Two highways with tunnels cut through the mountains connect the windward side and Honolulu. In Laie, the Church of the Latter Day Saints has its temple, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Brigham Young University - Hawaii campus. The North Shore is best known for its huge winter surf, documented in movies, television, and songs. World-class surfing championships are held at Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach when winter swells roll in. In the summer the same bays can be placid enough for youngsters to snorkel and swim.
Haleiwa town is a funky mixture of surf shops, old family cafes and art galleries.
Waimea Falls Park features acres of lush botanical gardens, tours, cliff-diving and hula shows. The leeward or West Side is bordered by the Waianae Range, and is generally warm and sunny. Makaha Valley is full of mystery and historic and spiritual importance. Kapolei is a modern community that's growing rapidly. The luxurious Ko Olina resort features golf and many leisure activities.