DH and I are going Jan.28th. Have never stayed on that side of Oahu. Are thinking of relocating there to get out of snowy Massachusetts.
Anyone?

Hi Leaky,

I took my first look at the west side of the island when I was there in October. I read in the "Oahu Revealed" book that there were beautiful beaches etc. and that the "unsafe" rap that part of the island had was not true. I was really disappointed that I wasted a half day driving around there. Most of the beaches looked like homeless camps and I would have been uncomfortable going to any of the beaches, leaving my car etc. (The weather was rainy so we didn't stop anywhere) There really was not much in the way of restaurants or places to go etc. With all of the other choices of beautiful places to stay on Oahu, I would avoid the westside...even just a sightseeing drive!

Mary2Go: Sorry you felt you wasted part of your valuable vacation time...it's so hard to come by!
But, I thank you for posting, as that was the only part of the island we missed during our visit in July, and I had thought I may want to visit it in the future...I won't bother now.

Belle

I just read in the newspaper yesterday that the Makaha area of the island is experiencing a significant growth in tourism business.

The area attracts people who are looking for a LOT of quiet and to be away from the bustle of Honolulu and the North Shore during the winter.

I drive out to the west side fairly often to go diving. I would have to agree that there is not a lot of restaurants to choose from. As far as things to do, there's a golf course, the Waianae harbor from which boat tours launch out of, and the beach. Not much else.

There are homeless "camps" at several beaches, but they are not present at all beaches. You'll probably find them closer to the beaches in Waianae or Nanakuli. I've rarely seen homeless camps further up at Makaha Beach.

Makaha is about an hour's drive from Honolulu in little to no traffic. It is not an ideal place as a "home base" for day trips around the island.

The west coast has some beautiful beaches, though.

I was born & raised on Oahu. I would definitely not stay in that area. The bad "rap" is earned, not a myth. But, it's not in all areas of Waianae/Nanakuli/Makaha. I would definitely not suggest anywhere in that area for tourist accommodations.

I am glad that some of you residents feel the same...after I posted my response I thought maybe it sounded like some snooty "tourist" comment! I truly love Oahu and I like out of the way, not built up spots, but I just felt the west side didn't have to much going.