bashful

We have spent several winters in Sarasota and love it. Next year we want however to go to Hawaii. We don't want a car except occasionally, and we've heard Oahu is the best place for that. But somehow Waikiki seems too big, too noisy, too touristy for us but I might be wrong. We just want a small town with a nice beach, that is walkable (something like Sarasota??) with some activities to do. We like to walk the beach, read, bicycle, go to the gym, eat out occasionally. Where would you suggest we go? Is one island more expensive than the other? We will be there 6-8 weeks. Thanks.

christiegr

bashfulounds like Kauai would be the perfect island for you.Although Kauai is way more beautiful than Florida.Kauai is not as built up as Oahu or Maui but does have enough things to do that you will not get bored.The only thing is that you would need a car..atleast for a few days to really see the island.If you stay in Kapaa' you would be closer to the restaurants and the shopping.Good luck!!

suze

There were a lot of snowbird/retirees at my hotel in Waikiki this past February, who stayed for a couple months & had been coming at the same time to the same hotel for years & years (the rooms have kitchenettes). They certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves!

suze

Waikiki IS big, noisy, and touristy, but once you're tucked in to a daily routine I found it quite nice and peaceful. Lots to do and The Bus can get you anywhere you need to go.

bashfulLV

From one "bashful" to another - even though Oahu is a big city, etc - it is still the best place - IMO - for what you've listed that you want to do. You do not have to rent a car there because The Bus (or shuttles) will take you virtually everywhere and all the activities you mentioned are readily available. If you want to get out and about away from Waikiki, you could rent a car on a "as needed" basis right there in Waikiki - there are numerous rent a cars available all over the place.

I don't know what you're looking for in regards to a hotel, but for an extended stay, I'd recommend one with a kitchenette so you don't have to eat out for every meal. There is a great little hotel - The Hawaiiana Hotel - an older property, low-rise, right in the heart of Waikiki. Once you walk through the front gate it's like you stepped back to a time long passed. The grounds are lovely - plumeria & ti trees, flowers, grassy areas, two pools, an open air front desk & lobby. The staff are wonderful and very helpful. They give you a sliced pineapple after check-in and there is tropical juice and Kona coffee served (free) every morning by the pool. Even though you are steps away from Kalakaua, the beach is at the end of the block and The Bus runs just outside the back gate - you'd never know it while you're on the grounds. It is truly like old Hawaii and the ambience is terrific. The rates are good, too, and they offer senior discounts. Check their website for more info - www.hawaiianahotel.com - or give Lisa (the mgr) a call and see what you think.

chepar

As for Oahu, if you're planning to stay for several months and Waikiki sounds too congested, I would suggest Kailua. It has a "beach town" feel and is more laid back than Waikiki, but still has all the retail options you'll need, such as drug store, supermarket, gym, etc.

Friends of mine that live out in Kailua walk/bike everywhere in Kailua and only use their cars to drive into Honolulu to work (or unless they're doing big grocery shopping). If you need to get into Honolulu (or anywhere else), The Bus is always there.

Otherwise, an area right outside Waikiki known as the "Gold Coast" is pretty nice - more quiet than right in Waikiki but very close by (and is also mainly beachfront). Kapiolani Park is close and there's a lot of people bike riding in that area and around the Monserrat/Diamond Head area.

MerryTravel

I was also going to suggest the Gold Coast. You're still a short walk to the conviences of Waikiki, but you're on much quieter beaches and you're across the street from the gorgeous park. It's a very nice area.

bashful

Suze-what hotel did you see the retirees at?

suze

The Hawaiiana Hotel, same as mentioned by bashfulLV above (who kindly shared her recommendation with me last year here on Fodors, that's how I found it, and I've stayed there twice since). It's a peach of a place.