We're headed to Oahu next summer for up to ten days. I've never stayed on the north shore and want to do that this time. I have found several rentals that look good in two different locations. I am having a hard time deciding between staying out in Mokuleia or somewhere in the Sunset Beach area north of Shark's Cove and Waimea Bay.

We are snorkelers, so being within walking distance of Shark's Cove and the beaches in this area is very appealing. Another appealing thing is the walking/bike path that spans a few mile stretch along here. We both walk/run, so that would be nice. We also like to be able to walk to eats and drinks, and it seems like that would be possible if staying in this area. I guess I am concerned with this area being too congested and not quiet enough. I have heard that the "scene" is mellower here in the summer because the surfing season is over.

The rentals I have found in Mokuleia seem to be more isolated, but the owners assure me the snorkeling offshore is good as well. We like quiet, private places and the spots I have picked out here qualify. The front runner house is very "zen" and seems like our type of place. The beaches here look lovely and deserted. We'd have to drive for eats and drinks.

I would love to hear from anyone who has stayed in either location or knows the area fairly well (Oahu Fodorites, perhaps?). What did you like about it and what didn't you like about it?

Many thanks for your feedback.

ttt

I would stay in Pupukea/Shark's Cove/Sunset Beach area.

Every time I've been to any of the beaches on the Mokuleia side of Haleiwa, I've seen broken glass at almost every beach indicating a lot of car break-ins.

Plus Pupukea/Shark's Cove is in the center of the North Shore. More things to see & do.

We rented a house a few years ago in the area of sunset beach you are talking about. We really liked it a lot, it was winter, so not a snorkeling time of year. Even with the surf and surf contests going on it was very quiet compared to what we are used to at home. And once it's dark it's even more quiet.

The bike/walking path you speak of is really nice and we walked it daily. There are a few places to eat that you could walk to along there. There is a wonderful botanical garden in Wamiea.

Can't give you any information on Mokuleia, sorry.

Pupukea is lovely!! Have you looked into the Ke Iki rentals? I've stayed out there before and it was gorgeous. I am not sure about the running, though.

Are you going to make it into Metro Honolulu to visit with us?

Regardless or summer or winter, the traffic on Kam Highway, the only road through the north shore is significant. The Sunset area with be right on the highway essentially. But it will be convenient, more so than Mokuleia.
Have you looked at rentals at Kawela Bay ? They are a bit more secluded, right on a protected bay, though there is not much snorkeling there. The drive to Shark's Cove is still easier than from Mokuleia.

Thanks guys. The Sunset Beach area is looking good.

Mels, do you mean Ke Iki Beach Bungalows? They're almost all booked up already for next summer! Is Pupukea up the hill from the beach?

Yep, M and I expect you, mari and lcuy to wine and dine us at some of those fabulous places you've been writing about. Yippee!

Yes, Ke Iki Beach Bungalows! Daaaaang they got popular, huh?? Anyway....I thought Pupukea was that general area....I could be wrong, being a townie.

Can't wait!!

If you like to snorkel, then Sharks Cove would be perfect for you. If you like to run, Sharks Cove would be perfect for you. The three mile bike path starts at Three Tables Marine Reserve and continues to Velzyland. There is excellent snorkeling in this area as well as swimming at adjacent Waimea Bay. The surf starts to rise in September so caution is advised during the fall and winter.

I highly recommend eating at the shrimp truck in Haleiwa.

ooooo log in to www.honolulu.metromix.com on Tuesday 8/11....my gallery & assessment of all the North Shore shrimp trucks will be up!

Thanks cafegoddess! That's great news. I'd love some feedback on the location of this rental. here is the link. What do you think of the location? It is not on the beach, but it is on the water right next to Shark's Cove. Not sure about being on a beach right of way...Do you know this area?

http://www.vrbo.com/65522

Thanks for the heads up Melissa! M is going to have fun at the shrimp trucks!

Great area! The beach right way is probably used by locals so I don't think it will be a problem especially on weekdays. You will be witnessing some of the most beautiful sunset from that lanai. You will be staying by Ke Iki beach. less than a quarter of a mile is Kaena Beach, next to Kaena is Rock File, then Ehukai Beach, then Pipeline, then Pupukea Beach, you get the picture.

I also recommend going by Kawela Bay at a fruit stand to buy some fresh papayas, young coconut, mangos, sweet corn and my personal favorite, banana lumpia made by the cutest little old ladies from the Philippines. All of them over 80 years old.

Melisssa - So give us a hint; which shrimp truck is #1?

Bill- That house looks nice!

Great location, with Foodland and the snorkeling at Shark's Cove nearby. Being near Foodland is a real plus, as the next closest grocery is 10 minutes (minimum, nw/o traffic) in Haleiwa. The Foodland has a Starbucks and a nice selection of gourmet items, takeout deli and wines, too.

I just asked my resident surfer, and he said the beaches should be calm like the pictures all summer. From Sept/October though, periodic winter swells can start arriving.

Iamq - I am hardly an expert at all but did stay here with my family

http://www.vrbo.com/31688

It is in Mokuleia - when we were driving up to it I started to get a little nervous as it seemed a little run down - once entering the house we were fine - and it is lovely. The owners were very easy to work with and happen to live in the same "area code" as we do in CA. It is too large I am sure for you and Martin but worth mentioning for others who read this thread.

Regarding the location - we spent most of our time at Waimea Bay - and the children did snorkel at Shark's Cove and the grocery store I went to was in that area as well. It was a little busier but you want to be able to walk to eat etc than I cannot really see that where we stayed in Mokuleia. I also would not say that any area was great to run where we were.

It appears you have already decided and again, I have only been once but happened to stay in that area... and I would say that you made the right choice.

Thanks you guys.

Thanks lcuy! momddtravel, that house is in the same area of the place I was thinking of staying. The beaches look lovely.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Here's the other place that I am looking at in the Sunset Beach area. This is nice as it is right on the beach. The owner said it is about a 15 minute walk to Shark's Cove/Foodland. Both links are for this place. Which would stay at?

http://www.vrbo.com/98076

http://web.mac.com/bebackhawaii/Site...h_Vintage.html

We're currently in Mokuleia and like it. It's quiet, has a bicycle/pedestrian path, is near Haleiwa, which is a cool place. DS has snorkeled every day off the beach in front of the house, although after noon it's usually too windy and the water too cloudy. Traffic is near-nonexistent. Up towards Shark Cove and Waimea the traffic gets very congestd.

DO go to Ted's Bakery up by Shark's cove early in the a.m. for the best croissants in the world, and also the best donuts. I haven't eaten a donut in years because I don't usually like them, but took one bite of DS's and fell in love with it.

Iamq - one thing that was interesting about the house we stayed at is that there was NO beach when we were there in Feb. I am sure the owners had told us that - but it was VERY rough and the ocean came all the way up the big wall that was in the back of the house; and there is a ladder that goes down to the ocean/beach. It had to do with the time of year I think.

Thanks charnees. I was hoping you'd see this and post. It is a tough decision to make. Thanks for the Ted's Bakery heads up. I will be pedaling my bicycle up there every morning!

Yeah, MDDT, the surf mellows out considerably in the summer, at least that is what everyone says. Decisions...