Aloha gz,

O'ahu... great choice! Pick up Richard Sullivans, "Driving & Discovering Hawaii, O'ahu". It has great pics and lots of info, maps etc. You can pick this book up in the Honolulu airport after you land, or if you're able to get it before you leave, it's kind of fun to read on the long flight over...

Have you decided on your hotel yet?

We have stayed at the Aston Waikiki Beachside and also the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower. Both are fine and have wonderful locations in their price range... the Aston Waikiki Beach hotel was 1 block over from the AWB Tower.

The Outrigger, just a short walk down the beach from the Aston hotels, has much action in their restaurants, also a nice location... Duke's is the hot spot on the beach esp. at sunset. You can take the sunset sail right from the beach there... the Shorebird restaurant at the Outrigger is very popular for breakfast and grill your own dinner.

One of the highlights for me on O'ahu when I'd venture out w/o my boys was Chinatown. Watch the ladies make the leis, and then pick one out for yourself... very inexpensive here for the most beautiful leis you'll see anywhere! All the shops are along Maunakea Street... oooohhhhhh the smell! @};- Also, the fresh fruit markets are wonderful... pick up some fruit for snacks between meals... just love Chinatown. ((L))

We enjoy O'ahu the last week of Nov-first week of Dec for the awesome Triple Crown of Surfing championship competition that goes on at the north shore beaches... Waimea, Pipeline & Sunset Beach... dont' miss this, as it is some of the most breathtaking wave/surfing action you'll ever experience.

Pack up a picnic lunch and a blanket, do your drive up the windward (east) coast and once you hit the north shore camp out wherever the competition is that day. You won't be swimming, but you'll be exhilerated by watching. You might catch a little sun, too. Make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

The weather should be beautiful... don't be disappointed when a shower blows through... they're usually quick & refreshing, and they leave behind the most lovely floral fragrance along with a few ((R))((R)).

Have a wonderful time... aaaalohhhhhaaaaa!

We stayed on Oahu for 5 days in Sept at the aston Beach and were very satisfied. It is a bit out of the noisy part of Waikiki and all the shuttles (free and otherwise) stop there. Their breakfast buffet is very good and a real time saver. Their restaurant is reasonable and good. Get an Entertainment Book if you are staying there - big discounts for Aston hotels.
We spent 2 of our days on the east and north shores and enjoyed that as well. Another day spent at Pearl Harbor and Chinatown/downtown was also enjoyable.
Have a great trip.