Can anyone please tell me how long it would take to drive from Kailua (Oahu) to downtown Honolulu? I have tried researching this on the net and I have gotten estimates from 25 minutes to 2 hours! Could this variation be due to rush hour traffic?

We are going to Hawaii in October and plan on spending three nights in Honolulu before going to the Big Island for two weeks. We would like to visit museums and go to restaurants in Honolulu, but also like the idea of staying in a self-contained cottage in a more laidback beach town. Is this practical or should we stay closer to Honolulu?

I'd plan a half hour, except during the morning rush hours, then an hour would be a safer estimate. There are lots of places to eat in Kailua these days, but it isn't odd for Kailua people to drive into town or Waikiki for dinner.

I think that's a great idea and also check out places to stay in Lanikai. You might also consider staying up at the North Shore.

And when you "commute" back to Hono from the Kailua side - you might also take the long/scenic way - around the southern tip of Oahu - through Waimanalo and Makapu, past Hanauma Bay etc.

see: http://www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii/SouthShore.htm

Thank you both for the rapid responses. This is so helpful.

And thank you the tip on the scenic drive--absolutely will do this.

Regarding Kailua restaurants, yes, would love any recommendations. I read on Trip Advisor that Kailua has a good Moroccan restaurant! I was thinking more along the line of sushi or Island-style fish dishes, but good food is good food, and I love Moroccan food--so why not?

Yes, I was thinking about looking into Lanikai accommodations as well. I guess I thought Lanikai was a part of Kailua. The beaches sound lovely on both Lanikai and Kailua.

I was hoping to do some snorkeling. I know the beaches can be a bit windy (on the windward side).

Thanks again.

The best snorkeling is at Hanauma Bay - and suggest you go early - to not only beat the crowds, but that is also when it's the calmest usually - with the best visibility.

Also - don't really know anything about the Moroccan place in Kailua - but when we go over - we love the local places - and also sometimes buy fresh fish and cook it ourselves, or make sushi, etc.

Kailua and Lanikai are both beaches in Kailua (the town).

Thanks to all for your help.

I am clearer now on the location of Kailua and Lanikai. Could not find Lanikai on a map, so now the mystery has been cleared up.

Yes, I think we are going to try and find a self contained cottage at Kailua/Lanikai, so we have the option of cooking for ourselves. The fresh fish has got to be great.

We are not early birds, but we will try to make an effort to get to get to Hanauma Bay early to snorkel.

Many thanks again.

Your body clock will be waking up early in Paradise - and once you get outside and hear the birds, inhale the fresh air, etc - perhaps after having a cup of Kona coffee and some fresh fruit - you should be good to go.

We loved staying at a B & B in Lanikai (not sure if there is a hotel there?) - and here are a couple I found by just googling. Ours was about a block off the beach - but can't remember the name. Very nice hosts.

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/photo...t-lodging.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...hu_Hawaii.html

Thanks, Tomsd for the recommendation on the B&B. I think we are going to wait until late August to book our accommodations for late October, just in case we have to make last minute changes--I have noticed most places ask for a hefty deposit, some within a week of booking.

Yes, Kailua-Lanikai will be a welcome change. Its warm weather and sunshine will certainly make it easier to get out the door early. We live on New Zealand's South Island where is winter now. It is beautiful here, but we don't even think about going out without donning several layers, wool hat and gloves.