Read other threads and had some other questions. I am sure much has changed since I was here in early 90s as a 20yr old. Was in June and surfed mainly diamond head area and Ala Moana park (not bowls). It is the end of the season but hoping to catch and or watch (If a late heavy swell comes in) some waves on the north shore.

Will be there 2weeks with family (for wedding and taking parents for 50th anniversary). Out of the 6, 4 will be active bouncing around island.
surfing hiking mtb etc.
Any spots that I can surf and then hike from same parking lot or close?
Staying on windward side in Kane'ohe.
Not taking boards got a few connections.
Looking to rent a minivan or suv. (Maybe 2 cars??)
Thinking to bring my own mask and fins.
And with the parents we are considering culture center, botanical gardens. Any other interesting low impact activities?
(I could care less about plantation tours because I see it the same as going to a one here in the south.)

Any updated info or 2cents from 2ndlight crew will be great!

Thanks in advance!

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Time and tide wait for no one.....

Edited: 01/21/2019 at 05:34 AM by KP

You should have a great time. Rocky point , Backdoor and Lani's will all still have waves with less peps in the water.

To be honest.... not a whole lot has changed on the North Shore (maybe aside from some development (near V-Land) and alot more peeps around. Mini-van is a good call (tossing boards in and out) and if you dont need a nice new one, look for some independent small rental companies for deals North Shore's still pumping in march, but some less peeps....Should be plenty of surf! Have fun.... & Make sure you have some real sized boards

Edited: 01/21/2019 at 06:21 AM by Plan B

Edited: 02/19/2019 at 12:09 PM by SurferMic

Just checked National Car Rental. Surprise! The lowest cost vehicle is a mini-van!

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Dora Hates You

Ha, that's pretty good..... usually theyre double (and why my buddy would find one from an independent rental... also helps from looking like a tourist to prying eyes)....... BUT if if you rent a smaller one (or need to rent 2) if you're riding solo, you CAN fit and 8-0 & 6-10 guns inside of a Toyota Corolla

And, , , , being that gasoline is "so expensive" in Hawaii, all the tourist focus on getting the smallest, most MPG, vehicle. OK, fine. BUT, , , , everybody wants a "compact" rental because of the perceived gasoline expense. So? Well, guess what, you can generally get a very nice larger vehicle for lots less money. On the-other-hand, you are going to Hawaii to enjoy yourself. Just how bad can the cost of gasoline be of concern??!!??

I just did a quick look at Budget at HNL for two weeks in mid-March. A Chrysler 300 is $459 for the two week period, while a Ford Fiesta is $461! A Ford Edge is $396.

And, do a diligent internet search. There are "first time" rental deals, and if you join a certain company's "club" there are generally plenty of additional benefits. If you are concerned with going bottom-line-cost and are looking at "local" rental companies, fine. Just do a complete job of vetting them. I tend to prefer that my rental cars have tread on their tires!

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Dora Hates You

Edited: 02/19/2019 at 12:09 PM by SurferMic

Ha, solid advice.... but mo bettah, just bring your license and a few bucks in the car (if you're gonna eat or get gas) if you're going surfing.... I ride to the beach with just my baggies and board (although sometimes 2 boards... but theives want cash and CCs)

I've taken out dozens of rental cars the past few years and here's what I've learned about the FOBs: Wrap the key in tin foil and put it in a combo lock box attached to the car. It will block the signal. Also some of the FOBs have a detachable key inside the remote that can be removed. Wrap the key in tin foil, leave it in the car and take the key attachment with you.

Edited: 02/19/2019 at 12:10 PM by SurferMic

Aquapac

get one of these, you can fit key fob, driver's license, credit cards and some cash. Waterproof and with the cord you can wear under a rashguard or roll up and put in boardshorts. Rinse with fresh water and repeat.

Some car keys allow the car to be unlocked or started as long as the key is within a certain distance from the car. The tin foil blocks that signal so the car cannot be unlocked. For a car key that works like a regular door lock key, tin foil is obviously going to be pointless.

but yeah, those masterlock combo key storage locks are pretty popular out there.... lock it onto the tow hook on the frame

Edited: 01/27/2019 at 06:07 AM by Plan B

^ ha, thanks...that was the way many travel in Baja, works 90% of the time; I always seem to be camping so the car is the "locker" .. funny thing is I have only been robbed at gun point on the East Coast...go figure...water under the bridge .learning lesson...We got chunky surf out front..bouy is 1 foot away from the alert to go the a Southern beachbreak..need 12' on the 20m...waiting...just 1 more foot please. thanks JettySurfer.., gotcha..new start button tech.... Below...My N. Shore spot..mins from the 7 mile miracle...

Edited: 01/27/2019 at 01:58 PM by SurferMic

I think I know where that is

That's either malaekahana or the campground by the airport west of Haleiwa which I am betting it is. Crazy cheap rates. I've done that 4 times.

.

Edited: 02/19/2019 at 05:24 AM by SurferMic

It looks like the left in front of Camp Mokuleia. I used to work there.

I'll be there from March 17-25. Any recommendations on what type of boards to bring? I'm 5'10 170lbs and normally ride 5'8-5'10's in the 28L range.

Edited: 02/08/2019 at 08:34 AM by Julianuribe23

Leave your boards at home. Plenty on the Islands to rent or, Craigslist. IF there is a decent swell running, your 5'10" will feel like a 5'2"!!!

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Dora Hates You

5 days?!? Well, I'm 6' 170-175 and my 2 "go-to" boards for over there are pintails...a 6-6 (around 19"W with some foam in the nose ) and a 6-10... and an 8-0 for Sunset, Himilayas, etc (didnt use that board last winter, but rode the 6-6 most of the time) ....have a smaller ones but hopefully those don't get used. For reference my "go-to" shorty here is a typical 6-0 x 19 shorty (around 29L for those that overly focus on that)

Made a mistake, 17-25th. I'm gonna buy boards over there but dont really know how to properly size a step up or gun for those type of waves

Edited: 02/19/2019 at 05:24 AM by SurferMic

Extend that trip for a full 2 weeks, especially if it's your first time..... it's gonna take at least that long for your balls to drop (you'll be happy you did) and also to avoid a potential skunking..... if you were there this week, it's 15' and howling onshore all week. Not common, but it does happen, but this year has been pumping...... but if you are going for a short time, I agree with Mic, that it may be best to have boards ready (at least one solid one) to not waste any valuable surf time, hunting for the right stick..... I want to be surfing, not shopping..... if you feel like you ready to take one some big stuff once youre there, then go hunting for that big gun on the used rack. Surf Station actually stocks some solid travel boards (may have some used ones too)

Edited: 02/08/2019 at 09:43 AM by Plan B

North Friday 02/08 Primary Rising 20s WNW Haw: 5-7 Face: 8-12 Secondary Dropping 13s NW Haw: 3-5 Face: 5-9 Poor onshore 18' afternoon Saturday 02/09 Primary Rising 16s NW Haw: 15-20+ Face: 20-35 Secondary Rising Afternoon 14s NNW Haw: 10-15 Face: 15-25' Poor onshore Sunday 02/10 Primary Holding 15s NNW Haw: 25-35 Face: 35-55 Secondary None NONE Haw: 0 Face: 0 Poor onshore 40'? Monday 02/11 Primary Dropping Fast 14s N Haw: 10-15+ Face: 15-25+ Secondary None NONE Haw: 0 Face: 0 Poor onshore Tuesday 02/12 Primary Dropping Fast 11s N Haw: 5-8 Face: 8-14 Secondary None NONE Haw: 3-5 Face: 5-9 Poor onshore surf news network (theyre westside forecasts are usually overcalled a bit imo)https://www.surfnewsnetwork.com/

Edited: 02/08/2019 at 09:49 AM by Plan B

I certainly do! Haven't heard that name in awhile!.




Will be starting to pack and let myself get excited in the next week or two. Then start checking forecast.
Greatly appreciate the info from all! Been digesting it and augmenting to what I already knew and planned.
Reserved a family mini van for now and will check prices again as we get closer. Will be visiting friends on various points of the island so plan to go with the of the locals and their suggestions on those days. "When in Rome....!"

Wish we had some stretches of decent surf to get my game on! Last time i pleasantly pushed "my" limits was surfing lefts at Barrigona CR. Was not huge (surfed much bigger) but big enough and would jack up with only one shot to lock and load. And hollow all the way. At 6'3 I would crouch a lot more than I needed. Lol. Would love a shot at smaller backdoor rights after getting in the groove over there.







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Time and tide wait for no one.....

Edited: 02/08/2019 at 06:43 PM by KP

Thanks all for the info feel free to keep it coming!! I've been checking also and seeing I can get a minivan for about 250 to 275 a week that will fix the six of us (when needed for the "everybody" excursions).
Thanks surfmic for the fishing info also!
Sad to be facing the same crime challenges as 3rd world. Will have to be in the same mode as when I visit CR or el Salvador

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Time and tide wait for no one.....

Any tips on botanical gardens or an pleasant excursions for 70 yr olds?

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Time and tide wait for no one.....

The Polynesian Cultural Center is always "on top of the list" BUT, BUT, But, , , , it is run by the Mormons: NO alcohol and, I'm told, no coffee.

You certainly do want to do a good Luau so, do your internet searching (Trip Advisor is a good starting point).

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Dora Hates You

Went last year in March,usually go then,, bring some warm clothes and a top or springsuit,,,, gets cold wet and windy just like it can here,not always but does,,, do the PR/Hawaii car thing, windows part way down and a jug of water on the roof heating up in the sun to rinse off with, towel hanging from the door... if windows are down, nothing to see here... waves can be BIG in March and you`ll have many options depending on your skill level, winds, the usual... As far as gardens theres not much better the Waimea Valley.... Like Jurassic park.. Have fun, you will... I may go then again too, not sure yet....

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I've decided to accept the fact - I'll always be a big kid!

Nice mang!...Slotted!

Edited: 02/19/2019 at 12:10 PM by SurferMic

I concur. I surfed in town last night and Spanish house today and there was a good bit of water moving and purposefully paddled up and down the beach during the session.

Yah It is more of a "Pipe" dream. lol I plan to feel it out with my friends, some of them are born and raised there, they'll for sure let me know what's up. But will report back if I get a couple there.

Definitely want to check out Waimea valley and Manoa falls and a few other hikes.

Thanks again all

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Time and tide wait for no one.....

Edited: 02/11/2019 at 07:07 PM by KP

I agree with Mic 100%....... but I have an older 7-6 I may sell ya pretty cheap

Edited: 02/12/2019 at 09:35 AM by Plan B

Here's a tip. Don't come back.

Definitely do Lyon Arboretum in Manoa Valley. Waimea Bot Garden is also really nice and easy walk in the park. Lyon is not a difficult hike, unless you go off road for the good shit.

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If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

Edited: 02/22/2019 at 08:23 AM by Karma

Good air fares from Orlando ($500), probably today, Saturday, only. Check Google Flights. Includes this coming fall.

Edited: 02/24/2019 at 11:06 AM by ww

The waves look good in the swell window , some north winds around March 3rd otherwise good. Consider that a west side day if you want to surf and explore . Also getting a run of head high waves on the South shore starting March 7th for a week. Hope you have a nice trip .

Thanks I really appreciate that forecast report!! My wife's cousin lives near Aina Haina. Will be nice to get some waves on that side while they do wedding prep.
My Hawaiian friends have promised my wife the obligatory Waikiki longboard session.

My wife has a list of different foodie places to try thru out the island. Any suggestions of local flavor in the Kaneohe? Or westside?




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Time and tide wait for no one.....

Never ate much on the west side , but if you want real Hawaiian food try Helena's on the back side of Ala Moana . Cash only and parking is tricky , but the food is real and price good. Family style