If you're trying to decide between the city or North Shore, North Shore is totally the way to go!! The vibe here is absolutely the best!
Mrs. Ema is communicative, very flexible, kind, and hospitable. The home she is sharing is an ideal location; 1mi south of Polynesian Culture Center (highly recommend), .1mi from convenience stores/great garlic chicken&macadamia pancakes(Papa Ole)/bus stop/10min to wonderful sunrise views/a skip away from beacheSSS (multiple great and quiet beaches in this area).
Home is on the first floor of a 2-floor home.
Enjoy it! There no other place quite like the North Shore!!