Where to Stay and What to Do | Travel + Leisure
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Where to Stay and What to Do

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WHEN TO GO

During high surf season, from October through March, when the waves are of epic proportions, accommodations are often at a premium, so it's wise to make reservations well in advance.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Honolulu International Airport and rent a car. The North Shore is an hour and a half drive away.

WHERE TO STAY

Privately owned beach houses in such prime surfing spots as Rocky Point and Ehukai Beach are available through www.vrbo.com, and can be rented by the night or by the week. Prices vary.

Estates at Turtle Bay
Clustered around the Turtle Bay golf course are 150 individually owned condominiums, available for rent; they feature full kitchens and lanais. 56–565 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku; 888/200-4202 or 808/293-0600; www.turtlebay-rentals.com; doubles from $110 per night, based on a minimum two-night stay.

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
These 11 bungalows—five oceanfront, six with garden views—are pure funk and Old Hawaii charm, smack-dab in surf central. 59–579 Ke Iki Rd., Sunset Beach; 866/638-8229 or 808/638-8229; www.keikibeach.com; doubles from $120.

Turtle Bay Resort
The sole resort on the North Shore has 880 acres on the ocean, horse trails, two golf courses, 10 tennis courts, and 443 rooms, cottages, and oceanfront villas. Turtle Bay also has a full-service spa, several restaurants (including the new Ola, on the beach), and—of course—the Hang Ten Bar. 57–091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku; 800/203-3650 or 808/293-6000; www.turtlebayresort.com; doubles from $430.

WHERE TO EAT

Café Haleiwa
The best breakfast in town, where you can feast on an "off the lip" platter: eggs, sausage, bacon, and rice. Surfers are hearty eaters. 66–460 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa; 808/637-5516; breakfast for two $15.

Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill
This restaurant has a laid-back vibe and is known for its fresh whole Hawaiian moi. 66–011 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa; 808/637-8005; lunch for two $30.

Jameson's by the Sea
In the heart of Haleiwa, Jameson's is an elegant retreat with such selections as opakapaka (Hawaiian pink snapper) poached in white wine. 62–540 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa; 808/637-4336; dinner for two $70.

Lei Lei's Bar & Grill
Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants on the North Shore. Try the first-rate grilled ahi steak. 57–049 Kuilima Dr., Kahuku; 808/293-2662; dinner for two $80.

Matsumoto Shave Ice
A North Shore landmark, where the flavors—toppings include adzuki beans—are beyond tropical. 66–087 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa; 808/637-4827; shave ice for two $3.

WHAT TO DO

Hans Hedemann Surf School
With its protected beach, this is one of the North Shore's safest places to learn the sport. 57–091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku; 808/447-6755.

Waimea Valley Audubon Center
A profoundly fecund wonderland—with peacocks, giant lilies from the Amazon, and endangered Kokia cookei flowers—run by the National Audubon Society. 59–864 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa; 808/638-9199.

WHERE TO SHOP

Barnfield's Raging Isle Surf & Cycle
A local institution, the shop for surf gear, mountain bikes, and Franko's Oahu Surfing Map, a vital guide to the legendary surf breaks of the North Shore. 66–250 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa; 808/637-7797.

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