We will be spending four nights on Oahu next April, before heading over to Maui for 6 nights. I am still trying to figure out our accomodations plan for Oahu.

On the North Shore, we want to see:
Waimea Beach and other North Shore beaches
Waimea Valley Center
Byodoin Temple
Haleiwa
In-laws want to do the PCC (we don't)

In the Waikiki area, we want to explore:
Pearl Harbor
Diamond Head

I was thinking of splitting our stay 2/2 between the North Shore (Turtle Bay) and Waikiki (Outrigger Waikiki or Moana Surfrider), to avoid the crowds and traffic while exlporing the sights outside of Waikiki. The other option is simply to spend all four nights in Waikiki. I don't think spending all 4 nights on the other side of the island is an option, because we do want to experience Waikiki for at least part of the trip.

Our party will consist of me and my husband, his parents (probably - they still haven't committed to coming along), and our teen boys (15 and 17). While I do think the boys will like the action in Waikiki, they really aren't the type to ditch us and want to head off on their own. The like exploring new sights and don't mind being away from it all at times.

Would we lose too much time by switching hotels, or would we actually save time by avoiding traffic and being closer to other points of interest?

Any suggestions? On Maui, we will be spending all 6 nights at one hotel in Wailea, if that matters.

I would vote for staying in one hotel in Waikiki. 4 days is a bit tight to split, after all..you can be on the North Shore in a little over an hour (gorgeous scenic drives) from Waikiki. Your in-laws should probably take the provided bus transportation to PCC as that is an all day excursion while you and your teens can explore.

To see the most of things you listed on the Windward & North Shore, you may want to start a day off with a circle island drive from the south along the windward shore to the North. If you leave very early, you can see the Temple (you'll only spend a short time there), then head up to the North Shore to see Sunset beach, Waimea, Haleiwa, etc. It would be a full day, or you can split it into 2 days if you want lounging time at some of the less crowded beaches (use the Pali Hwy for a shortcut from Honolulu to Windward side if you've done the scenic route).

Have fun!

The answer I read is perfect. I have stayed at the Outrigger Waikiki more than a dozen times. It may even be less expensive than the Sheraton Surfrider-Moana. The Sheraton, though, is a bit more luxurious. You must have breakfast on the Hula Grill's balcony (at the rail) on the hotel's second!floor.

I would base in Waikiki and take day trips. I would hate to move hotels after only 2 nights.

Yeah, I just did that kind of trip, where I was packing up & moving every other night. Not fun! Avoid it if you can.

I would also opt for spending the four nights on Waikiki. Have you thought about the Hilton Hawaiian Village? It's a fantastic resort with a nice beach. Your boys would really enjoy the huge "super" pool.

Another vote for staying at one hotel, and the HHW is an excellant idea. Driving around the island makes for a beautiful day. And not checking out of one hotel and into another will save you so much valuable time. Enjoy your visit on Oahu!

Just stay in one place. Oahu isn't that big.

You might look into a 5 day Oahu & 5 day Maui split. Many of the hotels on both islands offer 5th night free.

Thanks for the replies and bringing me back to earth! Looks like we're better off staying in one spot.