Hi, This is my first time to Hawaii and I am wondering is the North Shore of Maui very different from the more common areas mentioned in the guidebooks - or does it make a good base from which to operate? We will have a car. Are there restaurants in the area (besides the vegetarian?) is this a convenient location, even though it looks secluded? Is the beach, surf, climate much different than West Maui? Thank you for your replies, in advance.