okoshi2002

I agree with those who recommend the north shore of Oahu. A vacation rental near or on the beach are plentiful. You could snorkel at Sharks Cove, hike Pupukea or Kaena Point, or just lay on the beach. With Foodland near by you could cook in, or go out to the local eateries.

If you decide to venture out, Kailua is not too far- nice beaches and quaint shopping. If you like outlet shopping there's Waikele in the other direction.

You would never have to step foot into Waikiki. Seeing Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Diamond Head, Punchbowl Cemetry, Bishop Museum, or the Polynesian Cultural Center are on many visitors must do list but not obligatory. Many locals have never been to those sites. Just do what you enjoy doing. Oahu can be even better than the outer isles because easier to get around. If the idea is R&R you just want find a nice comfortable base and relax.

Have fun.

monicapileggi

I love the variety that Oahu has to offer. Night life in Waikiki, a wonderful variety of restaurants, lots of historical sights/museums/etc., beautiful beaches, places to get away from the crowds, etc. Of course, I grew up there but when I travel to Hawaii, I go to two islands, always Oahu and a second island for a more relaxed vacation.

The suggestions above for the north shore area or Kailua are are great so that you don't have that busy city feeling. But you may miss out if you don't spend a day in Waikiki.

Monica

lcuy

In response to the title, Is Oahu Worth It, I'll have to say no.

The approximately 4.5 million tourists who come to Oahu annually all hate it and go home unhappy, yet for some reason, they never let on to the next 4 million visitors!

Most tourists who dislike Oahu have either never been to Oahu, or parked themselves in Waikiki and never left that narrow strip of the island. All the Hawaiian Islands can offer a great experience with the right planning.

sf7307

lcuy is right! -

KenInPA

Well, so far it's unanimous that Oahu is "worth it" and I wholeheartedly agree! Lanikai Beach is very beautiful, as is Waimanalo Bay and the North Shore. If you can't find a rental on the North Shore, the Ko Ilina area is similar in a way to resort areas on other islands and it's also the driest part of Oahu. Nobody mentioned the great hiking at Diamond Head or ATVs
at Kualoa Ranch...absolutely love Oahu. Oh, and in Honolulu proper the Iolani Palace tour was very interesting to get the "royal" history of the island.