When it comes to the ocean, the difference between summer and winter on the North Shore is as stark as warm weather and snowfall. Swimming pool flat and snorkeler's delight during the summer, the curtains are thrown wide open from October through April to reveal an ocean stacked to the horizon with waves that reach 50 feet.

Let's face it, with kids in school, Thanksgiving and Christmas family commitments, we can't all make it to the North Shore when the big waves are happening. So will you be disappointed if you come in the summer? The cool thing about the North Shore is that when the ocean's flat - and it is very, very flat in summer - you've got more opportunity to actually get in the ocean. That's the upside of missing the big-wave show.

Surfing and big-wave riding have completely permeated the culture of this place, so even if the ground isn't shaking under the explosion of tons and tons of water crashing to shore, you'll be able to find the big waves on walls in art galleries, on display in the surfing museum, adorning the walls in restaurants, and within the myriad of specialty and surf stores within historic Haleiwa town year-round.

Summer's a great time to grab a snorkel and mask and take a look at the underlying reefs, caves and coral heads that surfers work hard to avoid during the winter. Cruise with the turtles – they're everywhere! Enjoy your surrounds – take a hike, explore Waimea Valley, check out the view from the sacred Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau up Pupukea Road. Spend a day at the Turtle Bay Resort, take in a round of golf, take a helicopter or glider ride for the greatest view on earth. Learn to surf! Participate in the many activities and the rich history on offer out here.

The official North Shore Chamber of Commerce website is excellent for exploring the huge variety of activities and special visitor sites of the area.

But the tranquil summer picture of paradise makes a crazy transformation come October, lasting through April. During these winter months, snorkeling with the turtles gives way to a big-wave wonderland where 99.9 per cent of the population wisely choose to remain safely on dry sand, leaving the surfing to the world's best.

Did you know?
While you're swimming, don't be surprised if you spot a muscle-clad man heaving a weighty boulder as he trudges across the ocean floor. With no surf to keep you're lungs and body in shape in summer, big-wave riders have a unique training regimen out here.

Did you know?
On a rising swell, waves have been known to jump from 6 to 20 feet in an hour!