Travels with T & J: Oahu's North Shore

Oahu was our goal and Costco travel was great to work with. Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore had it all, except turtles.

Home for the next seven days

Complete with a private little snorkel lagoon

The view from our lanai. The wedding chapel to the left

Did some daydreaming about a future ceremony in the wedding chapel, can’t think of a more perfect setting.

On the trail to Waimea Falls.

Waimea Valley is a beautiful place to explore. Jungle, gardens, history, swimming under a waterfall (for those adventurous types.) Across the road at Waimea Bay is pretty special too, if you’re a Jan and Dean fan.

There are miles of hiking trails around Turtle Bay and we did some exploring one morning.

WW II pillbox. Didn't find any pills. Our resort in the distance across Turtle Bay

We found a World War II pillbox and a giant Banyan tree that has been featured in several movies, Including Pirates of the Caribbean. In the afternoon, a little ocean swimming in the lagoon happened, then off to the hot tub to rinse the sand out.

Uh yes, two Mai Tais and the dessert menu please

The next day we headed down the east side of the island toward Honolulu. Made a stop at a delightful roadside stand, the Tropical Farms of Hawaii. Waikiki was pretty, and pretty tourist-y. But hey, we were tourists. Had a very special lunch at the Moana Surfrider.

Waikiki and Diamond Head

The view from our lunch table at Moana Surfrider

So, the heavies come in during the winter months and it’s surfing competition time on the North Shore. The World Cup of Surfing was taking place at Sunset Beach, just down the road from us.

The closest we got to the World Cup at Sunset Beach. Note the traffic in the rear view mirror

Parking was at a premium along the very narrow highway, and Sunset Beach has very little beach anyway, so we didn’t attempt to stop and watch. The good news is we had the Surf Channel in our room and they showed replays of the each day’s event every evening. The surf was magnificent; 12-16 foot waves. Although we couldn’t get to Sunset, we did get to spend some time watching and taking pictures of the surfers at the Pipeline.

Back Door at the Pipeline

On the way to the Polynesian Cultural Center, we had lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Jan got the scampi special. So, fresh, so good, so much garlic! Fortunately, there were other trucks with other fare for the shellfish intolerant.

Damn, forgot my Sharpie

The sky gave us just about everything during our stay: some clouds, some rain, and some fantastic views of the setting sun, and at about 5 am on December 3rd, the full moon met its orbit's perigee, and we had a SUPER view from our lanai.

Treated to a world class sunset while enjoying an adult beverage at the pool bar.

Our day at Pearl Harbor included all the tours. History was everywhere, of course, and just like being at the Smithsonian, you can feel the reality of what you’ve seen in films.

USS Arizona Memorial

Jan's impression of Clark Gable in "Run Silent, Run Deep" on the bridge of the USS Bowfin

Battleship Missouri, where WWII came to an end

Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island

Exploring on our last day, we had Hawaiian French toast at the Cafe Haleiwa. If you go, and have to go, watch your step getting to and from the restroom…enough said.

Jan to Tom: "Go in there, I dare you"

We found a hidden gem at the Sugar Mill at Waialua – another surprise as we explored the north shore. The closed down mill has been turned into a kitsch emporium, and there is even a soap factory in the old wigwam burner. Fortunately, Tom resisted buying a can of the Spam flavored macadamia nuts.