Kua Aina Sandwich in Haleiwa Town on the north shore of Oahu has the BEST grilled burgers, fish and beef. It's on the right side of the street, as you come up from Honolulu, before you get to the bridge across the river. North shore Oahu has gorgeous beaches, Waimea Bay & Sunset beach. The hike up to Sacred Falls near Laie is fun - about 4 muddy miles round trip.

Hi! I'm kind of horning in here, but everyone seems so knowledgable about Oahu that I've got to try some questions on you all. Planning 1st trip to Hawaii Aug/Sept '01. Definitely settled on house/cabin/cottage rental north shore/west shore Oahu. We can day trip to the big city for excitement, but want palm tree'd, beachfront, sunset-watching privacy. Definitely want to get out on the water (day sail/sunset cruise): how expensive are they? Are there any areas you'd definitely stay away from? What are we going to pay for our steak and beer to enjoy on the lanai (grocery store prices)? If my literature says "15 minutes from town" and we drive into town for dinner and drinks, are the roads fine for driving home after dark not knowing the area? Are there any cottage rental agents you would recommend over others? Does anyone know Owen's Retreat? Their website doesn't really give me a clear picture of ambiance/views/accomodations, but it's the most affordable cottage I've found. Thanks so much for any help.

Diamond Head is always a fave with my visiting friends. Make sure you go before the crack of dawn--6? 6:30? or it gets REALLY hot. Bring a flashlight and carry a bottle of water if you can. It costs a dollar to get in.

I don't care for Shorebirds Beach Broiler myself, but my visiting friends like THAT, too! Something about being able to grill their own food by the beach intrigues them. I also like to go to the Sheraton Waikiki or Sheraton Moana Surfrider (LOVE their drink called the Moana Sands) before sunset, they both offer free, live Hawaiian entertainment.

By the way, you can no longer hike up Sacred Falls.

Hula Girl: Do you happen to know what the ingredients are of the Moana Sands? Thanks!

Oooooh, if I share with you, you have to make one for me.....just so I can be sure you got it right. hee heee

Ingredients:

1/2 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
1 1/2 oz Peach schnapps
Coconut syrup
Orange juice
Crushed Ice

Mixing instructions:

Pour Chambord and Peach schnapps over crushed ice in a collins glass. Fill up to half with coconut syrup and fill the other half with orange juice and stir. After a few minutes the juice and syrup separate from the alchohol and it looks like sand but tastes MUCH better. Garnish with paper umbrella through a marachino cherry and orange wedge.

Hi Linda. I also find the idea of private home rentals appealing. I looked at the Owen's website and see what you mean; it has very little info. and the pictures are poor quality. Have you seen allerstorfer.com ? They feature rentals in the Lanikai and Kailua area which look very nice and seem reasonably-priced. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.

I am also interested in hearing of people's experiences w/ renting private homes.

Thank you, Hula Girl! I'm sending you one right this very minute through the computer lines!! Enjoy!!!

Hello to Noach (this is a strange thread, isn't it? - we're way away from the original posting). Checked out your allerstorfer.com. Nice, but for the same (or a little more) money have found INDIVIDUAL rental cottages/homes. For this price, I don't want an apt. w/neighbors in the house - want my own lanai and grounds. Also: allerstorfer area you're gonna see beautiful sunrises - so sorry, I'll be asleep. Need beautiful sunsets. Research shows I should concentrate on Mokuleia /
Haleiwa area. I've found at least 10 PERFECT rentals on the north shore in the $1000-1200/wk range. Try these out:
hawaii.vacation-homes.com
vacationspot.com
10kvacationrentals.com
teamrealestate.com

Would also very much like to hear from people that have gone this route (private home/cottage rental). Did you like it? How did you check out bona fides? Thanks.....

Note to Noach: we should start a new thread asking about private home/cottage rentals.

P.S. FORGOT ABOUT PHIL. By now, you're back from honeymoon (worn out, but back). Tell us about your trip.....