See how O'ahu's North Shore became and why it has been recognized as a special place for as long as people have inhabitated it. Once the site of the largest heiau, or temple, the North Shore of O'ahu contained two large valleys and other things considered so valuable that bloody wars were fought over their control. Later, the North Shore became famous for sugar, pineapples, ranching and the plantation life that brought thousands of immigrants from all over the world to the most remote part of O'ahu. It was on the North Shore that Hawaiians mixed with Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Koreans, Filipinos, Puerto Ricans, Spaniards, Irish, Scots, English, and Americans to mold the rural yet cosmopolitan society for which Hawai'i is now famous. Today, the Hawaiian temples are silent, sugar is gone, and only remnants of the old plantation buildings and ranches remain. But the North Shore's fame is now refocused, as it is recognized as the surfing capital of the world.

In this memorable account of 17 trips he made to Hawaii's North Shore starting in 1974, Bruce Jenkins, considered the Kerouac of surf writers, profiles the area's elite, the superstars who live to conquer Hawaii's deadliest waves. Here are the egoists, stylists, gladiators, and purists of the sport, from big-wave greats Darrick Doerner and Mark Foo to bodysurfer Mark Cunningham and bodyboarder Mike Stewart. Features 77 color photos.

Considered the surfing capital of the world, the North Shore of O'ahu is where you'll find those famous surf spots that you've heard of - Sunset Beach, the Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay. It's also the most laidback part of the island, with only one major resort and a vast scattering of more low-key vacation rentals and beach bungalows. The North Shore area spans from La'ie on the northwestern side of the island to Kaena Point on the eastern edge. Although only about 40 miles from busy Waikiki, the mellow North Shore seems a world away. Restaurant reviews range from the most luxurious dining to the best take-out places. The top beaches; secret spots for snorkeling; the best outfitters for everything from diving to deep-sea fishing; the galleries and shops. Accommodations and activities for those traveling with children; how to get married on the island; the best honeymoon resorts; finding the lowest airfares and package deals. Where to fish, hike, play golf, tennis, scuba, ocean kayak, along with camping, horseback riding, biking, whalewatching - it's all here. Our author lives in Oahu. She has hiked the trails, taken the boats, scuba'd the reefs, dined in the restaurants, visited all the resorts, snorkeled the coastline, explored the hidden waterfalls and she shares all of her knowledge. This guide is drawn from our larger guide to Oahu.

Written by locals, Fodor's travel guides have been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for more than 80 years. Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island for travelers, with excellent resorts, beautiful scenery, and extensive opportunities for activities both on the water and on land. This guide covers all the popular areas of the island, including Honolulu, Waikiki, and the North Shore. This travel guide includes: · Dozens of full-color maps plus a handy pullout map with essential information · Hundreds of hotel and restaurant recommendations, with Fodor's Choice designating our top picks · Multiple itineraries to explore the top attractions and what’s off the beaten path · Major sights such as Kailua Beach, Shangri La and Kaena Point · Coverage of Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Ko Olina, Hanauma Bay, Haleiwa, the Waimea Valley, the North Shore, and more. Planning to visit more of Hawaii or other islands? Check out Fodor's travel guides to Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island of Hawaii.

A writer turned Hawaiian hotel manager observes the many lives that pass through his rooms in this novel by the author of The Great Railway Bazaar. A New York Times Notable Book In this wickedly satiric romp, a down-on-his-luck writer finds escape from his life as the manager of a low-rent hotel a few blocks from the beach in Waikiki. His boss is quick to explain that the Hotel Honolulu is a multistory establishment—and the writer soon discovers just how many stories are contained in its walls. Honeymooners, vacationers, wanderers, mythomaniacs, soldiers, and families all check in. Like the Canterbury pilgrims, every guest has come in search of something, whether it’s sun, love, happiness, or objects of unnameable longing. And every guest—not to mention the staff, the owner, and the author himself—has a story. By turns hilarious, ribald, tender, and tragic, Hotel Honolulu offers a unique glimpse into the psychological landscape of an American paradise. “A sun-soaked Decameron.”—Chicago Sun-Times

Make the most of your next road trip with these essential tips and tricks for planning the ultimate epic adventure. During COVID-19, we’ve all had to find different ways to travel. From the disruptions of airlines to the possibility of many travel restrictions at your destination, the car has become a more attractive (and safer) option. One part Bushcraft 101 and one part vacation planning workbook, The Road Trip Survival Guide provides guidance for new road trippers as well as essential tips and tricks for even the most experienced roadsters including: -How to organize your car for trips -Packing lists for different types of vacations, from city breaks to outdoor adventures -How to develop the perfect road trip itinerary that will suit the whole family -Recipes and recommendations for the best car snacks (easy access and less mess!) -Tips and tricks for making your trip more eco-friendly -How to reroute a road trip gone wrong -And more! The Road Trip Survival Guide is a must-have for anyone planning a vacation. Perfectly designed to fit in a glove box or back-seat pocket, you can now stop dreaming, hit the open road, and start experiencing the perfect road trip.

This guidebook to the North Shore of Oahu provides the comprehensive information visitors need, but standard guides to Oahu leave out, on the most beautiful part of the island.