hi. we just rented a home on the north shore for a week in july. my husband and i have been to oahu before but stayed with family near honolulu. this time though, we are bringing the kids. so, we are on a real budget because there are 5 of them (yes, you read that right). i think we got a great house for the money but could you give me some ideas about what to see around that area. we need to keep a 17(m),14(f),12(f),4(f)and 3(f) content. the 4 and 3 yr old girls will be fine with sand though. and lastly, a place my husband and i can sneak off to one night for dinner. keep in mind, budget. thanks! thinking of this already makes me want a drink.

Lots of info;

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

thanks dusty. so you've got the entertainment covered for the kids, but what about a nice restaurant for two adults? best to you! m

Haleiwa Joe's is a nice restaurant. It is next to the arched bridge in Haleiwa. they do have a website http://www.haleiwajoes.com/ I don't remember the overall prices; we ate there this summer at lunch and it was about $20 for 2 people.

I have not eaten at Jameson's by the Sea for many years, but I think it is still considered a good place. http://www.jamesonshawaii.com/jamesonshaleiwa.htm

You could always go to Foodland grocery store and get some takeout, then go up to Sunset Beach park and watch the sunset. Here is my photo of that http://www.worldisround.com/articles...5/photo21.html

We really enjoyed Waimea Bay for swimming and playing in the water. There is a big rock there that people jump off of into the water, no doubt your teens will want to do that if you go there. (Just thought I would forewarn you about that!) But the water should be really calm in July so it is great for the whole family.

Aloha surpriseaz... north shore is one of my fav getaway places. My sis and I just returned.

Lovely time you'll have there. Also, here's a link to a family trip report I did in 2004... the info is still current... things don't move too fast here... thank goodness!

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34492836

Haleiwa Joes is a great spot for you and your DH to have a nice dinner getaway from the kids... they start serving dinner at 5:30pm... if you arrive a lil sooner than that you'll be seated at a prime table overlooking the harbor... and you'll be able to order pupus & cocktails until dinner orders are taken. We found this early seating in the restaurants to be very advantageous.

Arrive at 7:00pm and you'll wait for a table for at least an hour. Another thing we enjoyed at Haleiwa Joes was the Mumms champagne by the glass at $7.50. A perfect way to celebrate the day w/o splurging $50 for a bottle.

If you're interested in more info... reply and I'll give you email info for pix and such.

Happy planning and much aloha...

mak