Please excuse my rumblings. I guess I'm out of touch. I like Oahu. I have no desire to visit the other islands. I've visited Oahu each year for the past four years, and I've yet to tire of it. I love Waikiki, I guess I'm just a tourist at heart. If I want peace and quiet, I can find it in the Appalacians, in Western Maryland, where I live. I don't have to go to some forsaken island like Maui or Hawaii to find nice scenery. There is a combination of tranquility and excitement in Oahu which you can't find in any other Hawaiian island. I enjoy walking along Kalakua Avenue after dark and just do some people watching and window gazing. I can go to Chinatown for exotic food. I can even visit the Ala Moana Center Food Court for good inexpensive restaurants. I'm not a snob. I don't have to put on phony airs. I can see the most terrific sunsets from my lanai at the Hale Koa Hotel, the BEST hotel in the Islands, and close to the best hotel ANYWHERE. You can't beat the absolute cleanliness and super service and prices at the hotel. The stretch of Waikiki beach in front of the hotel is fantastic. If I choose to go to a real quiet beach, I can visit my daughter in Kailua, although the beach is too quiet there. However, Brent's deli is worth the trip to Kailua. What I'm trying to say is that one doesn't have to spend a lung or try to impress someone in order to say he's had a great vacation.

I like the other islands too, but Oahu remains my favorite.

Al, Hope you're still out there..... thanks for the validation for our trip to Oahu (first trip to Hawaii!) I picked it for the travel ease and affordability (have you ever tried to get ANYWHERE from Tulsa OK? - it's difficult.....) And why does everyone think Oahu is just Wakiki? We have cottage reserved North Shore (duplex, beachfront, about $100/night) which looks and sounds absolutely awesome - and I still get those comments about "you're not really going to Oahu, are you? Go to Maui, Kauai, anywhere else....."

I'm completely jazzed about staying on the georgous North Shore, with deserted palm-tree'd beaches (except for weekends, I know.....I've done my research.....) and still getting to do day-trips to see "world famous" Wakiki and Chinatown and the windward-side-scenery and beaches.....

Every big vacation we've ever taken I always spend 1-3 months "second-guessing" myself about the arrangements
- I'm not on this one. I think Oahu is going to be perfect.....

(11 days and counting - will post trip report on return.....)

I agree..Since we have been planning a week in Oahu, I have been hearing the same advice. I have been to a couple of the other islands, but Waikiki and Oahu sound perfect when I plan on trying to keep a 17 year old happy. Kaui is beautiful, but believe me with the drone of "I'm bored", it could be awful. Oahu offers a balance of opportunities for quiet and a busier environment. 14 days and counting...

Al -

I can appreciate your liking Waikiki, however, Oahu and what is has to offer is just not everyone's "cup of tea." I don't believe people choose the Big Island or Kauai over Oahu to impress people. I just think that is what appeals to others. I, for one, do not like Waikiki - not even the first time I was there. As for islands, I love the BI and Kauai, Molokai and Lanai. I also love Bermuda, St. John, St. Barts, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anquilla and other "quiet" out of the way places that offer tranquility. I do not feel that this choice makes me a "snob" or is putting on "phony airs" as you suggest. I realize my choice of island preference is not for everyone, however, my choice has nothing to do with impressing others - it's just simply my preference. Thank goodness we all don't like the same thing!

Preach on brother! Half the people in the United States do not live in a large city; therefore, good marketing is geared toward those who don't like cities or those who want to "get away from it all." I'm a city boy so that's garbage. (then people forget that Honolulu isn't Oahu.) Then there's the snobbery. They say, "Nobody goes there anymore - it's too crowded!"

Hey Aaron!
What are you trying to say? I've never seen such a babbling posting.

Al -

I'm not sure I understand the tenor of your post. You appear defensive, yet, as you are the original poster, I don't understand who is attacking you. Moreover, you seem to be asking that people not judge your taste, yet you imply that those who prefer other islands to Oahu are "snobs" and putting on "phony airs," and that everyone who goes to these other places is trying to impress someone. Isn't that an unfounded gross stereotype you're making? Isn't that hypocritical?

I think it's great that you found a place you love to vacation. Surely you're secure enough to simply enjoy it, rather than justifying your taste to the rest of the world.

Al, it's absolutely great that you've found someplace to vacation that seems to satisfy you on all levels. Thanks for sharing.
But I'm with Holly. To insinuate that everyone ELSE who does NOT share your tastes is a sno or is foolish is a wee bit narrow, don't you think?
I have no idea whatsoever what the Hale Koa Hotel is but I will guarantee you that I can, off the top of my head, cite over 100 hotels that are unquestionably better for vacation getaways (per the taste of the average traveler), and 15 of them are right in the islands.

Poor Gavin, he's never been at the Hale Koa.

okay, I HAVE been to the Hale Koa, 3 different stays: sure, it's very nice, but it strikes me as odd that you are touting it in the same breath as attacking others for being snobs: the reason it's not well knows is that it's limited to us "military" types: you have to be active duty or retired (my husband's retired Navy) to stay there!!! It sits right next to the big Hilton on Waikiki, and does have good sized rooms and lovely (tho simple) grounds. Don't worry: No tax dollars are involved, as it is self-supporting (I think it's part of the exchange system somehow?) However, as far as being "the best": can't agree. They have a good idea: amenities are kept simple so the lesser paid/lower ranked can afford a great vacation with families, and charge more for a room as your rank/pay increase (also used for those transferring in or out of Hawaii); my daughter's frequent observation, however, was: "how can such a nice hotel not offer room service?"
Al, buddy, chill, okay? We too really enjoy Oahu, absolutely love wandering to all of the other parts of the island (my husband took us to Jamison's on North Beach for dinner & the sunset - just wonderful!) But don't judge others for their interest in or appreciation of the other islands too - after all, we can't all fit in one spot, we need to spread out gt;)

Thanks for the insight, jo ann.
Obviously Al was trying to play the game that my six year old and his friends play. As long as you have something and refuse to show to anyone else you can make it out to be as stupendous as you choose.
Gig's up, Al boy.
You're busted.
I'm sure that most people who have access to the Hale Koa love it. Great location and great price.
But I think you'll have a tough time defending your 'close to the best in the world' comment.
But then, as a snob, that's just my point of view.

To all my friends out there:
I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression. I agree with every one of you that we all have different tastes. I guess I stated it pretty poorly, but here's my beef.
I know for a fact first hand that some people on these boards talk about dinner at La Mer and Orchids, staying at the Halekulani...etc. They try to impress us with their escapades, but as I said, I know that more than just a couple of them have never dined or stayed at the Halekulani, or any of those great places. For myself, I love the Hale Koa, but before I knew of it, I thought the best buy for the money was at the Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Hotel, now the Aston. I don't have any false pretenses. I like Denny's on Lewers Street for breakfast, I like the Red Lobster and the Outback on Ala Moana, and I like the Ala Moana food court. Occasionally, I go to an "upscale" restaurant like Hy's. I get angry at those pseudo snobs that love to impress people, but are peasants just like me. As I said, I know some of these people first hand, so it pisses me off. I really don't know why, but it does. Furthermore, I get angry at people that haven't been to a place, but yet pass judgement on it, which is what I did, but unconciously. So be it, I've bared my sole and fallen on the sword.

Besides, the Hale Koa is the BEST in the WORLD, by far, for the money.

Al -

Your story keeps changing. First you're p.o.'ed at people who travel to islands other than Oahu. Then, you're angry who claim to visit certain places on Oahu because you don't believe they have actually been there.

Why all the anger? If you're truly happy with your lot in life, why are you trying to justify it here?

Now that's more like it, Al.
Straight to the heart of the matter.
And, for what it's worth, I agree with you about people trying to pretend and impress others, etc.
First of all, there's absolutely nothing wrong with liking Denny's and preferring it to an expensive place on a dollar for dollar basis. And I will be the first to admit that some people, I believe, have every bit as much fun and enjoy their vacations at the Holiday Inn as those at the Four Seasons. Completely depends on the individual.
What's sad is the fact that so many people feel the need to COMPARE THEMSELVES to others in order to feel good about themselves. And I think that's what makes you mad, Al. Because in comparing themselves, they're also comparing you and in a way they're implying that if you can't or won't 'spend a lung' (as you said) on your vacation then yours isn't 'as good' as theirs. The implication is that you're missing the boat. But that's based on THEIR weighting system.
Sorry to be so analytical and philosophical but this issue does bother me. Far too many people let OTHERS dictate to them what they should like and how they should view themselves and their self worth.
Those who know themselves well and can think for themselves, sometimes find that what makes them happy is a bit different than what the advertising industry tells them they should value. Those people have a choice: be true to their own colors and ignore the outside influences, or give in to the outside influence. I think the people in the latter group never achieve the level of satisfaction that the first group has.
So the moral is to ignore the wannabes, Al. Takes effort. Gets old sometimes.
But those people you refer to who try to vacation beyond their means primarily for show, just to impress others, are spinning their wheels and selling out their own values in many cases. Just see through it and it will eat at you less.
And enjoy the Hale Koa. You may be right that on a dollar for dollar basis, it's among the best places out there.
Mahalo.

Aloha Everyone,
I was referred to this site by my sister who lives in England. This is great! As a life-long resident of Oahu, I couldn't help posting a response. I work at upscale resort on Waikiki beach. The Hale Koa hotel is a great value for the money, and the restaurants are also great. However, you have to be "military-connected" to stay there. I like to think I work at one of the best hotels in Waikiki, but there is hotel that would be my "second-choice", which is the Radisson Prince Kuhio Hotel. It's located about a block in from the main avenue (Kalakaua). The rooms have been recently refurbished and the ocean view room rates are downright cheap in my opinion. Anyway, there are many alternatives to the Hale Koa hotel for civilian types. For a change of scenery, at the end of Kalakaua Ave there are a cluster of hotels which can also be reasonably priced. This area has the feel of Waikiki decades ago. Anyway, come for a visit! Aloha week is right around the corner...

Hey, Al -

I second "MiamiBob's" post in applauding your candor. Thankfully, we all are not looking for the same type of vacation. This post is intended to provide assistance to people based on their honesty in posing genuine questions - not those solely intended to incite others. Obviously, this was not your intent. You enjoy Oahu and have no desire to visit the other islands. No harm intended. This website is a great vehicle if it is used for the purpose for which it is intended - the expression of each individual's views and opinions without being criticized for being open and honest. You said you were sorry; apology accepted.

Good grief, Al -

Holly's right - you DO seem very defensive. Why not just tell us what you love about Oahu and leave it at that? You and MiamiBob are spending a lot of time and energy being angry at others for, among other things, spending more money on a certain vacation than you.

I love the Sheraton Moana. The Hale Koa looks like a deal but I lived on Oahu for a few years and even on this last trip there was a large group of men being too loud spoiling what little tranquility exist there. I remember this happening all to frequently at the Hale Koa. I use to stay at the Ilikai just 2 doors down for 1-2 month 3 summers in a row. I have family in the Military but I just don't want to be around the military on vacation. Many are nice families but the rowty bunch I often see at the Hale Koa are a disturbance. They would never allow locals to behave soo loudly.

As far as breakfast the hotel to the left of Hale Koa has a $10 buffet that far outshines Denny's. Of course for superior bfast you do want to go to RH or Halekilani if you can pack it in the way a buffet calls you to. I find I am just exhausted after a meal like that. I also like egg's and things closer to the ilikai and an island favorite probably a 2-3 dollars more than Denny's.