Chinos4sons

This is our first visit to Hawaii. Our family of six is going to Oahu March 15 - 24. After much indecisiveness, I finally focused on looking for rentals on Waikiki and Ko Olina beaches. I found some, but I waited to long and now they are booked. Ugh. I could kick myself.

I am really panicking.

Please offer some recommendations on what other communities/beaches I should look at next. I was trying to keep the cost to $500 a night.

We will be renting a car. We definitely want to see Pearl Harbor, go to Diamond Head, swim (of course) and we plan on doing a surf school.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

MmePerdu

Here are a few, change locations to see more:

https://www.airbnb.com/s/honolulu?gu...&price_max=500

Chinos4sons

@MmePerdu - Thanks, I did look at airbnb -- except when I put in my dates - my options disappear.

I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for areas to stay on Oahu.

Would the North Shore be someplace to consider? What other beaches or towns?

clarkgriswold

www.koolinabeachvillasresort.com

newtome

when I looked at
airbnb
Mar 15-24
family of 6
honolulu
I got tons of hits

https://www.airbnb.com/s/honolulu?ch...s=6&room_types[]=Entire+home%2Fapt&price_max=500

clarkgriswold

Note that you'll save nearly $500 or so at that resort as an AAA member, so you may want to join AAA if you're not already a member. Or call and ask them about this "7th night free" promotion.

aloha

Aston Waikiki Beach Tower http://www.crochetville.com/communit...parison-table/
Is condos and i think should fit your budget

ltt

do you have your rental car booked? that was an issue a few years ago on maui...there was a shortage of cars and the prices went really high for people who had not reserved far in advance.

ltt

try kayak.com...it lets you type in the number of people, # of rooms you want...it will give you a list of places

MmePerdu

Here are the places available for your dates on Oahu, $500 max, 6 people, on Airbnb:

https://www.airbnb.com/s/Oahu--Hawai...&price_max=500

suze

I don't think you need to panic because if "worst comes to worst" you can always get hotel rooms in Waikiki.

Tomsd

The North Shore of Oahu is great - but the kids would probably have more things to do in/around Waikiki/Honolulu.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a must - IMO.

Tomsd

It's about a 20 minute drive from Waikiki - and then you can continue around to Kailua - and either come back to Hono/Waikiki - or head up to the North Shore. http://www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com/

Chinos4sons

Thanks everyone.

I think I'm also just having trouble figuring out what kind of vacation we want to have. If we stay at the Ko Olina Beach Villas, that's one kind of vacation; if we stay in Waikiki, that's another type of vacation; and if we stay in a house by Kailua beach, that's a different vacation.

I suppose we could just stay in Waikiki at a condo within walking distance to the beach. Do the beach thing, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head… then take a day trip to Hanauma Bay. Day trip to the North Shore, etc…

We could also do that from a Ko Olina resort. Or a house…

Yes, we are renting a car.

clarkgriswold

The deposit at Koolina Beach Villas is fully refundable as long as you cancel at least 7 days before arrival date. So it might give you some piece of mind to book something, then continue to look around at other possibilities without panic.

Chinos4sons

clarkgriswold.

You are a VOR.

Voice of Reason.

Thank you.

suze

<suppose we could just stay in Waikiki at a condo within walking distance to the beach. Do the beach thing, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head… then take a day trip to Hanauma Bay. Day trip to the North Shore>

That could definitely work and be very easy to arrange. Because there are so many hotels and condos right in central Waikiki.

MmePerdu

But a house would be so much nicer for a family group and likely much more for your money.

WWK

A huge recommendation for Aston Waikiki Beach Towers, if you can get it within budget. My family and I stayed there twice and absolutely loved it! Very convenient for exploring Oahu, gorgeous views from the corner units, and across the street from the public beach, and walkable (longish walk) to Diamond Head.

suze

Sure I agree a house would be nicer. I'm only staying since this person is beginning to "panic" that there are other possible options, that would still make for a very good experience.