We have traveled to several places, including beaches, but never to Hawaii. This is now on our list of possibilities. The problem is we are use to all inclusive places where you really don't leave the resort much. It seems that Hawaii is not like this. You pretty much walk everywhere or have a rental. We would prefer to staty in a hotel near stuff such as shops, beaches, restaurants (walking distance). In fact if we could go the entire time with out driving that would be a plus. Some questions I would have are: where to stay for roughly $150 a night, What all is there to do there, Is there public transportation available? I have read this board and would like any further info you may be able to give.
Thanks.

Hotels in Waikiki can be had for $150 and less, just do some searching. It really depends on what you want. I stayed in a terrific little place for two weeks last summer and am chomping at the bit to get back. It's called the Hawaiiana Hotel and is nestled right in the center of Waikiki. I didn't rent a car once, but then I do have friends who took me to places like the North Shore, Punchbowl and Kailua/Waimanalo beaches - I think you can get tours to just about all of those, or take The Bus to them. The Hawaiiana isn't luxurious by any means, but it was nice, beautiful grounds, two pools, kitchenette, a block fromt he beach, 1/2 block from Kalakaua (the main drag) and The Bus ran right outside the back gate. It is an older property, low-rise, no elevators or resort ammeneties, but true Hawaiian feel to it. There are other hotels, restaurants and shops all around it. Check them out at www.hawaiianahotel.com.

I took The Bus all over the place and for $2 you can't beat it.

You can get many resorts on Maui and the BI by using priceline for under $150.00/nt. Check out biddingfortravel.com for details. I do think a car is pretty much needed or you will spend a lot of $$ on hotel food.
As mentioned above, you could opt to stay in Honolulu, and many Priceline hotels show up for $80. Very busy with tourists though but it's really the only Island you wouldn't need a car..
There are thousands of posts here on Hawaii if you use the text search once you decide on an island. Have a good time.

Waikiki is the only place where not having a car is practical. The only public transportation is on the island of Oahu. There are also many shuttle and tour companies that can take you to the popular sights if you don't want to do any driving.

You may also be able to get away with not having a car if you stay in Kaanapali, Maui. There are a string of resorts here and the Whalers shopping center with shops and restaurants. I believe there's a shuttle that runs back and forth between Kaanapali and Lahaina where there's more of a selection of restaurants. Elsewhere I just can't imagine not having a car.

Isn't there public transportation on Kauai, not just Oahu?

love
roxy

You're right roxy, I should have said extensive public transportation. I believe there's actually some form of public transportation on each of the major islands but it's very limited and not usually a practical way to get around for visitors.

There is Pub Trans but I'd really have to be tied down by it's schedule on Kauai.

I remember when public transportation was my thumb!

One of my friends - a SCUBA diver - recently said to me, "I'm not paying all that money to go to Hawaii when you can get the same thing much closer and for much less money in the Caribbean!" I was blown away. To me Hawaii is not really about beaches or resorts. It's about a breathtaking variety of scenery, history, and culture. Rainforest and desert, high mountains and volcanoes, and so much more - all coexisting in a relatively small area. When you go to these islands, you simply must explore them! Just my opinion...
Having said all that, the beaches and resorts are pretty nice too. Get some guidebooks and start reading so that you can ask specific questions. Planning is so much fun. Then hopefully, when you get there you'll fall in love as so many others - including me - have before. Then you'll forget those other "all-inclusive" places.

Stayed in Oahu last year and only needed a car for 1 day. Most Oahu activities have shuttle service so the car was only needed to take a wonderful scenic drive around the island and to get to Hanauma Bay early. Other than that, most Waikiki hotels seemed to be centrally located, you can take the public bus to Pearl Harbor, walk to Waikiki beach, shops, eats, etc. If it's first time, would hesitate to use a bidding site, only because a view of the ocean from your hotel lanai is a wonderful way to start each day! With priceline, you can't be guaranteed you'll get that. Entertainment Book should get you a good deal on oceanview or even beachfront hotels/condos.

I don't think the poster mentioned a specific island. The replies here seem to indicate that Oahu in the Waikiki area is the place to go if you don't want to drive. I've spent more of my time on the other islands so feel a car is necessary on them if you want to see anything. In Maui - if you stayed in Wailea (one of the resorts along the walkway) or Kaanapali (near Whaler Village) you could visit other resorts, restaurants, and shops with some walking. Staying in Lahaina would also give you quite a few places to walk. But Big Island and Kauai?

Crazy4Hawaii, You are exactly right. If I just wanted to sit on a beach and it, I wouldn't have to endure a 13 hour flight. To me, there is no place like Hawaii. Each island is different with its own unique character. To me, a car is a must, even on Oahu. I love driving to the north shore and exploring. Sitting at a resort is a waste of time and money.

Thank you for all of your information. From it I have gathered that if we want to be at a resort on the beach, Hawaii, might not be the best choice. But if we want beach, and an active vacation filled with exploring and history, Nothing beats Hawaii!

My husband and I actually got married on Oahu. After that we started to vacation in the Carribbean, some of which were AI's. In the beginning, we thought they were really the way to go because of all the food selections and desserts and you knew what your final bill was going to be. This year we went back to Hawaii - to the island of Kauai. One of the coolest things was that for the first time ever, we rented a car and kept it the entire two weeks. The island was VERY easy to drive. We stayed at the Hyatt, which is a place you really would never have to leave and we actually talked to people that left only once to do some shopping or to eat at a favorite place elsewhere. The bigger problem is that it costs more than $150 a night. I strongly would encourage you - at least once - to do it though. The variety of restaurants and the culture are musts. The hawaiian islands are exceptional!