North shore Oahu -anyone been there?

[scottmandue]

I was at my brothers house for mothers day and they were talking about vacationing on the north shore of Oahu (my nephews are into surfing) and I was sort of invited along. To not impose on them I was thinking of renting a small beach house of my own. I like peace and quite and I'm a very light sleeper so I am worried that north Oahu might be party town and I won't be able to get any sleep.

Anyone been there? What's it like?

I usually go to Kauai where things are pretty low key (the way I like it)

TIA

[nostatic]

I haven't been to the north shore since '95, but it was quiet back then. Of course depends on the particular location, but it is not at all like Honolulu.

[jjone20]

Didn't know Hawaii from Hanoi, but the Mrs. and two daughters went this time last year. Beautiful. Stayed at Turtle Bay. Nice beaches, nice people, quiet spot. Off the resort it was kind of hectic in town, traffic wise, but our stay included a weekend. I'm not a big resort person, or interested in 4 Star dining, but we had a ball. Everybody wants to go back.

[Zeke]

My wife was there last year and has the same observations. Not at all like Honolulu or even Lahaina.

[Tobra]

Depending on time of year, big surf

[nostatic]

big surf in winter. nothing in the summer. I went skin diving in waimea bay in june...

[p911dad]

my frau and I spend 2 months each winter on the residential leeward shore and we go over to the north shore many days during our stay. the north shore is rather undeveloped and could be described as almost rural in nature. the Kamehameha highway can get quite congested at times and the locals can get annoyed at the tourists mucking up the place, but it's pretty mellow mostly. the eastern end has the only real hotel - Turtle Bay(nice restaurants) and a nice golf course as well(+++$). They are adding 3 more hotels on the property soon, and thus the traffic will get much worse in a few years. as you can imagine the real estate is very pricy and I do not get the impression of a party town. there are rentals around on the North shore, and right now Honolulu is cracking down on the unregistered rentals(off the internet, not paying the taxes, neighbors complaining, etc). at the western, opposite end of the north shore is Haleiwa and Waialua. Haleiwa is hopping with several great places to eat(avoid Jameson's at all costs-monster ripoff), and 2 shave ice places that are the best. Waialua is more residential and quiet. Not much going on there. like Nostatic says, it is totally unlike Honolulu, and at least an hour from the airport. Culturally, it reminds me of So. California in the 70's. they also film "lost" on the various beaches, so that adds to the fun. it is pretty low key overall, which suits us fine too.