Oahu or Big Island?
 

We can travel to Hawaii between March 22-29th. Me and wife have been to Kaui, Maui, Big Island but for the kids (5 & 7) it would be their first trip.

Air fares to HNL are cheaper by $200/person compared to Hilo for that time period.

We haven't been to Oahu in the past as we cherish a quieter beach experience away from the crowds.

Is the North shore of Oahu less touristy/quieter compared to the Big Island?

Should we cough up the extra $$ and just go to the Big Island?

Regards

The North shore of O'ahu is really a residential area and I would say is not generally crowded. We spent a week there this summer and did not feel crowded at all. I guess it depends what part of the Big Island you are comparing it to.

I don't know what the surf conditions are likely to be in March, and that might be something to take into account, depending on your expectations of beach activities.

Have you compared your lodging cost in the 2 locations? That could differ enough to offset the airfare.

The N Shore is mainly houses and things can book up, so you might have difficulty now finding an available house that suits you. The only resort on the N Shore is Turtle Bay.

We were on the BI in Nov. 2006--it had been 20 years since our last trip. We stayed at a resort near South Point for a Week, and in Kona for a week. The Hilo side has not changed that much, IMO, since our last trip there. Kona has become very busy, with lots of resorts, condos, houses. Our condo was off the "beaten path" right on water, so not noisy--but no swimming beach.

This March, we are going to stay in a time-share for two weeks on Oahu--our last trip 14 years ago. It isn't that we don't like going to Hawaii, but too many other places have intervened during the years.

IMO, kids would probably be more entertained in Waikiki, as there is good beach area, and other things to do when the beach gets boring. There are lots of accomodations listed on various Hawaii Info BB. and many have been mentioned on this BB.

Somewhere on this BB has made a long list of things to do on Oahu and it includes things to interest children. Maybe somone who reads this post can list the link to it.
Have fun!! Aloha!! mhm

We were on the BI in Nov. 2006--it had been 20 years since our last trip. We stayed at a resort near South Point for a Week, and in Kona for a week. The Hilo side has not changed that much, IMO, since our last trip there. Kona has become very busy, with lots of resorts, condos, houses. Our condo was off the "beaten path" right on water, so not noisy--but no swimming beach.

This March, we are going to stay in a time-share for two weeks on Oahu--our last trip 14 years ago. It isn't that we don't like going to Hawaii, but too many other places have intervened during the years.

IMO, kids would probably be more entertained in Waikiki, as there is good beach area, and other things to do when the beach gets boring. There are lots of accomodations listed on various Hawaii Info BB. and many have been mentioned on this BB.

Somewhere on this BB, someone has made a long list of things to do on Oahu and it includes things to interest children. Maybe somone who reads this post can list the link to it.
Have fun!! Aloha!! mhm

OPPS--double post--SORRY!!! mhm

steve032213: We are making our ninth trip to Hawaii in April. We go for two weeks and the second week is always the time share at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. The first week is always one of the other islands. This coming April, we are spending the entire trip on Oahu. We have rented a house on the North Shore. Our experience is that the North Shore is pretty quiet except when the waves are really big or there is a surfing competition. We are looking forward to a quiet, peaceful week on the North Shore.

More to see & do on Oahu than any other island.

Lots of info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564

I agree with the foregoing.

Go to Chinatown in Honolulu--have lunch at Little Village.

There is so much to do in Oahu.

I prefer any island but Oahu because it is too crowded....with the exception of the North Shore.....best place to stay on the island.

We really enjoyed the Polynesian Cultural Center when we were there last. We spent the day there and then attended the luau.

My vote is for the BI but Oahu does have many things to see...once!

Inter island airfare is less than $200 so you could book your flight to Honolulu and then fly to BI. We are doing both islands by flying into HNL and out of Kona.