North Shore Villa
By Jennifer Schmeer
Hawaii holds volcanoes, waterfalls, perfect bodies, world class waves to name a few. Staying at a villa on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii in the month of November was one of my inspiring ideas in continuing my quest in adventure luxury travel.
Landing in Waikiki, we headed to the north side of the island to Haleiwa which is about a one hour drive. Haleiwa, pronounced hah-lay-EE-wah, known as the surfing capital of the world is a historic community dating back to the 1900’s devoted to the sugar plantation industry.
Crossing over the historic rainbow bridge over the Anahulu River marks the north end entrance to Haleiwa Town, the excitement builds.
Haleiwa is located on Waialua Bay, the mouth of Anahulu River. Passing by quaint shops and open fields, we find the road heading up the side of the tail end of the Koolau mountain range that will take us to our villa. The drive up the mountain gives us the most beautiful views of the north side of the island while passing palm trees and horses grazing. Located near the top, the villa is stunning with its gated entrance and ocean views. Not just any ocean view. The North Shore Villa overlooks Pipeline and Sunset world-renowned beaches.
Greeted by a friendly Canadian, Jeff, the owner, welcomes us and gives us a quick tour before disappearing allowing for the ultimate private holiday. With Bali inspired décor, this seven bedroom, five bathroom villa with sunken tubs, wrap around lanai with BBQ overlooking the pool surrounded by lush gardens, fruit trees, cabana and guest house, this villa is outstanding and breathtaking. The surroundings engage our senses and we automatically switch to vacation mode.
Chauffeur and private chefs are available as some of the onsite services, but we decided to enjoy the BBQ on the lanai and make our own wonderful meals every evening. My cousin, Troy took on the chef role and did not disappoint. It was easy because at the bottom of the mountain in downtown Haleiwa exist a shop called, VJs Butcher Block. We would stop in almost every day to pick out dinner for that evening. VJs Butcher provides a variety of 100% grass finished beef cuts, organic chickens, GMO free pork and assortments of wild caught fish from the islands at reasonable prices.
The North Shore Villa made for the perfect backdrop for dinner parties and where else to find some of the most interesting beings than on the North Shore. Hawaii based photographer, Terry Houston joined us one evening for grilled steaks and wine on the lanai and shared some of the best stories under the Hawaiian sky and ocean breeze. Terry has been photographing surfing including the famous Pipeline break and his global travels for years with just returning from Bali. Terry’s stories are as interesting as his photos.
There are so many things to do while in Hawaii; it is limitless. But in the neighborhood of the villa there is a waterfall and gardens that are worth the hike. Waimea Valley is just off of Kamehameha highway and holds beautiful botanical gardens leading to a tranquil waterfall.
Waimea Valley is an area of cultural significance. The Valley has an important place in Hawaiian religion and holds several historical structures including stone terraces and walls constructed during the time of the Hawaiian monarchy. The garden floor was once cultivated with crops and orchards introduced by Europeans after their arrival.
A great way to start your day by going on a hike through serene gardens ending up at an inviting waterfall where visitors can take a quick swim to replenish the soul; Waimea Valley adds to any holiday.
Another way to get a glimpse of the real Hawaii is to meet up with local photographer, Ehitu Keeling, who just also happens to be Hawaiian royalty. It is real easy to go island hopping with the assistance of Mokulele Airlines that will take you to the Big Island of Hawaii where Ehitu spends his time capturing local images including surfing and volcanoes erupting.
Some of the best views of the islands can be seen from above. Sites such as erupting volcanoes like Kilauea volcano sending red hot lava into the night make for great evening adventures. Pilot Luka Dayton-Smith of FVP Helicopter Tours take Ehitu and guests up for exciting views of volcanoes and up close to craters like Halema’uma’u known as the house of Pele.
As Brand Ambassador for Reezen, a company founded by the roots of respecting the Hawaiian culture, I could not wait to get here and really experience it for myself. I have been working with this company for about two years and impressed with their products that fuse Hawaii’s natural beauty with everyday fashion. This group wants to empower individuals to make a difference in this world while focusing on the importance of family. I always make sure the group that travels with me are decked out in Reezen wear because of this great group of people and their beliefs.
I travel with a few things- 1) My Family 2) Reezen’s sunglasses, hats, tshirts 3) Sirensong Wetsuits. These are my essentials and everything else is just gravy.
Back on the island of Oahu, we dedicate one day to driving around the entire island stopping at secluded beaches, snorkeling in Honauma Bay (one of my favorite snorkeling spots), and sampling sushi along the way.
Returning to the villa, our bodies are exhausted from adventures. We spend the evening by the pool gazing at the river of stars flowing above our heads while my cousin creates another enjoyable meal.
North Shore has great neighbors. Former Hawaiian MMA fighter, Rory Parker drops by for a quick hello after one of his training sessions with some of students. Rory was a professional surfer and MMA fighter for most of his life and now teaches fighting techniques on the North Shore. My daughter trained with Rory when we lived in California after I interviewed him for the surf magazine, Aladdin Surf Magazine. Rory was my first photo shoot for a magazine and I was able to get in the ring with him and photograph him. I remember being really nervous and at one point while lying on the mat looking up taking the shots; accidently sitting up too quickly; landing my head near his crotch. All I could do was giggle like a school kid. The photos and the interview came out amazing. He is easy on the eyes and keeps you on your toes.
Later on in the evening, talented, young filmmaker, Damien Robertson stops by since we are in his neighborhood. Hawaiian born and raised, Damien is a filmmaker for Red Bull and for surfing star, JOB and Sean aka Poopies; North Shore legends. His web series, “Who is JOB 5.0?” was recently recognized as one of the best series of the year via Surfer Poll/Surfer Magazine.
We enjoy wine in the gardens and he shares his extensive travel year. Talented beyond his years, Damien films like a painter creating masterpieces.
Time flies by on the North Shore and now time to return to the mainland. These islands hold treasures and we only discovered a few, but hope to return again real soon.
For Reservations North Shore Villa-Contact Jeff at 808-308-9598
Lava & crater photos provided by Ehitu Keeling; Follow Ehitu Keeling @HEETS7
Surf photos by Terry Houston; Follow Terry Houston @TERRYHOUSTONSURFPICS
Reezensceneco.com
Sirensongwetsuits.com