Just booked a beach house in kailua for the week after christmas!

this will be our second trip to oahu, and i have a few specific questions i was hoping some of you could help with:

1. Is there a place on shore to hike (or sit) that is good for whale viewing?

2. Is there a good place to snorkel other than Hanauma Bay? (done that)

3. Which beach(es) are best to watch serious surfing on the north shore?

4. I'd love some information (hours, tips, etc) on the big swap meet / flea market.

Thanks so much!!

Dina

We were told that on Oahu Makapuu Point is one of the better places for spotting whales.

The Sharks Cove and Three Tables area? Also around Ko'olina I believe.

Last Nov while we were there Sunset and Waimea seemed to be the best but we want to see the Pipeline when they're big.

Days for the Aloha Stadium swap meet are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday hours not sure maybe 6am to 5pm.

I usually take Makapuu Lighthouse Trail to see whales from shore. About 3/4 the way to the lighthouse, there is an informative sign about whales. Stop there fro 10 minutes or so & scan the ocean.

Other areas to see them from shore.

http://www.hawaii.com/hawaiian-infor...e_lookouts.php

Surf spots:

Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) Beach & Haleiwa.

You can snorkel at Kuilima Cove at Turtle Bay Resort. Its OK all year.

Pupukea/Shark's Cove will be too rough in the winter.

Lots of Oahu info:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

http://alohastadium.hawaii.gov/features/swap-meet

Thanks, Hulajake and Dusty, for your info!!!

As for the beaches, it depends on how the waves are breaking. Also, you might be there during the Triple Crown of Surfing, so check to see.

The beaches are fairly close together, and you can see people surfing from the highway, so just pull off into a parking area when you see a group of surfers.

Thanks for all the great info.

Looking forward to snorkeling Kuilima and hiking Makapuu Pt.

Unfortunately, we'll just miss the Triple Crown. But maybe that will be a blessing in terms of battling with crowds...

Thanks again,
dina

To see the surf reports before you drive off in the morning, check www.surfnewsnetwork.com or call 596-7873 for a surf report. Otherwise just drive along until you see massive parking jams and that will be the spot to stop!

Every Saturday morning numerous vendors with foods, produce,and plants gather on the grounds of KCC (Kapiolani Community College) near Diamond Head. Its a great way to start the day with fresh coffee, etc- arrive early, ie best by 800AM.

A smaller swap meet takes place at the old Kam Drive -in. I believe it still takes place on Sundays. More local flavor and truly a garage sale feel .Great place to find used fins, boogy boards, etc.

great. where's the old Kam Drive-in?

thanks.

Kam Swap Meet is right across Kaonohi St. from Pearlridge Shopping Center. Entrance is almost right across from Macy's.

https://www.kamswapmeet.com/

Makapuu is probably your best bet for whale viewing, though, the Diamond Head lookout is also a good spot.

We have seen whales as we hiked along Kaena Point(North Shore side) in the winter.It is an easy level hike to a bird sanctuary.

thanks again.
you guys are all great!!!