Brenkjtravel

Ok, thx tifa.kualoa

Brenkjtravel

Thinking we might just stay on Oahu, with so much to do and see there.

One more question, is Turtle Bay really the only place to stay on the North shore? It sure seems so.
We would like to stay on the North shore for a night or two & need a place to accommodate us and 4 kids, but don't want to pay 1,ooo for a suite that will fit our family. Most of the vacation rental's/condo's require a longer stay and with all the cleaning deposits etc it's just not worth it.

Plan so far; Ko Olina for 2 or 3 nights, up to the North shore for a night or two then the last 3 nights in Waikiki.

sf7307

Turtle Bay is the only hotel/resort on the North Shore.

EmilyPost

The aloha apirit of Hawaii is relaxing. Packing up and moving from hotel to hotel every few days is going to interfere with that, I promise you. Pick a home base and visit the rest of Oahu from there. You'll see enough of the rest of the island to want to go back again and again.

EmilyPost

The aloha spirit of Hawaii is relaxing. Packing up and moving from hotel to hotel every few days is going to interfere with that, I promise you. Pick a home base and visit the rest of Oahu from there. You'll see enough of the rest of the island to want to go back again and again.

tifa2276

Turtle Bay is the only resort/hotel on the north shore. There may be a few bed and breakfasts though which can accomodate short stays but your family may feel more comfortable in a resort. Instead of getting a villa you can maybe get 2 rooms for less? They may have adjoining rooms, I am not sure. The rooms are very spacious, so there will be room for a few rollaways in case you need them.

I enjoy Waikiki too although it has a city vibe, but it is a lot of fun and I'm sure your kids will love being able to walk around and take in the sights. Diamond Head hike is popular but go early to avoid crowds, same for Hanauma Bay snorkeling. Pearl Harbor is a must. Definitely reserve tix via the reacreation.gov website for a very small fee. If you would like a less crowded beach than Waikiki, I'd go to Ala Moana beach park on a weekday or to Kailua or Lanikai beaches on the East.

I think your itinerary is doable - but that will be a lot of packing up and checking in...I would suggest doing just 2 locations. Even if you did not stay in Ko Olina or North shore, you can always visit for a day trip. It is not that far from Waikiki IMO. You can enjoy the beaches, and then have a nice meal in the area before driving back. Before my last trip, I never did a stay on the North Shore, but visiting was always part of my itinerary. The drive is lovely as well. (go up the east and come down the middle, or vice versa) I usually stop by Matsumoto's in Haleiwa for shave ice and Dole Plantation for dole whip (pineapple soft serve), and almost always a meal at any of the shrimp trucks. Some beaches, such as Sunset Beach, offer showers and bathrooms so you can always get cleaned up a bit before moving on.

chevre

I'm not sure i understand why you want stay at both Turtlr Bay and Ko'Olina. I too was going to recommend Turtle Bay if you want to spend time away from the bustle of Waikiki. Ko'Olina in my opinion doesn't offer anything more than Turtle Bay other than being newer and it is isolated where Turtle Bay is closer to other island sites. It is also very close to the famous North Shore surfing Mecca which may interest your teen agers. If you want a resort like hotel in Waikiki the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a great one and The Halekulani is great too. Personally, I would only pick two places for one island or split my time on two islands.

EmilyPost

Oh, I agree that road trips are the way to go but I wouldn't want to pack and unpack more than once during an 8 day stay.

pjfreeman

We have been to Oahu several times with older teenagers/young adults, always in Waikiki. Based on what others have said, personally I would skip Ko Olina. I would definitely not jump from place to place. The island is small enough that you can easily take day trips to every place you want to go and save yourself the hassle and time of moving from place to place. I also agree that 4 days on each island is not enough.

sf7307

>>

Most definitely! We once went kayaking in Kailua in the morning, and then drove to Haleiwa for lunch!

andrews98682

I agree. It's a small island. No need to keep unpacking and packing. It's been awhile since I was on the north shore, but if I remember right, it's about an hour's drive from Waikiki if that. I would pick one place and stay there. If you insist on dividing the trip, then I would split it between Waikiki and Turtle Bay, based on what people on here are saying about Ko Olina.

Brenkjtravel

Hey, thanks everyone for the input. It's so great to have all of your insight when planning. I did find a beach house rental on the north Shore that we are considering for the first 4 nights, we just need to decide on Waikiki accommodations now. First 4 days will be North Shore with a car I think, then last 4 in Waikiki using public transit/shuttles etc...

I can't believe how quickly things book up in Oahu!!

Thanks again.

EmilyPost

Keep your car for your entire stay; you'll be so happy you did.

Brenkjtravel

Emily Post, I am thinking we may keep the car the whole time per your advice. It seems the rates for 4 days are close to the rates for a week or even 8 days. My only hesitation would be are the costs of parking overnight and everywhere we go going to end up being more than we will save. I have also heard that booking a rental car far in advance is a good idea, as they can be sold out. I am thinking this could be even more important for us as we will need a vehicle to accommodate 6 people.

On another note have any of you used the GoOahu cards? Are they worthwhile?

sf7307

Absolutely keep your car. Although Waikiki is doable with a car, the rest of the island would be so much easier (especially with 6 of you) with a car. Otherwise, you're going to be using The Bus, which will take much much longer to get anyplace you want to go.

EmilyPost

6 in a car? Get a van! The convenience of having your own car for this trip FAR outweighs the burden of any parking costs. How many times do you think you'll visit Hawaii in your lifetime? Do it right and you'll have one of the most relaxing trips of your life. I agree with sf7307: Although Waikiki is doable without a car, the best of the island is reached by driving there. Some of the vistas are breathtaking and you'll want to have the freedom to stop and take photos, dip your toes into the water of a deserted beach, or stay as long as you want at the Dole Plantation or Pearl Harbor, etc. Pay the money and be happy knowing you did the exact right thing.

tifa2276

Try priceline for car rentals.

Brenkjtravel

Yep, I will get a van or SUV for sure .
I might try priceline, thx. I did find a Hawaiian agency that actually gives better rates than I have seen anywhere else. I can get a van or SUV for under $400 for the 8 days!

We have booked Waikiki accommodations!! Great Condo right on the water with beautiful ocean views, a kitchen and will be comfortable for the whole family.There is also parking available for less than $20 a day It is still a long way off but exciting to plan and look forward to. Especially with all the good advice!

Still looking for the right beach house on the North shore for the first 4 days, fingers crossed.
Any thoughts on the GoOahu card?

EmilyPost

What is the GoOahu card?

Brenkjtravel

Accommodations done! First 4 nights at the Turtle Bay Resort, in a condo right on the golf course, then 4 nights at the condo on Waikiki Beach. I feel much better now that is taken care of.

Another question?... At the Pearl Harbor Memorial, how much time will it take to see the most important things? I know we have to make reservations, and I am trying to get a feel for how much time to plan. I want to see the good stuff, but probably don't want to spend the whole day there. Thoughts...?

EmilyPost - the GoOahu card includes a lot of Oahu's sites and activities for one price, if you visit many of them, it can save $$. I was wondering what kind of experience those who have used it had.