It's excellent that's there's so much to see and do in Oahu on a Hawaiian vacation, but the downside can be the traffic. At peak times, it can slow you down and is more than a little frustrating. It's one of the reasons why North Shore boat tours are an excellent idea. They're fast-moving and removed from the traffic nightmares on land. You'll also see a remarkable amount when out on the water, including all the major North Shore sights. If your kids and teens frown when thinking about a slow-moving tour bus, their eyes will light up when you get them out onto the Pacific Ocean – and today's tour boats are fast and smooth.

If you'd enjoy seeing marine life up close, you can plan your boat tour accordingly. In the winter and early spring months, it's humpback whale migration season, and you can go whale watching in one of the most active spots anywhere. At other times and in different spots, you can also see sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and ocean birds. Make sure you take your camera because you'll want to record some of what you'll see. If you have seasickness issues on some slower moving boats that bob up and down, it's much less likely to happen when you're aboard an advanced tour boat. They are much different.

If you want to rachet up the excitement level of your North Shore adventure boat ride off the Oahu coastline, consider a big wave tour. When you're out on the water cruising the Seven-Mile Miracle, you'll be touring the world's most hallowed surfing grounds and feeling the awe-inspiring power of the Pacific. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's not to be missed. The surfing spots are along gorgeous beaches with picturesque scenery in the background. There's so much to see you won't know which way to look. It really is that memorable. If you love painted skies, don't miss the chance for a sunset tour.

Especially on their first trip to Hawaii, most people stay in Honolulu. After you've attended a luau, toured Pearl harbor, and walked Diamond Head, it's the ideal escape to head to the North Shore. It's where locals enjoy spending time, and there's no reason you can't join the fun. It's also a shame to visit an island paradise and spend all your time on the land – because what makes it unique is the ocean waters. Only a boat tour lets you take complete advantage of all there is to see and do. When it comes to seeing a shark, you could go cage diving, but it's a significant commitment. See them by boat instead.