Okay we are leaving May 25 and flying to HNL. We are taking a 7 day cruise of the islands starting the 26 and then returning and staying on Oahu for 4-5 days. Question 1. Is this a good way to do it? We love the beach but want to see all the beauty and culture etc of Hawaii! We need ideas of things to do on Oahu and most importantly WHERE TO STAY! we want a nice resort that is family friendly on a nice beach and has good amenities I would like to stay $275 and under per night! Also where should we stay the night before the cruise? Not really an issue just close to the port. Also is it recommend we rent a car after the cruise for the 4-5 days? What are the must do's on Oahu besides pearl harbor? As you can see lots of questions and i need lots of help!
THANKS SOOO MUCH!

Have never taken the cruise around the Hawaiian Isles but it should be pretty. Is it the best way to do it? Hard to say - but when you get back to Oahu - you should have plenty of choices. Just google away and find something you like. Staying up at the North Shore is an option - more VRBO type places - and/or over on the Kailua/Lanaki area, or north of there is also very nice.

Would rent a car so you can explore around Oahu - which is very beautiful and not as crowded once you get outside of Honolulu/Waikiki.

Snorkeling Hanamau Bay is a "must do" IMO and read some guidbooks for more suggestions, as well as picking up the local tourist mags when you get there, including the 101 things to do when on xxxx.

Have fun in Paradise.

You might want to read up on the cruise part of the idea. Many people seem to think it's really not the best way to see the best of Hawaii.

For Oahu, mostly people stay right in Waikiki. That's where the majority of the hotels are located. Outrigger Reef is a family-friendly place in your price range and right on Waikiki beach.

Here is a list of best free things to do on Oahu - including snorkeling, visiting the USS Arizona, etc.

http://gohawaii.about.com/od/multime...onders_012.htm

http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahuact...gs_on_oahu.htm

Lots of info:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

This is a really good blog from a family who kind of did what you are doing. A Hawaii cruise plus a week on Oahu:

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...1780/tpod.html

Do rent a car on Oahu. You can see the island much better with a car.

Many Thanks!

I think the key is to do shore excursions -- or rent a car -- to see the best of each island.

Hanamau Bay MUST DO!!!!!!

For a 1 night stay just for sleep on the 25th, check the HI Honolulu Hostel. http://www.hihostels.com/dba/list.php?lang=E
When you return from the cruise, you will find a nicer place maybe out of the city. Rent the car on Oahu.

Friends of mine took a Hawaiian cruise last year and were somewhat disappointed. They didn't really see much of each island and felt rushed. I've been to the islands a few times and for me, seeing the beauty of each island is what it's all about. I want a week or more on each island to explore. Cruising is not my thing and my friends have agreed they would not recommend a Hawaiian cruise to anyone. Definitely see the island of Oahu. It's stunning! Get away from all the people and tourist stuff.

Forget the cruise idea. Spent those 7 days visiting Maui before visiting Oahu.

You are already set for a cruise which is fine. It was for us a top notch experience even though we are not veteran cruise ship passengers. Food on board is of course great along with fine amenities. On this Road Scholar/Elderhostel program we had stops at several islands after leaving Oahu where we also had some time. Our focus was on volcanoes, lava floes, nature, history. http://www.fodors.community/united-s...ii-finally.cfm
Bill in Boston

I think we will forgo the cruise due to recomendations and stay on maui then oahu for 7 days each. Where should we stay what to do?