Hard Workin’ Man
SBCC-Sunset Beach Christian Church
Chuns Reef Beach
To the North Shore of Oahu we go, where the second installment of the God Calls Me Series, God Calls Me Sunshine, begins. The title feels perfect because here is the perfect wave and a breathtaking seven miles of pristine beach, dubbed “The Seven Mile Miracle.” The story continues with a best-friend connection. It was a joy writing these two young women—some of the funniest moments happen between close friends, and by featuring many of the same characters, it allows me to explore personalities, quirks, pasts, and, most importantly, their relationships—so much fun to watch it all play out. Yes, sometimes even I don’t know what they will do until it’s on the page.
My husband, Bob and I have been fortunate to spend many memorable weeks on the North Shore, specifically at Sunset Beach, helping to renovate a church and assist in outreach to the surfing community that flock to the world’s most coveted waves—Pipeline, famous for heavy barreling waves; Waimea Bay, home of the legendary Surfer Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational; and Sunset Beach, another iconic big wave spot. Our Children grew up on Eddie Aikau stories, a world-class surfer and, more importantly, a selfless rescuer of people. Please, if you don’t know his incredible story, please take a minute to look him up. As you visit this beautiful place, you will see signs, artwork, and bumper stickers that read, “Eddie Would Go.” A never-ending tribute. God Bless Eddie Aikau. 
Beach House Lanai View
Ahhh … Hawai’i
When visiting here, we love living in the community and staying at a friend’s beach house tucked away in Chun’s Reef between Haleiwa and Sunset Beach. While all beaches in Hawai’i are public, this one isn’t as easily accessible and has a secluded vibe. We love it so much that a fictional version of it appears in God Calls Me Honey. But beautiful rentals are easy to find if you plan. I mean, it’s Hawai’i. If you’re anything like me, you spend little time indoors. In fact, if we’re not working, I can’t get my husband out of the water. The man spends most of the day paddleboarding, snorkeling, or swimming. Then we throw a couple of juicy steaks on the grill, enjoy a Mai Tai, and watch the spectacular sunset.
If resorts are more your vibe, the North Shore has only one—the 49-acre Turtle Bay Resort. It’s been around for as long as I can remember and has changed hands a few times. In July 2024, it was purchased for a
hefty $725 million, renovated, and rebranded under Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton. And I will tell you, whoever coined the term ‘location, location, location’ was not wrong. This property is stunning, and one reason I’ve featured it in book two, God Calls Me Sunshine. It sits on a point with 12 miles of oceanfront trails and seven secluded beaches.
As I write this, our youngest daughter, Molly, is there with a friend poolside on a day pass. The first time we took her there, she was eight. This time, my twenty-something asked if Mom had any extra points lying around so they could stay.
200,000 points a night? As if.
The Turtle Bay Resort
I bet you can picture the eye roll—hers and mine. And if you can believe it, my fire captain husband’s boss and his wife are there as well. A man Molly has known since she was a toddler. I don’t believe in coincidence. If my baby gets into trouble in the water or anywhere else, a friend is nearby to come to the rescue—literally, the man’s job. And the word is that Robert and Amy love the resort so much they haven’t ventured out except for a quick visit to Haleiwa. An ocean view club room with all the amazing food and amenities was the ticket.
Ocean View Room
Okay, on to the food. Off Kamehameha Highway, across from Pupukea Beach Park, there’s a Foodland grocery store with the best poke you can imagine—four trays lined up with options. I always go for the one that’s almost gone—locals know. I recommend getting there early; they sell out fast.
Mahi Mahi Sandwich
Another must-visit spot is Ted’s Bakery, but it’s more than just a bakery. Besides huge melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls and a wide variety of foods from full breakfasts to burgers, sandwiches, pies, and cakes, it has… drum roll, please… THE GOAT fish sandwich—fresh Mahi Mahi, so big it sticks out of the soft, house-made roll with a thick slice of beefsteak tomato, crisp lettuce, onion, and tartar sauce. I’m salivating here, tempted to ask Molly or Robert to bring one home for me. www.tedsbakery.com
Next, Haleiwa (ha-lay-ee-va). Pronouncing it correctly will show respect and maybe score points with locals. Just over the picturesque bridge on your way into town on your left, you’ll spot The Beach House, home of my all-time favorite lobster Cobb salad.
And last but not least, in the heart of the charming and historic Haleiwa Town, try the garlic shrimp at Big Wave Shrimp Truck, at 66-521 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa. There are many food trucks and garlic shrimp spots, and while I’ve tried several good ones—this place is the best. www.bigwaveshrimp.com.
And if you still have some room, nothing beats shaved ice. That is one place you won’t need directions to locate—it’s impossible to miss the line at Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice. While it’s good, I know of one just as good (if not better) without the lines: The Aloha General Store. While you’re there, browse around the wonderfully eclectic store for the perfect souvenir. www.hawaiisbestshaveice.com.
And speaking of souvenirs, the original He Is Greater Than I store is in Haleiwa, and the only place to buy Haleiwa merch. Every year, new stickers for our cars is a must have.
Until next time. Aloha!
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Note: The books are not yet available for purchase. Kelly Lobato has no affiliation with any of the businesses or places mentioned. The recommendations are based on experience and personal opinions formed during book research.