North Shore Hawaii is the island's premier destination for Oahu surfing with colossal waves creating unsurpassed conditions throughout the winter months. In the summer months Oahu snorkeling and diving are the best activities for visitors heading to the North Shore. A Hawaii North Shore vacation rental is a great base for enjoying a wealth of things to do in Oahu and is also one of the more affordable options for extended stays. The easy going community along the North Shore offers plenty of great shops and boutiques and many great restaurants to choose from.

There are more the twenty Oahu beaches along North Shore Hawaii, each encompassing unique qualities and catering to a variety of interests. Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay and Banzai Beach are the most favored for their unparalleled surfing conditions. A palm fringed shoreline, warm water and golden sand are found at Sunset Beach where swimming, snorkeling, body surfing and body boarding are all possible. Visitors can park near the beach and use the onsite restrooms, showers and picnic areas.

Banzai Beach is a wide stretch of sandy shoreline presenting excellent conditions for all water activities in the summer and tubular waves great for surfing in the winter. Escape the bustling crowds at Waikiki Beach and head to Waimea Bay in North Shore Hawaii. The breathtaking cove is bordered by massive, black rocks while on either side the hills provide a great whale watching between January and March. Banzai is a great beach for families but after September the ocean is only good for surfing.

Oahu North Shore tours should include a visit to the Waimea Valley and Waimea Falls Park. The stunning valley, comprising more then 1800 acres, contains more than 2500 species of plants and the beautiful gardens are a bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve. Things to do during Oahu North Shore tours to Waimea include watching locals perform ancient hula dances, playing traditional Hawaiian games and watch cliff divers plunge off 45-foot bluffs in daring Oahu diving feats.

Kayaking, bicycle tours and evening walks are other activities to enjoy. On a drive across the North Shore be sure to stop in Haleiwa, a hip town revealing a charming and creative character with a blend of old Hawaii and modern day amenities. It's a great spot to stop for lunch, browse unique galleries and enjoy a little shopping. Heading south from Haleiwa visitors will come across sugarcane and pineapple fields and small farms and if you drive far enough, the Dole Plantation comes into view.

Oahu North Shore tours should also include a visit to the ancient Hawaiian temple of Pu'u 'o Mahuka Heiau. Once a common human sacrificial site the temple now affords some of the best views of the North Shore coastline. Between May and October visitors should head to Pupukea Beach Park, a marine conservation site offering excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities at Three Tables and Shark's Cove, a great and less busy alternative to Hanauma Bay.

With so many fun things to do along the northern coast it can take a while to explore it in depth. A Hawaii North Shore vacation rental may be just the thing to extend Hawaii holidays. For as much as many Honolulu hotels cost for a week, visitors can find a tremendous range of beachfront vacation houses to choose from. Searching online is the fastest way to look for options but area travel agents or your own agent can help secure the perfect property in paradise.

Ke Iki Beach Front Bungalows are another option for a Hawaii North Shore vacation rental. North Shore's Ke Iki Beach is perfect for all water sports and beach side activities. With bungalows situated along the palm lined beach guests can enjoy great ocean views all the time. Shark's Cove Rentals are yet another choice in are located close to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Considered Oahu's countryside, North Shore Hawaii is one of the most relaxing and beautiful places to savor a getaway. Conveniently located only an hour from Honolulu, the North Shore affords the best combination of tranquility and excitement.