Menu

What to Do on the North Shore Oahu…in the Summer

What to Do on the North Shore Oahu in the Summer

There is nothing like winter on the North Shore of Oahu. The seasonal swell that brings big waves to our shores makes wave watching an all-day activity in itself, and is responsible for the professional surf contest schedule that runs from October all the way through to February. The late autumn, winter, and early spring also shoves seashells and seaglass to our shoreline to offer beachcombers hours of treasure hunting opportunities. All of this is great news if you’re staying at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows during these aforementioned months. But what if you’ve booked a bungalow for your summer vacation? Do you have to drive all the way to Waikiki to be entertained? Certainly not! Below is a breakdown of what guests enjoy doing the most when staying on this side of the island in the summer.

Top 5 Summertime Activities to Enjoy on the North Shore of Oahu

(more…)

Proud Supporter of the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout 2024

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout 2024

It’s that time of the year Ohana. That’s right, the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is back, and Ke Iki Beach Bungalows is once again a proud supporter for the event’s “Wave of the Winter”. If you’re unfamiliar with the event, you can read all about it in our prior articles for 2023 (click here) and 2022 (click here). Otherwise, you may simply trust us when we say that it’s the highlight and most locally legitimate event of the North Shore surf contest schedule. With that out of the way, we’re happy to share the specific event details for all past, present, and future guests of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows.

Everything Guests of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows Need to Know About the 2024 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Surf Contest

(more…)

North Shore Surf Contest Schedule (Winter 2023-24)

One of the biggest visitor draws to the North Shore Oahu in the winter are the waves. Accompanying the waves are a full slate of professional surfing contests, which are a real treat for guests of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. They (you) get to enjoy high-adrenaline action within a short walk, bike, or drive from the property, along with related events (surf film premieres, etc.) occurring at Waimea Valley, Sunset Elementary, and in Haleiwa Town. You get to see world class athletes not just competing at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, but hanging out at Shark’s Cove food trucks and Foodland Pupukea. They may even be one of your neighbors at KBB!

Will you be staying with us this winter? Or do you plan to book a future stay during this special time of the year? Be sure to plan your itinerary around the current schedule below.

2023-24 Winter Season Surf Contest Schedule on the North Shore of Oahu for Guests of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

(more…)

Why Take a Mental Health Vacation at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Mental health vacations (or retreats) have gained in “popularity” over the last few years, as the stigma surrounding open discussion about emotional wellness has fallen to the wayside. As a positive result, people are taking the time they need to refresh and reboot in places that make them forget all about any anxiety or stress they may feel. One such destination that we suggest can help individuals, couples, and families accomplish this worthy goal, is here in the embrace of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. Below is a summary of what makes our tropical beachfront property an oasis for those in need of a break.

4 Reasons Why Ke Iki Beach Bungalows Offers an Idyllic Setting for a Mental Health Vacation

(more…)

What to Expect During the Winter at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Are you spending a slice of the winter with us on the North Shore of Oahu? Or do you plan to? Either way, you’re wondering what to expect when it comes to the months of November to February. While the temperatures don’t fluctuate much during the “four seasons”, there are some distinctions that make staying at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows (KBB) even more memorable. Curious? Great – let’s review!

4 Things That Make Staying at KBB Even More Memorable During the Winter Season on the North Shore of Oahu

(more…)

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows Wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows’ Great Visitor Reviews Land it a Place Among Travelers’ Favorites

Haleiwa, Hawaii | May 24, 2023

We’re pleased to share today’s announcement that Ke Iki Beach Bungalows has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award winner for Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide. The award celebrates accommodations that have received great reviews from visitors around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. Ke Iki Beach Bungalows has stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to guests.

(more…)

Proud Supporter of the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout 2023

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout 2023

At press, the reimagined (copied?) VANS Pipe Masters just concluded on December 18 here on the North Shore. And in over a month the WSL’s Billabong Pro Pipeline is slated to begin. But there is one Pipeline event that locals and those in-the-know are most excited about – the annual Da Hui Backdoor Shootout – running from January 4 to 16 at the onset of the new year.

(more…)

Jamie O’Brien Spends the Day at Ke Iki Beach

The North Shore of Oahu is full of legends from the world of surfing. As a proud supporter of the local scene we see more than our fair share of familiar faces on our property. We’ve hosted a wedding party for the Florence family and have counted other big wave chargers in our ever-growing guest book. This past weekend we were stoked (oops, we mean PSYCHED) to have pro-surfing icon Jamie O’Brien along with YouTube surf star Ben Gravy (and crew) spend the day at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. We’ll spare you further editorial by simply sharing Jamie’s latest clip from a day well spent at Ke Iki Beach:

(more…)

Proud to Support Local (Surf)

Da Hui Backdoor Shootout 2022

You can’t help but notice the signs leading to and from the North Shore. “Keep the Country, Country” is a monicker that has been adopted by this side of the island. However, it’s hard to envision the viability during certain times of the year, especially surf contest season which typically runs from October until late February to coincide with the winter swell. When the Billabong Pipemasters (now called the Billabong Pro Pipeline) and VANS Triple Crown are cued up it’s like a circus around here. And while all of the hoopla surrounding World Surf League (WSL) events are a lot of fun for locals and visitors alike, there is one contest that holds a special place in the hearts of us all here at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows – the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout.

(more…)

Don’t Forget to Look Up

Monkeypod Tree Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Our guests spend most of their leisure time peering out towards the sands of Ke Iki Beach. It’s understandable. Who can resist the cyan tone of the ocean and a sky that changes as the sunrise gives way to the afternoon before descending into the sea? However, we encourage you to look up from time to time as you walk around the garden side of our property. Within its lush embrace sprouts the trunk of a magnificent Monkeypod tree that has lived here for over a century. It is what provides guests with a comforting canopy from the hot midday sun and tropical rain alike.

(more…)

A Magical Place for Weddings

Wedding Location North Shore Oahu

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows is a wonderful destination for celebrating an anniversary, and where to make a lifetime of memories with your ohana. But before any of these events unfold over the years, a union between devoted companions transpires – a wedding.

A wedding day is the genesis of generational celebrations to come, and as such a lot of thought goes into choosing a place that will honor enduring love. It must also be welcoming to friends, family, and loved ones, bringing them together in a setting that incites jovial conversation amidst fine dining, drinking, and dancing – even if barefoot in the sand. A wedding destination must be enchanting, dare we say fantastical, so where more appropriate than a Polynesian paradise that is affectionately known as The Gathering Place? The North Shore is the finest Oahu has to offer, and our oceanfront nook of the countryside is as paradisiacal as it gets. As a result, we have hosted a seemingly countless number of nuptials over the decades, and yet each feels as magical as the first.

We were recently honored to host the wedding of Andrea and Juha, local kama’aina who embraced Ke Iki Beach Bungalows as the place to begin their journey as kāne a wahine (husband and wife). It was an affair to remember, and we look forward to the beautiful couple’s return as they celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and more as their family (and love) continues to grow.

Below is a behind-the-scenes look at their special day.

(more…)

Where to Beachcomb on the North Shore

Best Beachcombing on the North Shore Oahu
Beachcombing gems found on one morning at Ke Iki

There is no shortage of pre-booked things to do on the North Shore. There are shark and whale watching tours, bike rentals, surf lessons, zip lining excursions, farm visits, horseback rides, and much more. But one of the most enjoyable activities for visitors doesn’t cost a thing – beachcombing. The same swells that make this neck of the island a hot spot for wave watching, bring an onslaught of treasures to our sands. On any given day (especially in the winter) beachcombers may come across seashells, seaglass, fishing floats and sinkers, driftwood, and all sorts of goodies that are ready for display back home on the mainland. That said, the popularity of this activity can make finding those nautical gems a challenge. To make sure you don’t get skunked on your treasure hunt, follow our guide to the best beachcombing spots on the North Shore.

Top Four Places to Beachcomb for Treasures on the North Shore of Oahu

(more…)

An Anniversary Celebration for a Deserving Duo

Once again we find ourselves expressing gratitude to our Ohana, not only for choosing us as the host for a dream Hawaiian vacation, but for reaching out afterwards to share their story. This week, we are happy to share the experiences of Tom and Melissa Kendall, a much deserving couple came to us to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

Mahalo Nui Loa to Tom and Melissa for imparting the following.

(more…)

Where Families Gather to Make Memories

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows Reviews

Every once in awhile we receive an email from a guest, accounting the wonderful time that they shared with their friends, family, and loved ones at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. While we most certainly appreciate all of the reviews we receive via TripAdvisor (etc.) it’s those special deliveries that pull at our heart strings. When we find that our property has helped bring households and extended family even closer together we remember why we got into this in the first place.

This week we opened a message from Sarah, a member of the Nimptsch family, who we were honored to host in the early spring of this year. Rather that summarize the narrative, we have chosen to simply leave her kind words right here. It is now an entry into the ever-growing time capsule of feedback that we have received from our cherished guests:

(more…)

Through the Lens: A Look Back at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows - Robert Ryder Photography

Spring is upon us. The season represents a time of renewal, which is especially important as we all come out of the most trying time in our history. But it’s the latter we’d like to reflect on. Not 2020, but a look further back to the Ke Iki Beach Bungalows that our cherished guests first fell in love with. While we have undertaken some amazing renovations and our ohana (including you!) has grown in the last year, we’re taking a moment to time-travel through the expert eyes (and lens) of distinguished photographer Robert Ryder.

Robert and his family have stayed with us over the years. He could always be found at the break of dawn and again during the golden hours, wandering the oceanfront with camera in hand to capture the perfect shot. Recently, the esteemed lensman was kind enough to share his catalogue of breathtaking imagery of the property along with other vibrant scenes of the North Shore. We’ve selected a few photos to illustrate some impeccable moments that we hope you (and your own loved ones) will one day enjoy at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows.

(more…)

Best Wave Watching on the North Shore

Most of us mortals don’t ride giants. We prefer to witness massive mounds of saltwater form and detonate from the safety of the shore. Yes indeed, it is a site to behold which is why people from all over the world flock to the North Shore of Oahu. Sure, the food is great. The boutique shops and galleries are delightful. The people are friendly, and the weather is impeccable (even when raining). But in the end, it’s all about the waves. That said, the seven mile miracle can be fickle and not all reef breaks and sandbars are created equally. To help with your plans to watch and photograph these natural wonders we have laid out the best spots to visit, and more importantly, where to stay.

Top 3 Places to Experience Big Waves on the Legendary North Shore of Oahu

(more…)

Biking on the North Shore of Oahu

One of the reasons visitors choose Ke Iki Beach Bungalows when staying on the North Shore is that our property provides immediate access to the best bike path on Oahu. From the moment you leave our gate you’ll find the world famous pathway running parallel to Ke Iki Road. While you can certainly point your beach cruiser northeast, peddle, and have a blast it’s good to have a little guidance. Below we take a look at five can’t-miss (including one secret!) stops to check out along the way.

Top 5 Spots to Check Out When Biking the North Shore of Oahu from Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

(more…)