Hi

I have been to Kauai and maui. Loved it. Was on my honeymoon. Now things are different and I'll be bringing my,then, 9 month old daughter and husband. We live in las vegas do will be flying with a special through Allegiant Air. We know that Waikiki is basically like our home town, but with an ocean.

Are there places on Oahu that are not like this? We live to stay somewhere inexpensive, explore, and will island hop if suggested. I thinkwe will be baby wearing too..so can hike,etc. wondering where to stay besides the big city. We will have a car too.

I would look into renting a place (not a hotel/condo in Waikiki) in the Kailua/Lanikai area. The beaches are beautiful, the area is much more low-key than Waikiki, although only a 30-minute drive, with all the amenities you need (stores, restaurant, beach supply rentals, etc.)

Vrbo.com is a good place to look for rentals. The north shore is another area to look at. The typical surf in each area varies by season.

I don't think 9 days is too long to spend on O'ahu. There is lots to do, and many beautiful beaches.

If you haven't yet been to Big Island - than Yes, I would say 9 days is too long to stay on Oahu. Kick back in Lanikai, etc for a couple days - and then fly into Hilo - see Akaka Falls and the Volcano (maybe splurge a bit and try the Volcano Village Inn for a night or two - it's in a rain forest http://emmaspencerliving.com/volcano-village-lodge/) and wind up your last few days at the beach on Kona side.

Well, I guess our friends sold it recently - and it has a new webpage? Anyhow - try this, and I am recommending this objectively as a great place to stay, but it is a bit pricey. What - a former artists' retreat in a rain forest?

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/hawai...age-lodge.html

Honolulu is the city; the beach at Waikiki, while crowded, doesn't seem to me to be anything like Las Vegas. We like to stay there because we can walk to so much stuff, and then we rent a car for a day or maybe two to drive around the island and go out to Pearl Harbor. Nine weeks wouldn't be too much time on Oahu for me!

I would stay on Oahu the entire time. There's plenty to see and do. Other than a couple main boulevards, it's nothing like Las Vegas imo.

As above I would stay right in Waikiki at a modest hotel or rent a condo, and get a car. Then you have the freedom of exploring all around the island.

Oops, I mean the main boulevards in Waikiki's central area.

If you want to go to some other island, then I would go there directly, not split it with Oahu, because then your 9 days will be too short!!

Waikiki is fun, but it's also very busy, and it is like Las Vegas in the sense that there is a hotel strip, but without the crowds walking around with alcoholic beverages slung around their necks

If you want quiet/relaxed, I'd still suggest Kailua/Lanikai or the North Shore. If you want busy, but still with a great beach and fun, and very easy [walking] access to restaurants, etc., then go for Waikiki. Personally I like both.

Are there places on Oahu that are not like this?

Yes basically any place outside of Waikiki which is just a tiny part of Oahu. Oahu is a beautiful diverse island and 9 days wouldn't be too much for me (we're spending 2.5 weeks there later in the year). You could split your stay too, a few nights in Waikiki followed by the windward or north shore. I'll probably spend a few nights in Waikiki as I like the easy access the restaurants but the crowds kind of get to me after a while.

I do agree with that statement. ANY place that is not Honolulu/Waikiki will be more quiet and less crowded.

i would not say Ohau is like Vegas - can be busy but it is certinly different with ocean, international community, greenery.. I would most def. rent a condo if you have a baby so you don't have to eat every meal out. have stayed at the waikiki shore which is the only condo right on the beach in waikiki. try VRBO Waikiki Shore there are some 2 bedroom units if you need that. Staying away from Waikiki would be quieter so hence the advice from others on North shore area/winward. With only 9 days, I wouldn't split it up. Either stay on Oahu or stay on another island, especially with a little one. The less interuption the better and you lose time getting to and from airports. Personally I would stay on Kauai or Big Island in a condo and just settle down for the 9 days but with cheap flight to HNL, you would be saving money by not catching an interisland flight...You will not regret going to Oahu, much to see interesting sights......

I think Oahu is my favorite island. I love it because it has a resident population that is diverse and many families have lived there for generations - I don't always feel like it is a tourist destination (even though it is) like Maui.

In addition there is so much to do and see in the way of natural spots (Hanamoa Bay, wonderful beaches, Diamond Head)and so many historical places (Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Chinatown, Japanese temple, to name a few). You can drive around the entire island in a day and that is a lot of fun to do. The North Shore is like old Hawaii. Even Waikiki is an exciting change from going to the beaches and more rural areas.