Hi Guy's just scored some cheap flights to Hawaii in Feb/March will be there for 10 days and am looking for some advice on :

Surfing Sunset
Other spots on the north shore to surf - Less crowded the better
Picking up a couple of 2nd hand Brewers to bring home
Take boards form home or just buy a couple over there
Places to stay in Honolulu
Things to do with the wife and kids


...can't believe I'm actually going there...been dreaming of the place for so long and just never really thought it was going to happen...even though its only 10 days and I won't be surfing the North Shore heaps I am super stoked...just hope its not to big!!

Unreal your going to love it Tux.

Things to do with the family.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter flight a must and make sure its with Blue Hawaiian
Hire a car and do the south east shore some of the best beaches and small towns on the island this will give you a true feel of what it would be like living there.
SA just returned with some gem boards I'm sure he will fill you in.
I've stayed at Out Rigger on the Beach twice its the pick imo,south shore has the Dukes bar under beach front.

Take no boards and just buy a few second hand gems over there is what people I know always tell me. Also going late season is the real winner. Seems like you can not go wrong. Lets hope your foot heels in time Very envious of your trip. I hope its a good one and you get to surf Pipe just once

I would also try and find the best cowards corner hawaii has to offer

Just got back yesterday, mostly on Maui.
Only did 4 days at Waikiki, stayed at Outrigger Reef, probably 1k from the other
Outrigger Mac stayed at, had a good special going, it is also on the beach.

I was suprised how good the outside Waikik reefs were. Plently of spots, spread out crowd, loooong rides.

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Ted the Kiwi said..
Take no boards and just buy a few second hand gems over there is what people I know always tell me. Also going late season is the real winner. Seems like you can not go wrong. Lets hope your foot heels in time Very envious of your trip. I hope its a good one and you get to surf Pipe just once

Nah aiming for Sunset bro....I would loose my shizzle with the crowds at Pipe I reckon...

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Tux said..

Ted the Kiwi said..
Take no boards and just buy a few second hand gems over there is what people I know always tell me. Also going late season is the real winner. Seems like you can not go wrong. Lets hope your foot heels in time Very envious of your trip. I hope its a good one and you get to surf Pipe just once

Nah aiming for Sunset bro....I would loose my shizzle with the crowds at Pipe I reckon...

Id start working on your shoulder muscles Its one hell of a paddle and the tides looked absolutely wicked..

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jbshack said..

Tux said..

Ted the Kiwi said..
Take no boards and just buy a few second hand gems over there is what people I know always tell me. Also going late season is the real winner. Seems like you can not go wrong. Lets hope your foot heels in time Very envious of your trip. I hope its a good one and you get to surf Pipe just once

Nah aiming for Sunset bro....I would loose my shizzle with the crowds at Pipe I reckon...

Id start working on your shoulder muscles Its one hell of a paddle and the tides looked absolutely wicked..

Where did you surf when your were over there bro?

I have looked at Sunset for 30 years and always thought that looked like my sort of wave. It's nice you get to fulfil a dream and I get to live vicariously.

Ted, Pipe? Ignoring the crowd it would still be scary.

Expect a pizzling if its over 4-6 feet..the only solace is that there will be at minimum 20 other guys caught inside for company when those sneaky west swells break in front of you ....picking where it will break is harder than Chinese alegebra and use the brewers if you buy one ..quite a long time since i surfed there but i still remember getting mowed down like it was yesterday.
Awesome wave if you get a good one!

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Macaha said..
Unreal your going to love it Tux.

Things to do with the family.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter flight a must and make sure its with Blue Hawaiian
Hire a car and do the south east shore some of the best beaches and small towns on the island this will give you a true feel of what it would be like living there.
SA just returned with some gem boards I'm sure he will fill you in.
I've stayed at Out Rigger on the Beach twice its the pick imo,south shore has the Dukes bar under beach front.

Spot on. The south east coast is brilliant. Make sure you head off early and have breakfast in one of the numerous diners. They are gold!
Go over the Pali Highway from Honolulu (great lookouts on the way) and go back down around the bottom of the island, or even head along the north east highway(Kamehameha Highway) as the highway follows the coast all the way to the north shore.
Too much to do, not enough time Good on you!!!
Had some fun long board waves on a crap rental at Waikiki. Peaks everywhere.

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thedrip said..
I have looked at Sunset for 30 years and always thought that looked like my sort of wave. It's nice you get to fulfil a dream and I get to live vicariously.

Ted, Pipe? Ignoring the crowd it would still be scary.

Yes indeed. I recall seeing some great footage at 4 to 5ft a few years back and it looked like so much fun - almost playful. I imagine you would still get a good pasting though. I know at the new place 5ft on the reef on the wrong tide and in the wrong spot is seriously annoying. An 8ft set on the head can be petrifying. No interest when its any bigger or with the crowd at Pipe so it will probably never happen. Tux enjoys the big stuff though so really no excuses for him

Have you started doing your research yet?

What about this one?

www.surfline.com/surf-news/surf-mechanics-of-sunset-beach-oahu_63012/

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Tux said..
Hi Guy's just scored some cheap flights to Hawaii in Feb/March will be there for 10 days and am looking for some advice on :

Surfing Sunset
Other spots on the north shore to surf - Less crowded the better
Picking up a couple of 2nd hand Brewers to bring home
Take boards form home or just buy a couple over there
Places to stay in Honolulu
Things to do with the wife and kids


...can't believe I'm actually going there...been dreaming of the place for so long and just never really thought it was going to happen...even though its only 10 days and I won't be surfing the North Shore heaps I am super stoked...just hope its not to big!!

Nice work that will be awesome for all of you - it's a place I'd love to go eventually bucket list for sure ..... wicked

Tux the three weeks we were there was the first big winter swell and no way was i ever capable of any of the popular spots. Standing on the beach with loads of cameras was enough. Our house was a bit south of Waimea bay but North of Chuns right in the middle of the North shore. At a spot called Left overs or also known as Laniakea. I surfed everyday directly out the front and was more than happy with that. Super cruisey crowd and i loved it. Also surfed Halewia town break that was loads of fun, surfed that day alongside Jamie Obrien and his camera man, not that i got to keep up..

The Northshore is really only an hour or so drive, but it may as well be another country away for the different pace it is to Waikiki

The photo i put up of Sunset guys were surfing Huge boards that they could knee paddle. One guy i watched had a Inflatable vest.

I won't go on but if you want any info ask away, so many guys on here were so helpful and are full of info..

Do you have to stay in Honolulu? I thought it was pretty tacky, marginally better than being in Surfers Paradise...was interesting for a day trip looksee and some shopping, but no longer! Definitely stay on the Nth Shore if you can.

Depending on the swell you might get lucky at Pipe considering it is off season. I surfed 5 mornings straight there, head high & never more than 10 to 15 blokes in the water and a nice cruisey/sharing vibe. It seems the Hawaiians dont really like (need?) to get up for a really early sunrise session, so get out early.
But yeah, even at that size everyone got cleaned up by the occasional big set, and it was bloody scary.

Finally - on boards, I didn't really find them to any cheaper over there, pretty much on par with buying a decent gun in Oz. There was certainly some gorgeous boards for sale, but you wont save heaps.

Have fun!

Great find Obct!

Tux, you'll have a blast!

For Brewers, the guy you need to hook up with is Luis Real, who owns/runs the North Shore Surf Shop. In Haleiwa... (Say, Hal-i-eva) :)
www.facebook.com/pages/North-Shore-Surf-Shop/575802569110605
www.facebook.com/luis.real.568?ref=br_rs


If you give him some ideas on what you are after, he can probably line a few boards up for you...
He help Dick out, helps move his boards around, packs them up for shipping, etc...
But he can probably put the word out for some 2nd hand ones, send you some photos...
If you're lucky, he could have 1 or 2 sitting in his shop for when you arrive...

Tux,
You might want to buy some Quiksilver North Shore T-Shirts too... They only sell them in store.
Pretty cheap too... Like $22 or so... (USD)...

Accomm in Honolulu, you can't go too far wrong... It just depends on your budget!... The surf is better over to the West side of Waikiki. Central Waikiki is like a kiddy beach. So for surf, go for accomm that is a little "west"...

For the wife and kids... Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay is pretty good... Takes up a half day though... East Coast...
Zoo & Aquarium are options, more for younger kids... They have 2 cool Monk Seals at the aquarium... The Zoo is just a mini Melbourne Zoo, so nothing too special about that, still good though...

As Mac said, must eat and drink at Dukes!

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Tux said..
Hi Guy's just scored some cheap flights to Hawaii in Feb/March will be there for 10 days and am looking for some advice on :

Surfing Sunset
Other spots on the north shore to surf - Less crowded the better
Picking up a couple of 2nd hand Brewers to bring home
Take boards form home or just buy a couple over there
Places to stay in Honolulu
Things to do with the wife and kids


...can't believe I'm actually going there...been dreaming of the place for so long and just never really thought it was going to happen...even though its only 10 days and I won't be surfing the North Shore heaps I am super stoked...just hope its not to big!!

Hey Tux,

The missus and I are going again next March/April

Hope this helps. With all you have asked,

- Only look at Surfing Sunset ( or the whole North Shore for that matter ) on weekdays ( Tue/wed/thurs ) would be best. Not as crowded as the weekends. Put in as much paddle time 4 weeks before you go.
And also 50 - 100 push ups every night at least 3 weeks before you go.
There is a lot of water moving at sunset. Sit wide ( towards pipe ) Even a 3 foot day will have a sneaky 5 foot clean up set every 45 mins or so.

- From Sunset back to Haleiwa ( about 8 k's ) there are heaps of spots worth checking. Pipe has off the wall just down the beach on the left and the safer beach park on the right. Chun's is about a k away also, Turtle cove has a right. Even waimea can be surfed on a small 4 -6 foot swell.

- The surf shops near the little bridge at the top end of Haleiwa are good for second hand boards. Or for a new Brewer head out to the Old Sugar mill. This is where Dick, JC, Peyzel and others work.
( its about 5 k's the other side of Haleiwa ) Get a map from your hotel front desk as it's a little of the tourist track or ask the guys at the servo in Haleiwa. ( also take a couple of boards with you as it will be way cheaper and easier to tee up with the travel agent here before you go ) Just get 2 crappy $80 specials from Cashies, Gumtree or where ever, put em in your board cover, take em over, ditch em there, pick up your newies and bring em home. Way less hassle than trying to bring boards back if you didn't take any over.

- Places to stay in Waikiki ( Better than Honolulu ) The only reason I say this is because Honolulu is classed as Down Town, It's ok to check out during the day but I wouldn't take the missus and kids there at night. As it can be a bit "iffy"
My pick for sure would be Ohana East.
Ohana East , good, clean, Good sports bar / food/ Family friendly, won't break the bank, has it's own carpark ( not all hotels do ), Right in the heart of waikiki, 1 min walk to the Duke Statue and the main breaks / beaches in Waikiki.

Ohana West, Just one street back across the road from ohana east, a bit cheaper, Not as clean but still ok, Also has it's own carpark, 2 mins walk to duke statue.

If you wan't to live it up a little Manoa Surfrider is on the beach also 1 min walk to duke statue.

These 3 are in the heart of waikiki and all the best shopping in waikiki are on the same blocks as these hotels. ( The Hilton and others are about a 10 min walk from most of the action )

- Things for the missus and kids, Waikiki,
Boat ride or outrigger ride from the beach
A day in Haleiwa is also a must ( some cool little art / craft and surf shops )
Ala moana (Massive Shopping Center - You will need a day or 2 for this one) Catch a trolley there as most hotels offer a free service to get there.
Waikele Shoping Outlets ( in the middle of the Island, just before the hi-way splits for the north shore and makaha. They do daily bus tours there)
Diamond head for sure,
The Cheesecake Factory ( GO EARLY, 10:30 - 11 am for lunch to get a seat )
Dukes Bar Is also a MUST. EVEN MORE SO ON SUNDAY'S From 11:30 am ( you'll kick your self if you miss this one )
Also here's a tip, If you want to eat at Dukes for dinner (any day) book you reservation for a early sesion IE: 4:30 - 5 pm. Because buy the time you get seated, order and get your meal, the sun will start to set,
Trust me the missus will love seeing the sun set over the water while you are just finishing your meal and enjoying a sly Mai Tai or 2.

I would recommend the day/ bus trip around the Island . And also a Day trip from waikiki south around the Island to the East side then from the east side up to the North Shore.

Hope this helps Mate.

Locky

Also check these guys out,

Surfboard Factory Outlet
91-270 Hanua Street, Suite 1
Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 543-2145

^^^

Like this one

Oh Locky that looks just like what I was thinking. Have you ridden it or is it a keeper?

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Simondo said..
Some lively boards here!...


http://www.surfgarage.com/longboards_dick_brewer.html

I called into surf garage while there at xmas,they had some nice dick brewer boards but nothing to bring home they were all gun type boards.
Great store and super friendly staff the guy who owns it knows his stuff an older guy,I over heard him talking to a guy about fins and it was mind
blowing.

Thanks guys...
Locky thats exactly what I am after!!
OBCT- Legend great read/find
JB - Cheers bro I though those photo's of sunset lookedj just my size....I may have to re-adjust my scale if they are all waering inflatables

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Simondo said..
Some lively boards here!...


http://www.surfgarage.com/longboards_dick_brewer.html

Simondo said..
Some lively boards here!...


http://www.surfgarage.com/longboards_dick_brewer.html

Simondo said..
Some lively boards here!...


http://www.surfgarage.com/longboards_dick_brewer.html

Holy shizzle there are some absolute crackers on there!!

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obct said..

Have you started doing your research yet?

What about this one?

www.surfline.com/surf-news/surf-mechanics-of-sunset-beach-oahu_63012/

Awesome link cheers I've read Tom Carrol's & Kong's book recently. They talk about Sunset alot, so its cool to have such an indepth look at the place.

Look forward to hearing all about your trip Tux. The missus & I wanted to stay in Wikiki for 2 weeks in September, but I couldn't get holidays. We were going to stay here
www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60982-d2385826-Reviews-Stay_Hotel_Waikiki-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html

Other places in my Tripadvisor saves that I was considering. I was aiming to get into the area behind the Queens surf spot, looked like heaps of peaks in that corner.

www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60982-d86984-Reviews-Aston_Waikiki_Circle_Hotel-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html
www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g60982-d214680-Reviews-Park_Shore_Waikiki-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html
www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g60982-d114031-Reviews-Holiday_Inn_Resort_Waikiki_Beachcomber-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html
www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g60982-d1567958-Reviews-Kuhio_Banyan_Club-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html

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Tux said..
Thanks guys...
Locky thats exactly what I am after!!
OBCT- Legend great read/find
JB - Cheers bro I though those photo's of sunset lookedj just my size....I may have to re-adjust my scale if they are all waering inflatables

Also that was nearly on full zoom. Im no photo hog so they really don't do it justice. Young guys were still surfing shorter boards but the middle aged guys were taking it serious.
Id also throw in the Polynesian cultural centre on the NS and Pearl harbour must.
When you first get there register at the big food outlets. They give discount cards straight up but you need to ask. That way you get big discounts and the tourists pay the most.
Diamond head is a great walk and a few others like Waimea Falls walk is nice. A few really cool climbs but they are hard to get to and leave the car safe say so we missed them out. Really annoyed now though.
Shark diving with Oneocean is amazing, it will blow yours and the entire families mind.
The art gallerys in Haleiwa can be very dangerous though, do not take a credit card with you

We drove up the East coast and spent a day doing so, loads of fun but i didn't do any of the West coast and i know believe thats more pitcuresue.
I found everyone in the water really friendly and i also was up at first light/dark every day and crowds was no real issue. The busy breaks could be different though..

Some thing to think about for those big days ahead Tux

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Ted the Kiwi said..
Some thing to think about for those big days ahead Tux

Yeah cheers bro...I just read that Sunset thing that OB's put up and had to take a quick trip to the toilet