Hi,

My friends and I will be stopping over in Oahu for two days (I know it's short) on our way to Asia, and we'd like to know what would be the best place to stay - Waikiki Beach or North Shore?

Some are looking to explore the island (Pearl Harbor), perhaps get in a game of golf, and just walk around the area - can anyone give me the best of Oahu in two days as well as tell me the best area to stay? We'd like to leverage public transportation - and avoid having to rent a car (not sure if that's possible)

We're not necessarily into hanging out at the beach, since we'll only have two days there.

Also - essential cheap eats would be helpful!

Thanks so much! This board has been so helpful in my previous trip to Hawaii so hoping to get great advice this time around!

Pearl Harbor is a "must see" (go very early in the day), but as far as where to stay, I would stay North Shore. It's very beautiful.

Waikiki when you want choice of restaurants, many shops, things to do at night etc.
Also public transport is very good around Waikiki, also to Honolulu, Pearl harbor, even Northshore, Hanauma Bay etc.
North shore is you like a quiet area and if you have a car.,

north shore or windward coast would be my picks...but not many accomodations cater to short stays. check b&bs and especially keiki beach bungalows on the north shore...

for 2 days and since you want to see pearl harbor waikiki seems like the obvious choice...

waikiki can be fun - I enjoyed staying solo at queen's surf (very cheap, clean, stylish etc) on the edge of town near the park. didn't feel as congested there to me. the park is beautiful and you are so close to diamond head and the farmers market there. lots of cheap eat options in that area...

you could do a circle island bus tour one day to see the other areas of the island and avoid renting a car. bus tours will also take you to pearl harbor...and don't miss roundtop/tantalus drive - so beautiful!

you can totally do waikiki and not do the beach thing.

aloha!

Without a rental car I would recommend staying in Waikiki. I just got back on Sunday, we loved it & found plenty to do, or not do, and lots of cheap eats (I'll copy a bit of my post below) & easily spent all 7 days just in central Waikiki.

World Famous North Shore Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Co. between Launiu and Kaiolu on Kuhio. $10.95 average price meal. It's a truck, look for the red carpet running in over a gravel lot from the sidewalk. Picnic table seating or to-go. EXcellent.

Arancino Italian 255 Beachwalk, $60 for 2 included two drinks each, one shared appetizer, two pasta entrees. Arrive early to avoid waiting in line.

Barefoot Bar at Hale Koa Hotel THE best MaiThai in town for $5.95. Great service, setting, sunset view, sometimes live music.

Irifune, 563 Kapahulu Ave

Ono Hawaiian Foods, 726 Kapahulu Ave

ABC Stores for picnic lunch. Sandwich and water or small wine/cocktail for approx. $5.

Breakfast~ St. Germaine's bakery on Kahio near the Food Pantry grocery store (another good cheap eats resource).

For two days, definately Waikiki/ Honolulu. Especially with a Pearl Harbor trip. See Suze's info, it's very good.

Rent a car for the two days. You can see the island much better with a car.

You will probably have to stay in Waikiki. acaigirl has already mentioned that most other places won't allow short stays.

You can see much of the city one day including USS Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl, Chinatown/Aloha Tower/Iolani Palace & Waikiki.

Tour the island & a round of golf the second day.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

If for some reason you can't or don't want to rent a car, you can get to the North Shore and some of the other major sights by doing a 1/2-day tour, companies like Roberts runs all kinds of various stuff around Oahu.

"Essential" cheap eats are called plate lunches.

http://tinyurl.com/ytcvpe