Aloha! If you are considering a get-away to Oahu, Hawaii, please consider staying at Anderson’s Sunset Beach Lodge on the North Shore. This is my second stay at the Sunset Beach Lodge and I plan my future visits with Anderson. He offers a true “Country” living experience. His spaces are just that...big spaces with all of the amenities of home. On this 2 week trip, there were 6 adults; two couples and my sister and I. Each couple had their own private bed room. We were able to gather in the very spacious living room for evening visits and when not enjoying the local food fare...prepared family-style meals in the well equipped kitchen, on the grill, and broke bread together at the very large dining room table. And there is a large front porch to drink morning coffee or tea or enjoy evening cocktails. We also took daily walks to the beautiful Sunset Beach (only a 5 minute walk from the Lodge) to watch amazing Hawaiian sunsets...a true joy to witness. Many of us are originally from New Orleans and we even had a traditional crawfish boil under the shaded mango tree! Anderson was so accommodating, he even brought a tank of gas early that morning just in case; he is very thoughtful and wanted to ensure we all had a successful party and as we say in Louisiana, were able to “pass a good time!” There are four separate lodgings on almost an acre of land. The other residents were friendly and from many other parts of the world. Because we were there two weeks, when leaving, the other families offered their unused groceries...true sense of hospitality and Hawaiian Ohana (family)! If you are considering a relaxing and calm get-away, consider Anderson’s Sunset Beach Lodge. There is a Cottage in front, for families or couples (with a deck, grill and its own washing machine and dryer). The large lodge has three separate living spaces; a two bedroom space located on the bottom (I stayed in this one last trip). This apartment has a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area for up to 6, as well with one full bathroom and a front porch with seating and a hammock. The three bedroom space is located upstairs (with an additional trundle bed in the open office area). This space has a very large living room, a small play area for babies and a fully equipped kitchen with a separate dining area for up to 8 spaces at the dining room table. The third apartment, located in the back of the main lodge, is for single couples. It is one very large room suite with private bath and a fully equipped kitchen with the latest appliances and air conditioning! The 3 main lodge apartments share a laundry room with an extra large capacity washer and dryer. All have the latest smart TVs with connection to satellite. We rarely used the TV, but if you so desire, it is there. In addition, Anderson offers beach chairs, beach shoes, snorkeling equipment and surf boards for your use. These are on community shelves located outside the ground floor of the main lodge. Each apartment has excellent coffee makers and blenders for smoothies or fancy cocktails! Anderson welcomes you with an easy check-in and check-out process and always has a box of local macadamia covered chocolates on the dining room table to welcome you upon arrival. If you want a true Hawaiian “Country” experience, please consider Anderson’s Sunset Beach Lodge. Additional information and recommendations: *There are roosters and hens on the property (as there are all over the Island); you may be awakened by their charming crowing! *Shop at the local Foodland, just a short drive from the lodge, but consider packing zip-lock bags and food wrap. Groceries are expensive; remember you are visiting an Island! And join the Foodland Maika’i program; this will afford you the local specials at a discount. All you have to do is provide a phone number at check-out. *Please use reef safe suntan protection. The snorkeling is a must, and we all have a responsibility to protect the beautiful Hawaiian sea life. *If you are fortunate enough to see the Green Sea Turtle at one of the many North Shore beaches, please do not touch them; they are an endangered species and should be treated with respect and awe. Tip: if you want to take pictures of them while beached, stand between them and the ocean; this will not disturbed their sunbathing and they are most likely to stay put. *Consider visiting the Sunset Beach Market located at the Sunset Beach Elementary School on Saturdays between 0800 and 2:00 p.m. You will find many local artists selling their wares, including photography, pearl jewerlry, local wood products (bowls, spoons, trays...all carved with Aloha) and local, organic produce. Here you will find many original and beautiful gifts and souvenirs...much better than a t-shirt or shot glass! There are also breakfast burritos...so ono! *There is a hiking trail that starts at the Sunset Beach Elementary School; this is an hour or so hike up the mountain and the views are spectacular! Don’t forget to use the panoramic feature of your smart phone to capture the stunning view of the North Shore beaches. You can reach two WWII bunkers and experience how the USA used them to watch and protect from invaders. *If you want other souvenirs consider a trip to the Aloha Stadium flee market; Saturdays and Wednesdays...here you will find any kind of souvenir...and all very inexpensive. *The garlic shrimp and Huli Huli chicken are a must...you can find these any where on the North Shore. *Don’t miss the majestic mountains, a short drive north of Anderson’s Sunset Beach Lodge. *Remember; this is not a 5 star resort...but you will get a 5 star experience! ONE WEEK with Anderson is the cost of ONE NIGHT at the nearest resort. Mahalo (Thank You) Anderson for making our Hawaiian...