We stayed both on the North Shore (Courtyard, Laie) and in Ko Olina (not Waikiki, but the other sisde of Honolulu and on the west coast). Definitely a car is the way to go - buses run all over but I can't imagine the time it takes. Traffic is only bad around Honolulu. North shore eating is primarily food trucks, nothing fancy by any means. Ted's Bakery (they sell more than pastries) is along Kamehameha Highway (as is everything) and is a good breakfast and lunch spot.No alcohol sold up that way either except the food store by Sunset Beach (that we found, anyway). We didn't out to eat out in the Waikiki or Diamond Head area but there are some good looking spots.

Afternoon is the worst time for traffic. Early morning-8-10 am is a better time. Traffic can be bad at any time depending on the day.

So I always take highway 83 it is called Kamehameha highway it is a beautiful drive from Honolulu up passed the Polynesian Culture Center. There are several beaches up on the North shore there is parking along the highway and there are several small parking lots around the different beaches. Have a great time.

There are a few grocery stores on the north shore. As for bugs, it's fine. Grocery stores are a little expensive because it's being brought in via container barges and planes. Overall enjoy your time in Oahu! Maybe you will be lucky and see surfers at the bonsai pipeline.

Summer tends to have smaller waves on the North Shore. You still do have to deal with a pretty good rip-tide so beware. Winter is when the waves are the best for the North Shore.

Haleiwa Beach House for lunch or dinner....or the shrimp trucks gathered on the edge of town.

Waikiki beach has some good shops. One across from Ohana East does good work