Find the answers to frequently asked questions we have received from our guests over the years. Click each question to reveal the answers. If you have a question that does not appear below, please feel free to contact us directly and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
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North Shore EcoTours is taking direction from the Center for Disease Control to determine the best practice for protecting our staff and guests.
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Since March 2020, we have adjusted our tours to accommodate groups within the current rules and regulations ordered by the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of the Mayor.
Currently, due to strict COVID-19 government mandates, our hiking adventures accommodate up to 10 people. Off-roading excursions accommodated between 8 to 18 people. (For larger groups, call 1-877-521-4453 for availability).
* Updated July 27, 2021
ATV Tours
- Each ATV seats 2-6 people; only 3 ATVs per tour.
Hiking Tours
- Up to 10 guests per tour.
Pinzgauer Tour
- The “Pinz” can accommodate up to 8 guests per tour. Call to book.
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Since we operate on private property no other company can show you Oʻahu nature like us. We have Native Hawaiian guides that present Hawaiian history and the environment from a “Native Perspective.” Unlike some other companies, with North Shore EcoTours guests will get the best in Hawaiian nature & culture!
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No but since we are a small operation, they are highly recommended. We take walk-ins if space permits. We encourage, however, at least a 1-week advanced reservation.
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Covered shoes are a must on all hikes and are highly recommended on off-road tours as well. Guests that participate in either the Huakaʻi Iki and Huakaʻi Nui hikes will get wet and should bring:
- Water shoes or rubber sandals (for stream crossings)
- A towel for drying off
- Extra quick-dry change of clothes
- Extra pair of socks or slippers to change into post-hike
- Snacks for the kids are good
- Personal medication, if any, is a must
- A camera…charged and ready to go
- Waterproof bag for electronic devices
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Environmental & reef-safe sunscreen
- Mosquito repellant if you’re sweet
- Reuseable water bottle for liquid fuel
- Light backpack for all the stuff you packed
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Safety is our main concern. Despite taking every precaution to provide a safe hiking environment, we require signed waivers for a couple of reasons. First, to make sure the guest is aware of the inherent risk involved in typical outdoor activities. Second, to serve as a precaution to protect ourselves and the organizations who own the land we operate on. These waivers are similar to ones required from every eco-tour operation on Oʻahu.
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Full refunds are offered for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour time. Cancellations within 24 hours of scheduled tours and/or “no-shows” will be charged full price.
* In the rare occasion that North Shore EcoTours cancels a tour due to inclement weather or malfunctioning vehicles, guests will receive a full refund.
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The off-road tour is a great way to get into nature without hiking. The Pinz is an extremely bumpy/rough ride. The ATVs, on the other hand, provide a much smoother ride.
- Puaʻa Maiki Off-Road Expedition – Children 8 years old and over.
- Huakaʻi Iki – Little Hiking Adventure – Suitable for children 10 years old and above.
- ATV Tours – 5 years or older.
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All foot and 4-wheel drive trails traversed by North Shore EcoTours are real mountain trails – these are not paved, gravel paths through botanical gardens. Guests need to expect slippery conditions from mud, rocks, roots, and moss, ridgeline drop-offs, and water-filled streams. There is always a chance for rain in Hawaiian rainforests. On off-road tours, the ride can be quite bumpy and riders can be subject to abrupt movements, branches and leaves, and mud during vehicle operation. Please see the individual tour descriptions for more details.
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Covered Shoes
Although you might not have hiking boots (lace-up, with good traction, and ankle support) for your safety we ask that you at least wear covered shoes (tennis, running, or cross-training shoes). The trails traverse inclines that can include both slick red dirt/clay, mud, and/or loose gravel.
Off-roaders are also encouraged to wear covered shoes since there are opportunities to jump in and out of the vehicle during the tours – shoes help to protect the toes.
Sport Sandals/Water Shoes…
Sport sandals, reef walkers, water shoes, or “Japanese tobbies” (i.e. Nike, Keen, Teva, etc.) are also acceptable. For the Iki & Nui hikes (trails with stream crossings), we encourage packing some kind of waterproof footwear that can be changed into once the stream is reached.
Slippahs (Flip-flops)
As we call them in Hawaiʻi, slippahs or rubber flip-flops, can be used to cross streams if that’s all you have BUT we recommend a sports sandal or something that at least straps onto the foot.
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Rain ensures that plants live, streams flow, and off-road mud bogging can occur. Our tours go out rain or shine; rain ponchos are provided.
* North Shore Eco Tours reserves the right to cancel tours in the rare event of adverse weather resulting in unsafe hiking conditions. We assess the weather daily and will only make these types of decisions on a day-to-day basis.
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North Shore EcoTours offers lite, healthy, Asian summer rolls on all of our hiking adventures. These refreshing lunches feature locally grown produce and are a perfect accompaniment to any physical outdoor activity.
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Yes. We offer the same type of Asian summer rolls, as mentioned above, that are vegetarian with tofu.
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There are lots of trees. In other words, do your business at the North Shore Marketplace or baseyard pick-up sites prior to tour departure. There are no other restrooms on the tour route.
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Small groups ensure safer hiking experiences. Each guide is CPR and first aid certified. They are also equipped with a first aid kit and a cell phone for communication purposes.
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Our hiking tours operate out of Haleʻiwa town on Oʻahu’s North Shore. All guests need to meet at the Haleʻiwa pick-up site at least 10 minutes prior to their scheduled tour.
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Hiking & Off-road tours – Parking at the North Shore Marketplace is located in front of Kono’s (restaurant). It is on the main street with high visibility and a roving security guard from the mall.
ATV tours – parking at our baseyard is in an open field. The area is fenced with a locked gate and security cameras.
* North Shore EcoTours, North Shore Marketplace, and Waimea Valley are not responsible for any stolen items or damaged vehicles due to break-ins. Please do not leave any valuables in your car and keep bags and other items out of sight.
** Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle while out on tour. Keep bags and other belongings out of view by placing them in the trunk or under the seat. North Shore Eco Tours and North Shore Marketplace are not responsible for any stolen items or damaged vehicles due to break-ins.
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No. Our guests usually either rent a car or use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
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You most certainly can. In fact, unless you use a ride-sharing service or taxi you will most likely have to drive yourself since Haleʻiwa & Waimea are located far from most hotels. We currently don’t provide transportation services to the North Shore. Click here for driving directions to our North Shore locations.