O‘ahu has plenty to see and do yearround, but it’s during the winter season, which lasts through April, that O‘ahu gives some of its best. It all happens on the North Shore, where the laidback country lifestyle of Old Hawai‘i harmonizes with snappy surf shops, extreme sports and artful cafés.

In summer, North Shore beaches such as Waimea can be gentle as a kitten; but in winter, powerful waves between 6 and 40 feet or more in height roll in, and with them come surfers from all over the world. (Before you “pooh-pooh” a 6-foot wave, note that in Hawai‘i waves are measured up the back rather than the face, which can make a molehill out of a mountain!) If conditions are right, you may be lucky enough to catch the granddaddy of surfing competitions, the Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau. The last time the waves were “right” enough to hold the event was in 2004, when surfing star Bruce Irons won the title on monsters reaching 50 feet. But on any day, the North Shore’s most famous spots—Waimea Bay, Pipeline and Sunset Beach—can give you a taste of the action.

Don’t miss other great winter opportunities on the North Shore, such as whalewatching. The endangered humpbacks, one of the world’s largest whales, travel from Alaska each year to spend the season in our warmer clime. From coastal vantage points such as at Turtle Bay, or on a boat tour, you might see them spouting, arching or even leaping right out of the waves.

So go beyond Honolulu for the day and head for the North Shore, where winter brings some of O‘ahu’s most exciting experiences.


Life’s an Adventure: Explore It

O‘ahu’s North Shore is at its peak in the winter season photo: Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Center

Waikīkī photo: Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Center

ALA MOANA CENTER is the world’s largest outdoor shopping center and Hawai‘i’s largest shopping destination with 290 stores, including 70 restaurants, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Sears, Nordstrom (Spring 2008), and the Islands’ largest collection of luxury boutiques in one convenient locale. For more information, call 955-9517 or visit AlaMoanaCenter.com

CABOANDCORAL.COM Capture the aloha spirit with Cabo & Coral Go Surfing! Inspirational and educational, it teaches about sharing waves, surfing etiquette, living in harmony with our environment and respecting the beach. Partial proceeds go to Surfrider Foundation. Visit CaboandCoral.com

CRAZY SHIRTS is a brand of top-quality T-shirts and apparel made from the finest materials available and decorated with original, fun art. There are 37 retail stores in Hawai‘i, Guam, California, Nevada and Florida. Call the catalog store at 800-771-2720 or visit crazyshirts.com

DOLE Share Hawaiian heritage and culture with family and friends by giving freshly harvested, juicy and delicious Tropical Gold Pineapple from Dole. Dole pineapples are grown in rich volcanic soil, kissed by warm, tropical rainfall and Hawaiian sunshine. Order online at dolefruithawaii.com

FABRIC MART has Hawaiian fabrics at wholesale prices, with more than 3,000 designs. Located at 1631 Kalākaua Ave. (947-4666), Kāne‘ohe (234-6604) and ‘Aiea (488-8882). Visit fmart.com
HILO HATTIE—THE STORE OF HAWAI‘I is where you will discover the largest selection of Hawaiian fashions, gifts, souvenirs and jewelry. 700 Nimitz Highway (535- 6500), Ala Moana Shopping Center (973- 3266). Free transportation from Waikīkī every 20 minutes or visit HiloHattie.com

INDICH COLLECTION specializes in unique hand-woven Hawaiian Rugs® in designs of plumeria, heliconia, bird of paradise and more. Wide range of sizes. At 550 Ward Ave. (596-7333) and 560 N. Nimitz Highway. Also located in Kona and on Maui (524-7769). Visit hawaiianrugs.com

ISLAND SLIPPER Good for your soul®. Find the largest selection of sandals, hats and backpacks. An Island tradition since 1946. Located at Ward Warehouse. Phone 593-8229.

Hanauma Bay photo: O'ahu Visitors Bureau

KAWAMATA FARMS LLC is located in Kamuela on the Big Island and produces award-winning, vine-ripened Kamuela Tomatoes. Kawamata Farms is proud to be certified by PrimusLabs.com, ensuring the highest standards of food safety. Available at grocery stores throughout the Islands. Visit PrimusLabs.com

KOA COFFEE PLANTATION produces 100 percent Kona coffee that is consistently smooth, with a rich, well-balanced flavor. Called the “Best Coffee in America” by Forbes magazine. A truly delicious cup of coffee! Call 866-562-5282 or visit koacoffee.com

LAPPERT’S HAWAI‘I handmakes all of its premium ice cream in small batches every day and meticulously roasts its savory coffees in the same careful fashion in sleepy Hanapëpë town on the island of Kaua‘i. Indulge yourself at several locations on O‘ahu, Maui and Kaua‘i throughout your vacation. Visit lappertshawaii.com

LOUIS VUITTON has been synonymous with the history of travel since 1854. Experience Louis Vuitton’s fashion—from travel goods, handbags and accessories to the current season of men’s and women’s collections. The Gump Bulding Waikīkī (971-6880), Ala Moana Center (973-0580) and Hilton Hawaiian Village (973-3388).

MAUI DIVERS JEWELRY DESIGN CENTER Hawai‘i’s largest showroom of fine jewelry offers free behind-thescenes tours and transportation from Waikīkī. Ask to see the Paradise Collection. Open daily at the Design Center (943-8383), and located in Hilo Hattie Nimitz (566-5923) and Waikīkī stores. Visit mauidivers.com

MAUNA KEA GALLERIES is located in the historic McCully Chop Suey Building at 2005 S. King St. and is the only gallery in Hawai‘i that sells museum-quality artwork from Hawai‘i’s and Polynesia’s pasts. Call 941-4901 or visit Maunakeagalleries.com

Na Hoku captures the essence of Hawaiian lifestyle and traditions with its collection of fine jewelry. Created to accent the individuality, taste and style of the woman who wears it, Nā Hökū’s Hawaiian and Island lifestyle jewelry features beautifully hand-engraved, heirloom floral and sea-life designs. Located at Ala Moana Center (946-2100), Hilton Hawaiian Village (942-4858) and Polynesian Cultural Center (293-8742). Visit NaHoku.com O‘AHUITheGatheringPlace O‘AHUITheGatheringPlace OILS OF ALOHA kukui nut oil is a natural moisturizer that relieves the symptoms of dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Available in fine stores and pharmacies throughout the Islands. Call 637-5620 or 800-367-6010, or visit OilsofAloha.com

THE ORIGINAL PLUMERIA LEI COLLECTION This is a stunning collection of 14k bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings by award-winning jewelry designer Denny Wong. Available on O‘ahu at Island Gold Collection (597-1199), Kimura Gems (922- 6711), Fire & Ice (734-1200) and Dolphin Gallery (951-5000).

PARADISE COLLECTION is located on the first level of Aloha Tower Marketplace and is a one-stop shop for Hawaiian jewelry and gifts. Shop online from one of Hawai‘i’s largest selections of Hawaiian jewelry, with more than 2,000 different designs, at paradisecollection.com

PEARL FACTORY At the authentic, original Pearl Factory, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful, high-quality saltwater cultured pearls in the Islands. Select your own oyster and, with the ring of a bell, your pearl treasure is unveiled. Once the pearl is cleaned and polished, you’re ready to pick the perfect setting for it. Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Bazaar (942-2447); Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center (923-1780); Polynesian Cultural Center (293-0852); International Market Place (923-2544); Dolphin Galleries at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (951-5000); Ala Moana Center, lower level (947-9209) and mall level (947-9244). Visit pearl-factory.com

SANDAL TREEhas an outstanding selection of footwear for men and women for every occasion and a great line of accessories. At the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī (921-9936) and Ala Moana Center (957-0300). Visit sandaltree.com

SANTA’S PEN HAWAI‘I® designs, manufactures and distributes a custom line of personalizable Hawaiian Christmas ornaments. Visit the kiosk locations at Pearl Harbor Navy Exhange Rotunda or Pearlridge Shopping Center, Uptown. Call 800-459-XMAS or visit santaspenhawaii.com

TIFFANY & CO. Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has captivated the world with elegant design and remarkable craftsmanship. Here you will find the timeless creations that have made Tiffany the world’s premier jeweler and America’s house of design. Visit locations at 2100 Kalākaua Ave. in Waikīkī (926- 2600) and Ala Moana Shopping Center (943-6670).

TOMMY BAHAMA retail emporiums offer a broad range of refined men’s and women’s collections of sportswear, swimwear, footwear, home décor and accessories. Tommy Bahama ompounds, consisting of a retail emporium and Tropical Café, offer the complete lifestyle environment that takes you to a unique destination with the full flavor of the Islands. Tommy Bahama emporiums are located in Honolulu, Kïhei, the Kohala Coast, Lahaina and Waikoloa (opening in Spring 2008). Tommy Bahama compounds are located in Kïhei and the Kohala Coast. Visit tommybahama.com

Your Piece of Paradise

THE BEACH VILLAS AT KO¯ ‘OLINA is a beachfront residence in O‘ahu’s prestigious Kö ‘Olina Resort & Marina with exemplary two- and three-bedrom whole ownership residences starting at the low $900,000s. Call 888-254-1161 or visit KoOlinaBeachVillas.com

FARM CREDIT SERVICES OF HAWAI‘I Planning to buy open or improved land, construct a new project or purchase livestock or equipment? Need funds to operate your business or refinance an existing mortgage? Farmers, ranchers, fishermen, nursery owners and country homeowners can call Farm Credit Services of Hawai‘i for help. Toll free 800-894-4996. Visit HawaiiFarmCredit.com

MARRIOTT’S KO OLINA BEACH CLUB on O‘ahu’s sunny west shore offers the seduction of a private resort, with easy access to exciting Waikīkī. Call 877-229-4484.

TIMESHARE RESALES OF HAWAI‘I specializes in timeshare resales at up to 50 percent off developer prices. “This is a timesharing sales presentation. Any purchaser has, under the law, a seven-day right of rescission of any timesharing sales contract.” Call 800-923-7700, ext. 1.

Home Away from Home

HAWAI‘I PRINCE HOTEL WAIKIKI is the standard for sophistication on O‘ahu. This relaxing oasis boasts luxurious oceanfront guest rooms with panoramic views of the blue Pacific. Just steps away from beaches, shopping and exciting attractions, it’s the only hotel in Waikīkī with its own golf course. Call 956-1111 or 866-PRINCE-6. For tee times, call 944-4567. Visit Hanauma Bay PrinceResortsHawaii.com