2010 - 2011 Recommendations

Oahu in October

I'll be in Oahu in early October (with husband and 5y.o) and am hoping to find the best place for placid waters and snorkeling. There are no surfers among and 2 out of 3 of us are pretty mortified by big waves. Any recommendations as to which part of the island to be in? We're hoping for less tourist-y, more off the beaten path. Any specific lodging recommendations that aren't too pricy would be really helpful too! Thanks! UnGidget

We stayed in Kailua in an apartment that we found through a vacation rental site that was a 5 minute walk from the beach. There was a little store where we could go for coffee or sandwiches, and for snorkeling, we would drive and spend the afternoon at Ko Olina and of course went to Hanauma Bay which is world famous for snorkeling.

Have fun! wish I were going

As for swimming in low wave, mellow situations where you can also snorkel and not worry so much about your 5 yr. old, I can't recommend the Ko'Olina Lagoons enough! http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beaches/koolina_lagoons.htm There are four man-made lagoons and one natural lagoon (natural one is not on that website, but it's the first lagoon when you pass through the gate and only 10 parking spots available so you have to get there early). The lagoons are protected by the surf and have virtually no waves. The water is clear and the snorkeling in the natural lagoon is amazing. Among many types of tropical fish, we've seen the elusive humuhumunukunukuapu'aha and countless sea turtles there (literally, every day, and they will swim right up to you; but don't touch them, they are a protected species)! There is the Marriott Hotel there and some condos (permanent residents, many of them are rentable and time shares, even in the Marriott) but it is not touristy. It's a little known secret and sounds exactly what you are looking for! There is grass, sand and calm, clear water. Each lagoon has its own splendor about it. It's on the West side of the island and far from where the majority of tourists go. It's actually the 'desert' side of the island!

The North Shore could potentially still be calm (it's calm in the summer, but then the winter months bring up the surf). If it is still calm, Waimaea Bay is just gorgeous and has some good rock pilings that on the north side of the stream that are good for snorkeling also. A must see. You can also hike up to Waimaea falls in the park across the street from the bay. A little further north of there is Shark Cove (no sharks, just the name). It's a great snorkeling spot as long as it's not crowded.... but you will want reef shoes for all of you as it is shallow in many parts and quite reefy. From there, you can find turtle beach where sea turtles come up on shore to rest and the Turtle Watch Team protects them 24 hours a day. What's nice is they will talk to you and teach you about the turtles and why we shouldn't touch them, etc. Sea Life Park is a good place to take your child too. You can feed the turtles and if you do the dolphin show, you overlook the ocean and may be surprised by whale spouts out there! Have a great time and totally check out the lagoons! LogicalMama

Close to Waikiki is Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve where snorkeling is like in a giant aquarium -- get there by 8 a.m. to beat the crowds -- it does close when it gets too full and it's not much fun to swim elbow to elbow. Read more at: http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/index1.htm Have fun! Oahu fan

For specific places to stay, sorry. There is a lot of secret B&B activity in that area. Lots of 'don't tell anyone you are a paying guest' for all the obvious reasons. So, google or just call some realitors in Kailua (808)for a current referance. You might call some places over there and ask them honestly and be candid about what you are looking for. Under the radar stuff is good in Kailua.

If you want some gorgeous shade, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is so pretty you can not believe it. Also in Kaneohe, the Byodo-in Temple in Valley of the Temples is fantastically lovely and easy with kids. I love having an expensive-but-worth-it dinner at Haiku Gardens which is also in Kaneohe.

Unless you are a strong swimmer, don't go in the water 'tho certainly enjoy the fabulous beauty of Waimanalo Beach OMG. Keneke's BBQ for coconut ice cream & ono plate lunchez and the crazy, ever changing murals, and apocolyptic advice painted in the dining area is not to be missed......

(There are some calm little beaches on the North West shoreline with good snorkeling.) Aloha Nui Loa!

I can't speak to how the waves will be in early October, but we visited the North Shore of Oahu this past March, and found them to be very big.

Our family (parents & a 2 1/2 year old) and our friends (also parents w/ 2 1/2 year old) *loved* the peace, quiet and calm of the North Shore.

Our friends stayed at Turtle Bay Resort (pricey), but we got a good deal renting a sweet 2 BR cottage (1 official bedroom, the 2nd bedroom is a loft) 10 minutes down the road from our friends in an area called Sunset Beach. Check out http://www.vrbo.com/168034 for more info. I notice their prices are higher then when we were there (I believe early March was considered 'off season'). But even if that place is out of your budget, I'd still recommend talking to the owners (they're in So. CA) to get a sense of waves in October (the owners' son, daughter-in-law & 3 children live in a larger house on the property, so you can get first-hand and very accurate info on that part of Oahu).

Note that Sunset Beach isn't in a town, per se, so the closest grocery store & tiny eateries are 5-7 min drive away. The cute town of Haleiwa (pronounced Hall-ay-ee-vah) has many more shops & restaurants and is ~ 12 min drive.

Happy travels to you! Caryn

Where to stay near Waikiki?

Hi. My husband, 2 kids (will be 3.5 and 1.5 yrs) and I are going to Oahu in August for a wedding. Any recommendations on kid-friendly places to stay and things to do near Waikiki? Thanks! Anon

Seeking current opinions on Waikiki

Hi everyone.. we will be 8 people (4 kids from 4-17) traveling to Hawaii for my 40th birthday next year (February). We have a time-share (wyndham) and are researching all of our possiblities. My first question is for those of you who have stayed in Waikiki, how was the experience overall? Was it too noisy, too touristy? We don't need extreme quiet or peacefulness, but aren't big partyers either. We just want to relax on the beach and possibly to do some sight seeing. With so many kids we don't care about shopping or clubbing and don't want to be surrounded non stop by people (anyone been to Stonehenge or the Catacombs in Paris in the summer knows what I'm talking about) But of all the Wyndham places we've researched, their Waikiki place looks the nicest, and is one of the few that's actually right across from the beach. We don't really want to rent a car. There are places in Princeville, Kauai that look nice, but most of the beaches are non-swimmable or far away. Anyone stayed in Kauai at a place like that with kids and been happy driving to the beach? anon

2008 - 2009 Recommendations

Oahu in December with 2 kids under 5

My family ( 2 kids 5 and under) are taking 10 days in Oahu in late Dec. Never been and would love recommendations on places to stay. Looking for a place near or on the beach, ideally a vacation rental. Happy with hotel recommendations too. Maybe northshore? Also any recs for first two nights in Honolulu after we land to get the kids adjusted after the long flight? Thanks!

Oahu in August

We (2 adults and 8-yr-old daughter) are planning a 1-week trip to Oahu in August. As we've never been to Oahu, we'd welcome any and all recommendations on where to stay, what to see and how best to budget our 7 days on the island. A mix of beaches and other sites (maybe the zoo or aquarium) might be nice. Should we drive around the island, or stay on one side? Thanks for your thoughts! We've got Hawaii on our minds!

The best beaches are on the north shore but can be rough waters, less so in the summer. The north shore has a great laid back vibe if thats what you like. Kailua beach is a gem. Wakiki is a great beach and major tourist destination; it is lots of fun but overwhelming with people and shops. We divided our time between these places so a car was a must. Our house rental had a great outdoor grill--dining in Oahu can be hit or miss unless your willing to spend a lot of money--so cooking for ourselves was great. One great place to eat and drink is Rumfire restaurant at the Sheraton Wikiki. We did one trip to the west coast but was not impressed with anything there. Wherever you choose to stay you will have a great time, there are so many things to do and see. Have fun! Andrew

2006 - 2007 Recommendations

Oahu and Kauai with a 2.5 yr old toddler

hi! any updated recs on where to stay, play, and eat in Waikiki, Oahu? We will be going there in May and staying only for 3 nights, but the lodging aspect is perplexing. We would like a one bedroom. We have a condo in Kauai (near Kapaa) but welcome input about where to go and eat. We will be next to Lydgate Park, so that will keep the tot happy/entertained for a bit.... Thank you! judy

Play: the zoo is decent and cheap. The Aquarium is OK: small compared to Monterrey or other big aquariums, but decent. There is a Children's Discovery Museum that is awesome, you may get a deal if you are a member of a local Discovery museum. Further away (need car), the Sea Life Park is a fun place for children, but expensive ($30 per person, under 3 free). Another fun place with children is the Dole plantation: the chu-chu train, feed the fishes, yummi pineapple icecream). If you do have a car, check Kailua/Lanikai and the North shore, the beaches are awesome and the drive amazing.

Eat: a local chain called Bale has good cheap vietnamese food. Chinatown has several decent places. There is an american diner to the side of the Princess Sheraton Kaiulani Hotel (can't remember its name) that has decent food for a good price and entrataining shows-OK for families.

Enjoy Oahu, there is a lot more in the Island than Waikiki! Love the beach!

Looking for condo on North Shore on Oahu

I think I'm going to Oahu in July for a conference and would like to tack on a family trip. The conference is in Honolulu, but we'd like to stay elsewhere beforehand, maybe the North Shore although we're open to other areas as well. Any ideas for a family friendly location on the North Shore? A condo/house would be ideal. I have a 4 year old and would like to be close to a beach with mellow surf. Thanks for your help! Jen

2004 - 2005 Recommendations

my family, which consists of 3 kids (2,6,12) are heading to Oahu in February. I have already made reservations at the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Tower (former the Aston?) but can always cancel if need be! So, does anyone have any feedback or experience with this hotel or can recommend another? The nice thing about this place is that its more of a condo style room, 2 bdrs/2 bath with kitchen. I am also planning on making reservatins with dolphinquest so that my kids can swim with the dolphins. experience/feedback with this group would also be appreciated. thanks!

We are taking a family trip to Oahu in November with our son who will be 11 months at the time. We have visited several times (I have family there) but this is our first time traveling with a little one. Any recommendations on condos in the Waikiki area? We are meeting my husband's family who will be staying at the Hilton. We would like a one bedroom with a kitchenette but are open to suggestions. Our hope is that by being near them, we can fit his naps in and get him to bed at a reasonable time. Thanks!

Waikiki Beach Tower. We stayed here (and is the only one we can personally vouch for). Across street from beach, centrally located along beach, friendly staff, a pool, large rooms. We'd stay here again. Only drawback is that it's pricy.

Pacific Monarch. A long block or so from beach. Centrally located. I think it was the cheapest of the three.

Waikiki Shore. The closest of the three to the Hilton. No pool, but if you book through Outrigger Hotels, you can use the pool at the Outrigger Hotel next door. Technically it's on the beach, but it's long and narrow and only the narrow end abuts the beach.

There are probably condos even closer to the Hilton that are further from the beach that cost less. If you are going to spend a lot of time on the Hilton property, that's something to consider. We recommend the guidebook "Oahu Revealed" as a good start.

Does anyone have or know of a nice condo or hotel with a full kitchen on Waikiki beach?? Will be travelling at the end of April. I have read previous entries but have had no luck. Thank you!

2002 - 2003 Recommendations

We are thinking of making our first visit to Oahu this December. We're tending towards the Waikiki area, for the music, but I would really welcome lodging recommendations for anywhere on Oahu. Usually we prefer small quiet places, but we figure it's time to check out all the hubbub. We're thinking of 7-9 days, hotel or condo or ... Not too pricey but nice, preferably with an ocean view and air conditioning. Any recommendations or advice? Also, is there any place to stay away from? Thanks. Michele

We are going to Oahu for 5 days, staying close to Waikiki beach. We are really in need of a few days away from everything and would like to make this a fun-filled and stress-free trip where we can do things as a family(one 7 year old girl) and also as a couple. We would love to sign up for a tour or any other good activities but are lost with all the possibilities. We don't know which ones are the ''good'' ones. We read about tours that include things like going to falls or snorkeling or a dinner tour or something that includes a show. Has anyone gone on tours or signed up for activities and can recommend some? The thing we are trying to avoid are tours where we'd end up with a hundret people crammed on a tiny boat for 7 hours. Also, any restaurant or buffet recommendation is appreciated. We checked out previous listing and they are great when it comes to kids activities, but there is nothing about tours or grown up activities or restaurants. Thanks alot from a family ready for a little vacation. Martina

We also went to the Dole Plantation tour. Pretty boring. The Arizona Memorial was very sobering. I am not sure a 7 year old would understand but it was informative and if your child is interested in looking at milatary items, they have a pretty good museum which is free as is the tour. Go early to this one because it fills up fast.

We drove to the other side of the island to see Waimea (sp?) Falls but the falls were not flowing so that was a bust. It is supposed to be beautiful and you can swim in them, but they only run when they have just had rain. Hope this helps. sr ---------------------------- Other activities on Oahu not mentioned I'd recommend: Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. Because the fish come in very shallow, a child in water shoes (essential) can wade with fish. You can get an easy bus ride(possibly a free one) from Waikiki. Also there is a children's museum called Hawaii Children's Discovery Center just outside Waikiki, the turn off for it is near the Ward Center I think. The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is fascinating, more for an older child probably. Watch for the free buses that will take you from Waikiki to all kinds of spots around the area. We loved Sea Life Park. Also I like Ala Moana beach for kids, it has no waves. There is a book ''Fun with the Family in Hawaii'' that is an excellent resource. Have a blast! Susan

We will be traveling to Oahu in October and we're looking for a 2 BDR @ 2 bath condo that is in Waikiki close to the beach or shops. My brother is getting married at the Sheraton in Waikiki. Our son will be a year when we go so preferably a somewhat child friendly place. We're on a budget so we're trying to get the most for our money. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated or websites you've used and have had success with. Thanks! Stephanie

We are thinking of renting one of the condos at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu - has anyone been there and what do you think? Any other recommendations on Oahu away from the Waikiki madness? We'd like something relaxed and not too expensive with our two young boys. Any advice on the island welcomed. Lisa

Can anyone recommend condos or houses they have used in Oahu? We are travelling with a two year old and grandparents and would like a 2-3 bedroom. We see lots of hotels listed but would like a kitchen. Thanks! Diana

We will be in Waikiki for a week in February with our toddler who turns 2 at the end of the month. (I'm teaching a one-day class - hooray for a reason to do a family vacation!) Can you recommend things to do, places to go in Oahu that would be fun for us to do with her? Our hotel is right in the downtown area by the International Bazaar. We won't have a rental car for the week, though we might rent a car for a day or two. Nancy

In Waikiki (a bit of a walk down the beach towards Diamond Head) there is a pretty nice zoo, with reciprocal membership from Oakland Zoo. Further down is a nice little Aquarium, with reciprocal membership from Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even further (not much past the Aquarium) is a hula show (it's either sponsored by Kodak or was sponsored by Koday years ago--I forget), they ask all the kids from the audience to participate at one point and teach them a little hula.

Besides that, our daughter's favorite things are playing at the beach and pool, and the corny poolside shows that many of the hotels have. jb

- Ala Moana Beach Park (very family friendly, clean beach)
- Koi (carp) ponds and escalators at Ala Moana Shopping Center
(across the street from the beach park). The shopping center has
a huge food court with lots of high chairs.
- Waikiki Aquarium (scale is perfect for a toddler)
- Honolulu Zoo (a ten minute walk from the Aquarium)
- Kapiolani Park (huge grassy park where the zoo is located)

The Waikiki Aquarium(a short walk towards Diamond Head from
Waikiki)
The Honolulu Zoo(in Waikiki)
Kaimana Beach (lots of toddlers here) - located on the Diamond
Head side of the Aquarium in front of the New Otani Hotel
Rainbows Drive-In - a plate lunch place in Kapahulu(near Waikiki)
Kapiolani Park - across from the Aquarium
Haunama Bay Beach - feed the fish and watch them swarm! Drive or
take a bus.
Kahala Mall - for shopping and coffee

I found out about it in the front of the phone book, I think the yellow pages. There's a great list of places to go. We also went to Senator Fong's Plantation, which is on northeast Oahu. We like botany, so we enjoyed it - there's a tram ride through his large gardens with lots of native plants. julie

We didn't see ANYONE camped on any beaches on Oahu, but we did not circumnavigate the island -- not enough time! We navigated the southern half on the coast road. The northern half may be a different story.

I wouldn't think Hawaii would be a great place to camp for a week, but maybe for part of the time. It can get really hot and also rainy. You would need to get ice daily to keep food cold. Be sure to find someplace with showers for all the sand and saltwater (some beaches have showers...)