Going to Hawaii in March(maybe). Need some help.

[PaulN]

I would like to go to Hawaii in March and I had a few questions. First, that is still the end of the winter season correct? Where should I be looking to stay that puts me within striking distance of the surf, but would be fun for the wife too? She has never been and I would like to be able to take her snorkeling and to a volcano and stuff- basically do the tourist stuff plus surf. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[K-man]

What island?Narrow it down and there will be answers...cheers

[PaulN]

What island?Narrow it down and there will be answers...cheers

Oh crap, that might help eh? I am planning on Ohau. I would like to surf some of the north shore spots.

[fooj]

March has the potential to be the best month for surf. It can come from all directions with premium conditions. I would probably pick March if I could only have one month to surf. If your wife is an urbanite stay in town (Waikiki hotel) if she's a naturalist stay out of town (Eastside beach house). Coming from California driving 45 minutes to surf probably isn't a big deal for you and that is how long it takes from Waikiki, if you stay eastside, surf could be at your doorstep. Hanauma bay has good, safe snorkeling. They require visitors to view an educational film before using the park so get there early because it fills up and it is closed on Tuesdays. No active volcanos on O'ahu, but Hanauma bay is a crater as well as Diamond head and Koko head. You have to visit Smokin rock to see lava flows, but I would think long and hard before subjecting myself to that, especially if you value your self esteem.

[NCountyKneelo]

Paul, A few years ago we did a few nights in Waikiki, then went up to the North Shore and stayed at the Turtle Bay resort for 3 of the nights we were there. You will pay more at Turtle Bay, but dude, you are in the Mecca (for Surf) and your wife will feel like she has gone to heaven. It is one of the sickest resorts I have ever been to when you consider its close proximity to the 7 mile miracle (The north shore surf spots).
For a day trip, try going to Kaneohe and the Valley of the Temples. This is a replica of a Budhist temple that is really cool. Super serene. You have to drive through a Cemetary to get to it...but it is worth it. Make sure you hit Makapuu Point too. This is a beach that gets great waves although you can only Bodysurf or Bodyboard, but is a cool spot. Definitely do the Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, on the sunniest day possible to get the most light into the reef. Have fun.

[TKendall]

Glad to hear the Turtle Bay endorsement - I'm going there for a conference mid-April with my wife and in laws and have been asked that I not complicate the trip by packing a board this time. So...any good places to rent/borrow a board? I'm not having any luck on the Blast Hawaii site right now. Thanks!