Our family of four spent 9 nights at Terry and Debby's condo, it was the perfect home base for us during our spring break in April 2022. The condo was so much larger than any hotel room/suite would be - and proper size living space is a must on longer trips with kids. The condo had all the amenities we needed, kitchen came fully equipped (though with a very small coffee maker), washer/dryer were very useful to have, and we enjoyed a movie night every night - we watched all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies during our stay due to being in the filming location for some of them - so special! The large loft was great for our 9 and 11 year old kids to spread out and play and sleep in - lots of space. We didn't need use the A/C but enjoyed keeping the windows and deck door open - the cross breeze was wonderful and the condo stayed nicely cool during 70s/80s weather. NOTE: We found two cockroaches inside, they are very common in Hawaii - make sure to keep the screens closed when keeping windows or doors open!
Location within the grounds of Turtle Bay Resort was wonderful! We visited the resort horse stables every morning to greet the horses and also did a lovely a 45-minute beach trail ride with them. We had a couple of lunches at the resort's pool bar and played cards there too - which was very challenging due to the always-breezy weather. Sadly, only hotel guests are allowed to use their pool... The condominium complex has a smaller pool which was ok.
We walked 5+ miles every day exploring the beautiful surroundings. From the condo, you'll have great beach walk/hike options to Pill Box and Kawela Bay which was our absolute favorite swimming and snorkeling beach (and a famous filming location!) during low tide. Easy access by car, a 2 min drive, park by the road, and a 2 min walk in. A wonderful location! Banyon tree is a must see visit near the beach.
Another wonderful beach hike is one to Kahuku Point which is the most Northwestern point of Oahu. You'll find a wonderful, warm tide pool for kids and adults alike to swim or wade in. We saw Hawaiian Monk Seals rest on beach. The waves were powerful and awesome to watch.
Sunset Beach is a great location to see the big ball of sun dip below the horizon, admire surfers catch some amazing waves, and spend time playing on the beach while running away from waves that are breath-takingly big. We loved seeing and stopping to see horses all around the North Shore area, I would have loved to ride at Gunstock Ranch - make sure to make early reservations for most activities. One $50/person tour that was absolutely worthwhile was a visit to Kualoa Ranch and their movie set tour. 90-minutes spent on a school bus with open air windows, an excellent guide, cruising through Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, Lost, and many, many other familiar locations you've seen on the big or little screen. It was fantastic! We also visited the Dole Plantation (a bit meh) and Waimea Falls (falls were a meh for us NWers who are used to seeing huge waterfalls on many hikes back home) but the flora and gardens around were wonderful.
Oahu's North Shore is a foodie truck and easy eatin' heaven! Amazing options within short drives, from 5 - 10 minutes:
Seven Brothers - the best burgers and seafood platters. So delicious! And the store in the same building complex sells incredible gelato; Meyer lemon dragon fruit is the best gelato I have ever had, including during my trips to Italy.
Giovanni's shrimp truck - garlic shrimp, wow! I am still dreaming of it.
Brazilian Brothers - their surf and turf was amazing.
Poke - anywhere, anytime...
Matsumoto's Shave ice - classic, worth the longer drive to Haleiwa. Haleiwa is super cute to visit.
We also spent a day in Honolulu and hiked/walked to the top of Diamond Head. It is absolutely a worthwhile trip, fantastic views. Only 20 min up to the top (if you're used to hiking/walking), maybe 30-40 min for inexperienced hikers, a very cool experience.
Driving around the island and the North Shore is very interesting. You get a sense of how different the neighborhoods and locations are. Aloha spirit is very present. Friendly people everywhere. We greatly enjoyed our time and will return one day again!