The sights and tastes of the North Shore

We couldn't resist the coastal drives, and found ourselves scoping out Oahu's north shore a number of times.

The waves on the beaches there are known the world over for attracting world-class surfers. So we had to check out The Pipeline.


Don't surf here after just a couple lessons -- the waves are something else. When we were there, lots of kids and teens (grownups too!) were camped out in the sand, just watching for someone to catch a wave and ride it out. It's fun to check out.

We stopped at Matsumoto's for what is rumored to be the best shave ice on Oahu.

A shave ice is kinda like a snow cone, but the ice is finer (and seriously, in this picture, I've already eaten half of mine -- the servings are huge!). They're super sweet, and Tom and I discovered that they taste best when you're hot and tired from a hike.

Tom and I loved this place:

Best pie slices ever.

They make a mean haupia pie, which is a really delicious coconut cream. Tom and I made a feast of it by ordering a slice each of haupia and chocolate-haupia, and splitting them. I'm still not sure which was better (I think Tom liked the haupia by itself better). But they were both AWESOME.

There were all kinds of fun foods to be found along here.

Ah, let's not forget Kahuku shrimp!

There are lots of shrimp vans like this one along the coastal roads up north, particularly in Kahuku, near the northeast tip of Oahu. They serve very fresh shrimp cooked in garlic and butter, coconut, or hot sauce -- usually served with a couple scoops of rice. Very tasty!

Lots to do and see up there, all great for hot sunny days.

And on top of all that, a bonus ...

You can take the bus up here!

I could so go for a slice of that haupia pie ...