The true stars of Oahu's celebrated North Shore aren't the actors in the TV succession Lost or top-selling musician Jack Johnson.

They're the ogre waves that revolve in every winter.

The rest of the day, when the 8m surf and the crowds are long disappeared, the North Shore proceeds to its usual laid-back, realm lifestyle.

It's ideal for swimming, golfing, hiking, snorkeling or a lazy day at the seaside with family.

The isolated coastline stretches for more than 30km and seems a world absent from the high-rise forest in Honolulu. But it's actually only about an hour away by car, or two hours with a stop to extend at the Dole Plantation.

While pouring along Kamehameha Highway, keep an eye out for the colourful Haleiwa sign directing you to food, pewtrol, shops and beaches. If you stain the sign, featuring a surfer contagious a wave, take a depiction while it's still there. The cipher is stolen more often than unattended bags on the seaside.