The Ultimate O'ahu North Shore Family Adventure with Kevo's Beach Bus

Join us for the ultimate Hawaiian family adventure as embrace the spirit of Aloha and explore O'ahu's North Shore with Kevo's Beach Bus Tour

On day three of our O'ahu adventures, we set out to explore the iconic North Shore of O’ahu with Kevo's Beach Bus, led by our guide Kevin. What drew me to this tour was its claim that “we’re the tour for those who don’t like tours”. It sounded like the perfect fit for our adventurous crew.

The tour was largely based on outside of the box adventure, which was perfect, but there were a couple things that were not the best fit for some younger children (especially ones that don't swim in the ocean all the time). I will highlight these below. In all though, our crew still raves about Kevos’ Beach Bus Tour and ranks it up among our best tours – which is saying a lot since we have taken countless tours during our adventures!!!

Our Family Adventures on the North Shore of O'ahu

Our adventure kicked off at Green World Coffee Farms, where the air was infused with the rich aroma of freshly brewed Hawaiian coffee. As I savored each delightful sip, the rest of my crew explored a quaint little store filled with coffee beans and souvenirs. While the store offered a glimpse into the local culture, it wasn’t quite the thrilling experience we had hoped for. We longed for something more exhilarating—perhaps a chance to wander through the coffee fields or to learn about the Hawaiian process of coffee production? As we sat waiting to begin the adventure to begin, we couldn't help but to wonder what the point of this stop was. To the girls, it was time that could have been repurposed elsewhere. After all, who wouldn’t want to trade browsing through a coffee store for an exciting adventure through amazing landscapes of the North Shore beaches?

Our adventure then led us to the legendary Pipeline Beach, a true gem of O'ahu! The world-renowned Banzai Pipeline surf break, nestled at 'Ehukai, is nothing short of a surfer's paradise. This iconic spot on O'ahu's North Shore is the heartbeat of the surfing world, hosting the exhilarating Triple Crown of Surfing Competition. While we missed the thrilling winter surf contests, the late September sun gifted us with pleasantly swimmable waters. Though our time at Pipeline was brief, it was packed with excitement! Dustin seized the moment, diving into the vibrant ocean waves, while the girls reveled in the soft sands. Pipeline Beach was high on my list of “must-sees,” and I knew it would be the perfect stop for our adventure. With the backdrop of the stunning ocean and the thrill of the surf culture, this place was everything I had dreamed it would be!

After an awe-inspiring time at Pipeline Beach, we set our sights on the iconic Waimea Bay, a true gem nestled in Haleiwa on the North Shore, right at the mouth of the majestic Waimea River. This spot is legendary for its exhilarating cliff jumping, drawing thrill-seekers from all around! Waimea Bay offers a range of heights that cater to jumpers of every skill level. Whether you're a novice or a daredevil, there's something for everyone! From heart-pounding 5-foot leaps to adrenaline-pumping 20-foot drops, even our fearless friend Spider Monkey found her perfect jump!

Dustin and Buttercup took the plunge off the towering cliffs, their shouts of excitement echoing through the air as they soared into the sparkling blue waters below.

Meanwhile, Spider Monkey floated serenely among the waves in her life jacket, soaking up the sun and the vibrant atmosphere.

We lingered a little longer at this thrilling spot, and the energy was infectious! Laughter and cheers filled the air as everyone embraced the adventure, making unforgettable memories at Waimea Bay!

Our adventures then took a bucket list-worthy turn as we arrived at the Laniakea Beach, famously known as Turtle Beach! This paradise isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a vibrant feeding and sunbathing haven for the majestic Hawaiian Sea Turtles, or honu. These enchanting creatures, classified as an endangered species, are lovingly protected across the islands, making every sighting a precious moment.

The waves danced playfully pushing the floating turtles, but also stirring up the ocean floor and making snorkeling a bit of a challenge. Yet, despite the muddled waters, we were rewarded with the sight of turtles gracefully gliding at the waterline, their serene movements captivating our hearts. As true animal lovers, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was nothing short of magical!

However, our adventures always have their quirks! Spider Monkey struggled to get her snorkel gear to fit just right—oh, the trials of traveling with children! We’d face similar challenges on another snorkeling escapade later on. In hindsight, I wished I had brought gear that I knew would be a perfect fit for her. But despite the hiccups, our spirits remained high, and the thrill of the moment overshadowed any discomfort. Time seemed to fly as we soaked in the beauty around us, and I found myself wishing for just a bit more time to explore this enchanting spot. Laniakea Beach was not just a stop on our journey; it was a highlight!

Our next stop was the enchanting Anahulu River area, where excitement bubbled in the air as we picked up our paddle boards and kayaks. This stunning river is renowned as one of the most popular kayaking spots on North Shore Oahu, thanks to its typically calm waters and easy access. It's an ideal playground for beginners and those seeking a leisurely, sun-soaked paddle. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of majestic green turtles basking in the sun or graceful manta rays gliding beneath the surface! Once everyone was geared up and ready to go, we launched onto the shimmering water, making a thrilling left turn toward the jetty. As we navigated around the bend, we ventured inland, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of North Shore. During the summer months, the water is usually a serene paradise, beckoning adventurers to explore its depths.

The entrance to the Anahulu River is marked by the iconic Rainbow Bridge, a stunning double-arch concrete marvel built in 1921 to replace the original wooden crossing. This bridge is not just a picturesque landmark; it’s also a local favorite for adventurous bridge-jumping! On our return trip, we couldn't resist the thrill and joined in on the fun, leaping into the sparkling waters below.

As we paddled along, the riverbanks came alive with lush greenery, dotted with charming houses that added to the scenic beauty. Towering trees with fascinating roots reached out to the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Just a little further down the river, we stumbled upon a rope swing that Dustin and Buttercup eagerly tried out, adding a splash of adrenaline to our paddle boarding adventure!

Then it was time for a local lunch at Tsue’s Farm. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of famous North Shore shrimp and an array of other mouthwatering local dishes that danced on our taste buds. The girls ventured into the farm, where they were able to feed the friendly tortoises.

Although the shaved ice was sadly unavailable during our visit, anticipation bubbled as we headed to our next thrilling destination: the Dole Plantation! There, we indulged in the iconic and refreshing Dole Whip, a perfect treat to cool us down and sweeten our adventure! Originally starting as a humble fruit stand in 1950, Dole Plantation blossomed into Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience” when it opened to the public in 1989. Today, it stands as one of Oahu’s most beloved attractions, drawing in over a million visitors each year!

The Dole Plantation is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, including: the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze, informational displays and presentations, as well as our plantation country store offering a wide variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local favorites, foods and refreshments including the world-famous Dole Soft Serve. Regrettably, our stop was all too brief, and we couldn’t dive into the family adventures that awaited us. However, we did manage to soak in the atmosphere and savor some incredible Dole Whip.

We made an unexpected stop at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where the vibrant atmosphere was alive with the hungry birds and vibrant fish. It turned out to be an unforgettable highlight of our tour, especially for Buttercup! With a twinkle in her eye, she recalls how the birds swooped down like feathered acrobats, snatching food right from our hands! Buttercup cherishes this experience and ranks it among her favorite adventures!

We wrapped up our North Shore adventure with an invigorating yet somewhat daunting swim at Kakaako Waterfront Park. This popular park, named after the surrounding Kakaako area of Honolulu and occasionally referred to as Point Panic Beach due to the nearby bodysurfing break, was originally a landfill until the 1960s. There is no sandy beach. Instead, visitors must descend stairs and jump into the water. I was unprepared for the water's depth, but fortunately, Spider Monkey was wearing her life vest. Buttercup was not, which caused me considerable concern. We took group photos at this location, but due to the waves and water depth, the girls and I exited the water fairly quickly.

The Family Verdict

Our crew still raves about Kevo's Beach Bus Tour and ranks it among our best adventures! This tour is an exhilarating ride that you simply can't miss! Tip: The website suggests bringing changes of clothes, but trust me, we never needed them! However, I do recommend life vests for any children. I would jump at the chance to go on this tour again in a heartbeat, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!

Follow along on our other amazing family adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.