kdistler77

I am looking for advice on where to stay on Oahu for one week the last week of March. We will be 2 couples who want some beach time snorkeling/swimming etc., but also would like to explore the island. ie: Pearl Harbor, Diamond head, other beaches, temple, hiking, cultural center, etc. My main concern is the weather and ocean on the North shore during late March. I have read that it is windy and large waves into the end of March. It would make no sense to stay there if we have to travel to the southern beaches if we can't go in the water on the North Shore. We really don't want to be right smack in the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, but like to dine out as well as cook in. We prefer VRBOs to high rise hotels and condos. We'd also like to be where we would have nice sunny drier weather. I know it sounds like we are asking for perfection, but just want to make the right choice. Any input would be greatly appreciated as we need to get something booked ASAP.

sf7307

I would look at rentals in the Kailua-Lanikai areas on the east, rather than the North Shore. Beautiful beaches, 1/2 hour drive from Waikiki. You can easily drive across the island to see the North Shore (from the safety of the beach), to Pearl Harbor (but avoid rush hour), etc.

suze

Might you want to split your stay to two different parts of Oahu?

To me it seems (a little) silly to totally avoid Waikiki (but I happen to like it a lot there) when Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, temple, and other Honolulu based activities are on your agenda.

chepar

In late March the surf conditions on the North Shore can still be iffy for swimming, especially if you are not strong swimmers or used to open ocean variables.

You might have an occasional flat day but typically it isn't until May that you have more consistent conditions that are conducive to swimming.

I agree that the Kailua/Lanikai area may be a better fit for you at that time of year.

kdistler77

What about the Ko'olani area? I hear that is the better chance that time of year for dry and sunny conditions.

Patty

I think kdistler77 means Ko Olina on the Leeward side. It's generally the driest area but I don't believe there are low rise condos/townhomes there that can be rented by the week. You can rent condos at Beach Villas by the week but it's 10+ stories tall.

sf7307

We stayed in the Ko O'lina development a few years ago (at the Marriott timeshares). It's a nice development, but it's pretty far from everything, including restaurants (except hotel restaurants, although I notice there's a Monkeypod Kitchen there now). It's also not a pretty drive (it only gets "tropical" once you're actually inside the development). We'd only stay there again if we got one of the timeshares (which were very nice) for free (via exchange) - otherwise, we would choose elsewhere on the island. Also, note that the beaches in the development are all (I think) man-made lagoons.

nanabee

chepar >In late March the surf conditions on the North Shore can still be iffy for swimming, especially if you are not strong swimmers or used to open ocean variables.>

This is very true. Even for very strong and experienced open water swimmers it can be dangerous. I nearly drowned in 2 feet of water at Waimea Bay one January day. And I am definitely an experienced swimmer!

One word of advice, only swim at guarded beaches.

The island isn't that big and where ever you stay you can easily drive from the north shore to south of the island.

I highly recommend Hanauma Bay.
Make sure you have early in the morning reservations. https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/

aucho53

Kailua/Lanikai is an excellent recommendation! It has beautiful beaches and is well situated on the island for many of the activities.

The Waikiki area is actually quite nice, and there are some "quieter" sections. I wouldn't write it off. I stayed there for my honeymoon and found it perfect. We would leave our area during the day to explore other spots and beaches but in the evening we loved having the opportunity to walk around Waikiki and have tons of restaurant and shops to visit.