This is the final Aquabumps installment from the Hawaiian Sabbatical. After a stormy 30 days on “The Rock” I’m coming home…and I am bringing the rain with me by the look of it.
A lot of people ask me for holiday tips here. One day I’ll sit down and write up a big travel guide for the joint…but here’s a few tips in the meantime:
- The surf is MOSTLY manageable for the average-advanced surfers…it was rarely under 6-8 foot this month. Its winter here – biggest swells of the year. Summer is flat on the North Shore and you need to surf the other side (Waikiki side). Waikiki is good for beginners.
- The Hawaiians are super friendly in and out of the water. They have great surf etiquette. They follow the rules. I believe this is because the consequences are so great here if someone drops in. You really have to commit to a wave here. Once committed, you’re in and can’t easily opt-out…and if you commit to a wave with Sunny Garcia on the inside – RUN!
- We flew Hawaiian Airlines to get here and they were great. For me the 64kg baggage allowance is a dream.
- The Modern is a great funky hotel to stay at if going to the big smoke (Honolulu/Waikiki). The Surf Rider and Royal Hawaiian I hear are great as well.
- Hire a car. It’s a must. I used JN Rentals and they were half the price of the big names. A drive around the island is like visiting Jurassic Park. All the coasts have dramatic mountains and crystal blue water. It’s a aquatic playground with warm water all year round. (no wetsuits required)
- Shopping – hit the premium outlets at Waikele or you can’t go wrong at Alo Moana Centre in Honolulu.
- Eat – fish (Ahi) or Shrimp (Prawns). So fresh, so good. Because there are so Japanese here the sushi is amazing.
- If staying on the North Shore, eat dinner at Lei Lei’s or Ola’s (within Turtle Bay Resort). The White Elephant Truck has some of the best Thai I’ve tasted. Can’t believe it’s cooked in an old Fedex Truck.
- Girl, you can wear a G-string here and no one will even look twice. It’s standard.
- There is sugar in everything…and I mean everything.
Mahalo :: uge
Uge … coffee in the morning is essential, but it doesn’t give you goose-bumps like aqua does!!
Love it!
Adelaide, SA
thanks for all the great tips and insight Uge! …I will be making a trip soon!
Hey Uge,
I’m a Long time listener, first time caller. I’ve truly enjoyed your posts from Oahu, I love your Bondi musings but this was a real treat. I was lucky enough to work at the YMCA Camp Erdman on the North Shore in 1993 for 6 months and, like you, found the locals to be very friendly, as long as you’re respectful, and didn’t eat their chicken.
I hope you get back to Hawaii again soon, your pics are a way to get through an office day and dream of when I’m next in the ocean. May see you there some day….. Till then dude, take care and keep the pics and musings coming please.
Thanks
Miles
Sorry Uge,
But you must be insane if you think JN Rentals is cheaper than the big names. We are on our way to Hawaii now and found JN to be the most expensive, Budget funny enough worked out the cheapest. You normally have great recommendations but that one is way off.
Mick
Hi Mike, sorry mate about that. I can only talk from my experience…not sure what car you rented, but a Traverse Chevi for 1 month was half the price. Have a good trip.