We're an Australian family travelling to Hawaii this coming July/August. My husband and I have been to Hawaii before this (and loved it!) but our 14-y-o son hasn't and is so so excited about this - his first visit. He's a keen & accomplished body-boarder/body surfer, so we MUST bear that in mind at all times - according to him, that is! (We don't think he's accomplished enough to take on the Banzai Pipeline though, even though we realise in the summer months it's not at its biggest.) We thought we might like to avoid staying in Waikiki this time. Is there anybody out there who could recommend somewhere not too too expensive? Any information would be much much appreciated! I have a travel guide, and it appears that the southeast part of Oahu might suit us (not too far from Waikiki - we'll have a rental car), but it doesn't recommend any accommodation in that area at all. Any suggestions from anyone?

Well, looks like no-one's interested in us! No replies over three days - am I too impatient?

Denise - Sorry I didn't see your message early on. Unfortunatly, most accomondations on Oahu are in Waikiki. I live on Oahu - but not in the area you are interested in staying. However, I have a Frommers Hawaii 1999 that listed hotels on the windward coast (the area you call the south east). The towns you are interested in are Kailua and Kaneohe, and alternatively (considerably farther from Waikiki) would be the north shore - Haleiwa. Haleiwa is the surfing center on Oahu - but pretty far removed from other things of interest to visitors (e.g. Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, etc.). Both the windward and north shores offer good beaches - although the surf can be pretty minimal in the summer. Since the surf forecast is on the radio every day, and you are renting a car, you might be able to seek it out while you are here.

So, you could try an internet search for accomodations in the above listed citites, or look at the Frommer's guide.

I hope this is helpful. I can't recommend any specific places to stay because I just don't know about any of them. (I have only lived here for 18 months....) If you are not able to get a guide, please post back here and I will list so from the Frommer's book.

Denise, I suggest you check out the Ihilani Resort and Spa on the Northwest coast of the island! This would be perfect for your family and is in a quiet, secluded area. There's also one of those "water parks" very nearby as well that your children will enjoy -- as if they need the additional water! You didn't mention what your hotel price range was. However, if you select a garden or golf course view I believe you might be able to get a rate for around $200 per night (perhaps less, I don't know, you'll have to contact them). I hope this isn't above your budget! By the way, I'm just curious -- with all of the beautiful beaches in Australia, plus the Great Barrier Reef, why were you so impressed with Hawaii?!?

Scigirl & Tim,
Well, looks like the wait was worth it! Thanks so much you two for the invaluable information!
Scigirl, I will now be researching those towns you recommended - Kailua & Kaneohe - thanks such a lot - what you've told me is exactly the information I was looking for.
Tim, I'll also check out the Ihilani Resort on the North Coast too - thanks! As far as comparing our beaches in Australia to Hawaii, yes, we do have some world-class surfing beaches BUT at that time of the year - July/August - it's midwinter in Australia, and the better surfing beaches are all way south - not near the Barrier Reef - where the weather at that time of the year is decidedly chilly! Our son is very keen to see Hawaii for the first time. As well as this, we're presently living in Hong Kong where the beaches are anything but pristine and the weather in July/August horrendous!
Back to my Oahu research guys & thanks so much for taking the time to answer my query!

Please don't listen to Noach. Noach has never traveled in his life, and in fact hasn't left his parents basement in over a year, yet he feels compelled to spout off on these boards. Now getting to your question, you should also consider the other islands including Maui and Kauai.

Denise, I didn't mention the Kahala Mandarin myself the first time because you mentioned "budget." However, the Kahala IS a superb, VERY PRIVATE (just by itself with nothing around, like being almost on a private island, with a GREAT beach), luxury hotel just around the bend from Makapuu, so it DOES fit your requirement timewise and would be the most PERFECT location for you, guaranteed! And, you just might be surprised at what "summer specials" might be offered IF you are willing to take the "less desirable" room location (you know, lower floor, garden view, etc. However, upon check-in, you might be upgraded free to a much better location, you never know!) In any event, start checking their website in January to see if the summer specials are listed (mandarin oriental hotels.com). Good luck! [And -- shall I DARE say it -- throw another shrimp on the barbie for me!! There, I said it!!]

Tim, Thanks for that info on the Kahala Mandarin! I'll take your advice and start really watching their website from January onwards! And by the way.........we call them "prawns" not "shrimps" downunder, and we actually do throw them on the barbie quite often! And do they taste delicious? Yes, they do! Thanks a lot, mate!

Hi Denise:
If your 14-year old is like my 14-year old, he'll like Waikiki. There's a large selection of hotels/condos within walking distance to surf spots. Consistent summer surf off Magic Island at Ala Moana.
An out-of-town option would be finding a condo in Makaha. Nothing in the way of summer surf in Kailua or Kaneohe, although from there you can easily get to Sandys. Sandys is not for the novice surfer, but if you know what you are doing, it's fun. There's a strong beach break, but it's great body-boarding.
We love the Kahala Mandarin but it's quite subdued and not at all in the budget range. The Ihilani, which is also lovely and expensive, would put you closer to leeward beaches. But the happening teen surf scene is off Waikiki. It's a little less territorial than Sandys and the leeward breaks.
I'm sure you can surf the net for more specific info.
Have a great trip....We'd love to get to Australia ourselves one of these days. Aloha!

Aloha, Kalena! Invaluable advice! Maybe for our son's sake, we'll have to opt to stay in Waikiki then. Where is Sandys please?

Hi Denise:

Sandy's is on East Oahu, before you get to Makapuu. Your son might want to check a couple of these links:

http://www2.hawaii.edu/~codyt/surfmap.htm
http://www.aloha.net/~orenb/nalunui.html

Also, be sure to visit some surf shops when you arrive. Several on Kapahulu Avenue. They'll be happy to provide directions.
Happy Holidays!

Kalena, Thanks again! Checking those websites out almost as I type!

Kalena....me again! I did check them out - the second one is great.....my 14-y-o surfer will be checking that out as soon as I can extract him from his bed (well, after all, it is school holidays and it's still early a.m. here!), but unfortunately the first one, even though it opens, the map won't download. I'll check it again in a day or two - maybe there's some maintenance going on. But no matter....thanks again!

Hi Denise:
Sorry about that link, kind of found it on the fly, and it's not reliable, apparently. Just a thought. You and your husband should slip out to dinner at the Kahala Mandarin, Palomino, or the Diamond Head Grill.
You'll have a great time. Feel free to bring this back up to the top after Christmas with any other questions...right now I have to go check off some items from my shopping list =).

By the way, I can certainly relate to that sleeping-in-during-holidays behavior. Given their challenging course schedule during the school year, they're entitled to a little break, aren't they? Such good kids....

Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka,
Kalena

You know what, Denise? Now that I've had time think about this AGAIN, I think Kalena is right! A 14-year old would surely enjoy all of the excitement and activity of Waikiki Beach, whereas the Kahala WOULD be too quiet for him! So, once again, as you said, you'll just have to make another sacrifice for his sake this time around! Also, don't forget to include the restaurant La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel on your list as well (Waikiki). And do please post a trip report upon your return! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to place a big, huge PRAWN on the barbie!!!

Denise,
We stayed at the Kahala Mandarin last summer(my sister lives near there) and it was absolutely gorgeous. It is the most beautiful place we have ever stayed. The rooms are gorgeous, people wonderful, setting,hotel,etc. It is in a beautiful residential area. Waikiki, for my taste, is too crowded. Fun to go visit while you're there, but not to stay. We were able to get a summer special price, which was still expensive. But, if any hotel is worth it the Kahala is. It came with a wonderful breakfast buffet. They also have dolphins there and they are fun to watch. We had a car and the island is easy to get around. If you have any other questions about things to do, etc. email me.

If you have the money, you should stay at Kahala Mandarin or Ihilani but you will find that they are over $200 a nights and are resorts that have not much around it so you will have to drive to see anything. Waikiki has all the hotels and small surf off the beaches. The closest hotel to the North Shore where the winter surf is now up to 15 to 20 feet is the Hilton Turtle Bay Resort. The hotel is old and run down but you can get a room for $100 a night. They also have bungalows but not sure how much they are. They have their own beach but I would drive to beaches along the North Shore. But be careful of the surf and currents because it can be dangerous. As the lifeguards for guidance if you are not sure it is safe. Hope this helps.

Well, Kalena, Tim, Edith & Jim....I'm just so amazed at how helpful people are here! It's wonderful! Thanks ALL of you for all that information! The mind boggles! I think I'll digest it all over Christmas (together with all the other fattening stuff I'll be digesting no doubt!) and get back here afterwards. Thanks again people ...... I'm really grateful! (And Tim a prawn or two on the barbecue on Christmas Day is a fair dinkum way to celebrate!)