Honolulu
 

Any thoughts on this as a base for 2 weeks (home exchange)?

I love Oahu. Is this your first time to Hawaii? I love Oahu because it has everything on one island. It has the bustle of Honolulu with the night life and shopping. I really like all the torches along the street and at the hotels at night.

Hanama Bay is a great place to snorkle, especially if you haven't ever done it. It's very safe and the fish are amazing. You can drive around the island through little towns, see beautiful beaches, and be as quiet as you want.

You can see the Palace and learn about the history of the islands, there's Pearl Harbor. So for me, I think it would be great. I live the variety.

this is so very helpful!

I agree with everything Crefloors said. It's not hard at all to fill up two weeks with interesting activities on O'ahu.

I love Oahu.

Magic Island at sunset.
Watching the outrigger canoe clubs come down the Ala Wai canal and head out into the harbor and then the ocean.
Take a day for Pearl Harbor: The Arizona Memorial, The Bowfin Submarine tour, and the Missouri (nearby.
Drive up Round Top/Tantalus for spectacular views.
Sit on your lanai or at the beach and r-e-l-a-x.

Where will your home exchange be?

Another lover of Oahu. I always stay in Waikiki. There's so much to see and do. Of course the natural beauty of the islands, but then there's the mix of historical sites, glorious beaches, the wonderful floral smell in the air, farmers markets, fabulous local food, sunsets... oh I could go on and on!

Is your home exchange actually in downtown Honolulu?

Lots of info:

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

Our first home exchange was to Oahu. We stayed outside Waikiki, a short drive in (20 minutes).

You'll have to visit Kailua Beach. It is often rated as one of the best beaches in the world. It is truly paradise!

We had two small children with us. If you have children you'll find that Waikiki has a beach area that is perfect for children as it is "walled" off - so you don't get the waves.

There's also the zoo. And there`s a pineapple farm to visit at the other end of the island.

I also suggest taking a drive around the island. The landscape changes quite a bit.

Enjoy you holiday!

We were in Kailua yesterday, and I have to agree, it is paradise. The water is glistening and turquoise and clear, the beach sand soft and fluffy, the sand where the beach meets the water even softer. Spectacular!

I think the location of the home exchange may make a difference in how enjoyable your stay is. Oahu is pretty compact, but the traffic can be horrible.

Staying in town from a convenience aspect is hugely different than if your home exchange was further out, say in Ewa Beach or Mililani.

Of course, you can offset any traffic hassles by driving at non peak hours, but that may not be feasible all the time, depending on your plans.

Oahu has tons to offer but we might be able to give you a better perspective if you tell us where the home exchange is located.

the home exchange we are considering is at 1333 Heulu St. #1207, Honolulu. Thanks for all of your thoughts now and in the future!

Have you seen pictures of your home exchange ? This must be a condo in Makiki near Punchbowl by the address.

Makiki is in "town" so the location is convenient to Waikiki, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and all that you would want to access on Oahu. It would be about a 20-25 minute drive to Kailua, 30 minutes to Sandy Beach and longer to the north shore.

The location is definitely urban; if you are high enough and depending on the building you might have a view.

This is in a residential area with mid rises, low rises and single family homes. 7 minutes to the beach or shopping at Ala Moana. I block to a little neighborhood shopping center with a coffee shop/deli, a korean restaurant, a Subway, yogurt shop, wine store and Pizza place. Minutes to Punchbowl or freeway on ramps.

The building is the Princess Kealoha, and #1207 is one of two penthouse units. The unit is 1936 sq feet, 2 bdrm, 2 baths, central AC and elevator only opens on this floor for PH residents. (from the sale info in 2000)

Fairly average mid rise building, but sounds like a very nice unit with great ocean views and big rooms.

virginiafish... it sounds fantastic. I'd be happy to permanently exchange my home for one in Honolulu.

Walk up Diamond Head and enjoy the views!

this is incredibly helpful!

Yet another Oahu lover! You are doing the right thing, IMO.

Here's an option for you though.... you can book flights on line to the other islands and make day trips. It's only a short hop to Kauai or Maui, a little longer to the big island. Then, rent a car (you can do that on line too) and drive around the island for the day. Fly home in the evening, after a nice dinner somewhere. This way you can get a taste of another island. There are plenty of maps to help you navigate the outer islands; or pick up some brochures that describe various island tours that are available (but you can drive them yourself.. it's less expensive). At least you'll see what folks mean when they say that each island is different!

Just a suggestion for you to think about...

Carol