We're thinking of renting a house in Mokulei (near Halewai) for the xmas holidays. Just wondering if the beaches will be swimmable then.

I assume you mean Mokule'ia as it is close to Haleiwa.

If I was to go swimming on the North Shore in the winter, it would be only at beaches with lifeguards.

Even good swimmers can get into trouble. If in doubt, you can always ask a lifeguard which areas of the water to stay away from, i.e. riptides.

If the beach is unsafe there will be notices posted.

Mokule'ia has a lot of crime on the beaches in the area (parking lots), so don't leave anything valuable in your car.

If you want to do lots of touristy things, Mokule'ia is about an hour from Honolulu/Waikiki.

Thanks, Dusty. The beach is in front of the estate - so no lifeguards. I'm assuming the beach with crime is a public beach.

Do you think the rough surf is a dealbreaker? We're used to renting villas on the central Pacific coast of Mexico where the boogie boarding is ideal in the winter.

Not interested in Waikiki tourist activities, so that's not an issue for us.

Many thanks for your help.

All of the beaches are public beaches.

Even if you are familiar with larger (boogie boarding) size surf, I would still restrict myself to a beach with life guards. All beaches have unique conditions and the conditions in the winter months can be especially dangerous.

So do you think that renting the estate is not such a great idea in December? We just found something else in Mexico, not as an expansive property, but beachfront on a safe, swimmable beach.

mexico might be best if planning to use your board in december.