My commitment to myself is inspired action, if I feel compelled to do something, go do it.
So I jumped on plane to Hawaii, a solo trip to see firsthand North Shore surf in Action. I learned some epic lessons in the 8days, and hope these tips make your next visit to Hawaii even better.
I’m going on a trip to the North Shore of Hawaii in March in my suitcase I’m packing:
Sunscreen: squeeze your favorite reef safe lotion in a 3oz travel size bottle.
Baseball hat & a wide brimmed straw style hat protect your face.
GoPro: I tested out the GoPro Hero 7 Black here, it beautifully captured the aloha color.
Bathing suit/ swim trunks:no brainer you’re surrounded by water & sun
Flipflops: being barefoot is completely acceptable at most places too.
Sunglasses: the sun is intense, save your eyeballs.
Sneakers/ socks: the lands are absolutely lush & beautiful here. Get your hiking on.
Phone Charger: easily forgotten & a terrible thing to miss.
Gromboard & DaFins: travel friendly & light to just get out there & kick around.
Reusable Waterbottle: keep hydrated and cut down on plastic waste.
Beach bag: keep your gear and sand all in one place.
Light Weight Windbreaker: optimal for keeping the sun & rain off (expect occasional rain showers)
Sweatpants: fly in comfort & warmth
Sweatshirt: nights get chilly better make it a hoodie.
3 Things I Should Have Left at Home
Jeans, at no time did I think “I want to wear jeans.”
All agendas, that’s not how things operate on the island. Island time is a real thing, and just like jet leg it’s best to deal with it straight away.Ease up, and relax into the flow.
My super thick & non-travel friendly towel, which took up 1/3 of my suitcase. (Leus Surf Towels are the go)
6 Words That Will Help Get Your Vibe Right
Aloha: Hello & Goodbye
Mahalo: Thank You
Howzit: Friendly short version of how’s it going ?
Haleiwa: Small beach town just outside of all the big wave action.
Kaha Nalu Hawaii: Sharing the True Spirt of aloha & the art of Hawaiian Bodysurfing
Keali’i:Kay-Uh-Lee- Ee Hawaiian Bodysurfer that you’ll want to keep on your radar
Helpful Technology
Hawaiian Airlines Shows: Only videos that are free, but also really entertaining & educational about all things Hawaii; like Powwow, Poke & Ocean Vodka.
Waze: I love this directional map in everyday life, and even off-roading in HI, it never let me down, giving you the quickest real-time traffic routes.
Stactapp: Live Events, Athlete Profiles, and In Depth Stats in real time. An awesome app addition for the Pipeline Bodysurfing Competition
11 places I’m stoked on
Banzai Pipeline: shear power & magnificence, which can only be properly experienced in person.
The Volcom House: Sooo much surf history & stoke happened at this spot.
Waimea Bay: gorgeous family beach tends to have steep shorebreak.
Dukes: Restaurant in Waikiki
Outsite: Co-living/ Co-working house with a location in Haleiwa
Foodland: I literally ate 99% of all meals from here with 5 different high quality Poke’s to choose from
Turtle Bay Resort: beautiful spot to catch happy hour & sunset.
Green World Coffee Farm: Hawaii is the only state in the United States that grows it’s own coffee, and the flavor & taste are next level.
Dole Pineapple: Choo Choo take The Pineapple Express train
Point Panics: Bodysurfing history at it's best, loved seeing the dedication area to bodysurfers past.
3 Places or Things I Wish I’d done
Paddleboarded under Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge & up the river
Checked out the Eastside of the Island
Experienced Sandy’s Beach Park
5 Random Helpful Tips
Ocean conditions vary significantly by season. North Shorein the winter is FIRING this means big 20waves, rips, a hot spot for the worlds best pro surfers. It is definitely not snorkeling season.
Airport is Honolulu Hawaii 45 minute drive to da North Shore
Instagram is an awesome resource for real live trip information.Simply Search by location of interest and click recent. I scored insights to my favorite hike of the trip on here.
Roosters run da Northshore, bring ear plugs for sleeping.
Island Time & typical day is done by 8pm (there’s no party, and there’s definitely no after parties) Unless you’re personally throwing them.
If getting a rental car, be sure you select airport pick up for location. (I unfortunately did not & had to spend a decent amount of $$ on Uber)
Get use to doing U-turns, most roads are 1 way in & out, and if you wait for spot to turn around you could be going in the wrong direction for 45minutes.
Oahu is the shape of pig & has been know to have some of the best pork in the world.
Radio station are few & far between so get your Island Vibes playlist ready.
