We have an Aloha Airlines voucher we would like to use. We are interested in leaving Maui between 9-10 in the morning and returning late afternoon. We have decided to not see Pearl Harbor and save it for another time.
What would be the best beach for us to go to for the day? Do we need to rent a car? We really aren't up for tons of sightseeing - just a nice beach with restaurants and beach bars nearby. Any thoughts? I am thinking Waikiki?

Waikiki is the closest to the airport and probably your best bet. My personal favorite beach on Oahu is Kailua, but it would probably be 30-45 minutes from the airport. Waikiki also has more bars within walking distance.

I'd set up shop near the Royal Hawaiian or near the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Both have nice beaches, fun beach bars at the resort, and easy access to the shopping area of Waikiki.

karameli-
Waikiki sounds like what we we would enjoy. Just one question - is it worth leaving Maui for the day (hassle of airport etc.)? We have the credit and I would like to use it, but if inter-island travel is stressful/annoying I would consider letting it go. Thanks for your help!

Jallard, I don't know what your overall trip plan is, but I would not leave one island to fly to another for only a few hours. The interisland flights I have taken have never been stressful, but just going to the airport is time-consuming. To me, I would rather relax at a beach on the island on which I am staying. Waikiki is a wonderful beach and there are plenty of restaurants and bars, but even though I haven't yet been to Maui, I can't imagine it is nicer than Maui beaches

Is it possible you can save the credit for another trip when you can fly between islands to spend a few days?

As much as I like Oahu, I would not leave Maui just to go to a beach on a different island.

Why not add Pearl Harbor? Then it would be worthwhile to go to Oahu if your voucher is use it or lose it. If you can save the voucher for a future trip then do so.

If you don't want to see the specific historic sights of Oahu (whether Pearl Harbor or the museums in Honolulu, etc.) why are you goig. I would stay in Maui. Sure you can fly over and spend the day in Waikiki (which personally I love), and no you don't need a car to do that, but what's the point? Seriously

That is kind of what I am thinking - we'll just take the loss of the ticket. Having never been to Hawaii - I just wasn't sure how easy inter-island flights are.

They are easy enough. It's just that it would take an entire day. If you wanted to see something specific on Oahu, it would be a fine way to spend the time. It's since your interest is just going to a beach, they we recommend going to the beach on Maui where you already are

I'm biased because I love Oahu. Since you won't be taking luggage, the inter-island flight will be easy -- no more than half an hour in the air, and the airports are easy. Aggravation-wise, I'd compare it to a two-hair train ride. If you'd hop a train for two hours to see a different beach/city, it might be a nice diversion for a day.

Then again, inter-island flights are only $40 anyway, so it's not a huge loss for you if you don't use the voucher. You might spend close to that getting a taxi to and from the airport!

I would certainly consider it...leave on the first flight out and take the last flight back.

Easily done and even if you don't see Pearl, etc.

Unfortunately, as much as I like Waikiki I think there are better beaches but they don't have a lot of the nearby restaurants, shops, etc., that Waikiki does have.

Perhaps things on "The Best of All" isle have changed but I think Waikiki might actually be a nice change although I'm afraid you will not escape the Wyland art places!

I would leave earier in the AM and head to Kauai! Too much traffic in Waikiki....