My husband and I will be attending a Marine Ornamentals conference in Waikiki the beginning of March. We plan on getting there early so that that we may be able to do one day scuba and as much surfing as he possibly can. He wants to check out the North Shore and stay 2 or 3 nights (we already have 12 nights booked and will basically already have a place to stay but he insists on being on the North Shore for dawn patrol).

Can anyone recommend a place that is just basic? Having been to numerous countries in central and south america and the pacific, We love eco-friendly, we love to eat local food, we enjoy being with the local people and their cultures, and we just like a place with running water and clean sheets.

Being from a high tourism island ourselves (Puerto Rico) we really would like to stay away from that whole scene. Any suggestions?

How about some good local restaurants on the North Shore?

What is there to do for the "non-big wave" 40yr surfer lady who hates to wait alone on the beach? Horseback riding, hiking, musuem tours?

Thanks

Aloha scuba2work,

On the north shore we like Ke Iki Beach Bungalows (keikibeach.com), a family run property... inexpensive oceanfront and garden view units... loud crashing surf... if you're a light sleeper this might be tough

Very clean, simple and welcoming.

Restaurants are limited on the north shore... do a search and you'll find all available... most of the eats are in Haleiwa... we do alot of our own fresh catch grilling...

What to do? I'd pick up Richard Sullivan's "Driving & Discovering Hawaii - Oahu Honolulu & Waikiki". It maps out all areas and will give you a good idea of "to do" activities.

Although I did some minimal solo hiking on the north shore of Kauai, I don't know that I would feel too comfortable hiking alone on the north shore of Oahu... just my opinion... others may disagree.

Kaena Point was a great spot... make sure you bring plenty of water. We drove our jeep pretty far into the park before we started the hike.

Have a great trip... aloha.

Hi scuba2work!
My experience of the North shore mirrors
Makai1's. The bungalows are fine. I would not hike alone at Kaena. Haleiwa has many good places to eat. Would you consider boogie boarding if the waves
weren't to big? It seemed to solve the problem for some who didn't care to sit and watch. And you never know-you might meet a hiking buddy on the beach!
Enjoy!
R5

Well, I do surf but not big waves. Call me a snob, but if it is not 3-5ft glassy and crystal clear then forget about it! It takes all the fun out of it and becomes work! Living in Rincon, PR,I can be picky about my waves...

Thank you for the info, the beach bungalows sound perfect. My husband won't get any sleep, those waves will make him hyper, he'll be waiting for dawn.

I read a few posts that said that it was chilly last year during the end of Feb. Is this correct? If the breeze makes for a chilly day, what is the water temperature like?

I will look into the getting a guide book on Hawaii. We did this for central america and it was great.

I look forward to seeing the lovely island of Oahu, I only wish I had more time to see the others.

Thanks a bunch!
Leslie

scuba2work - sounds like a fantastic trip! I second makai1's book suggestion...just got my copy and have only perused a few sections...so far it seems to be a good resource. I am heading to Oahu in February with a friend, 3 days Waikiki and 7 spent on the n.shore surfing. I'm no 40ft wave riding wahine either..but as I understand there are beaches that will offer the size/quality of waves you seek.

aloha!

one more thing...you may want to check out Waimea Falls Park for kayaking, horseback riding and hiking.