet your every need (and some things that are really just wants, not needs). Sporty and sexy bikinis? Check. Beautiful artwork? Check. Local, handmade jewelry? Check. Cool surfboards and board shorts? Check. Upscale beach wear for an evening out? Yup, the North Shore has that, too.

Body products from the Guava Shop in Haleiwa, named for some of the North Shore’s most famous and gorgeous places.

In fact, the drive from Haleiwa to Turtle Bay Resort and beyond is hard to complete in one day, given that there are so many charming places to stop and shop along the way. Wait out the rain in any of the little shopping plazas along the route, or stay dry at one of the many eateries along the way. Whether you’re looking for new surf gear, souvenir tees, or some bulletproof hiking gear (hello, Patagonia!), this little stretch of coastline has it all.

Do a Happy Hour Hop

Don’t let a little rain spoil your day in paradise. The North Shore is made for having a good time and what better way to have fun than a little happy hour bar hopping. Pau hana (literally translated as “done work”) is almost a sacred tradition here in Hawaii. We consider it a celebration of a job well done — a tribute to our efforts for the day — but more importantly, a toast to the relaxing evening with friends and family that lays ahead! Pau hana is all about enjoyment and good times. Our recent guide to our favorite North Shore happy hour spots may come in handy, if you’re looking for some hot spots where the locals go to unwind. But some are so good, you may want to stay through until dinner.

Get Your Asana On

Whether you live on the North Shore, are visiting, or just driving up from Honolulu for the day, this part of the island is home to some talented yogis and yoginis. They are poised to lead you through a series of asana that will lighten your mood and get your blood flowing. We can’t think of a better place to feel mindful, nor a better way to get there than by joining a group of laidback locals for a group yoga session. We’ve compiled a list of the studios we frequent the most to help you unwind.  You can check out our short list here.