Oahu - Which beach for a summer stay?
 

I am starting to snoop around for our next trip to Hawaii and thanks to all of the Oahu boosters on this board, we want to give Oahu a try.

It's been almost 20 years since I've been to Oahu. We will probably do a few nights in Waikiki followed by a week in a rental cottage somewhere. We will be there in the summer. Want to be on a beach that is swimmable with snorkeling possibilities. The beach is the thing for us!

After doing some research here are the areas that come up as good possibilities: Mokuleia and Ke Iki beach on the north shore. Lanikai and Waimanalo on the windward side.

A few questions:
What will the surf and water conditions be like on windward side of the island in summer? Calm?

What is Haleiwa like in the summer?

Am I overlooking places?

Any suggestions for specific rentals?

I'd really like to hear from Oahu fodorites, people who love Oahu and those of you that have stayed at non-Waikiki locations on their vacation.
Mahalo,
-Bill

iamq, no Kauai this time?! :) how fun and how different a trip to Oahu will be since there have probably been more than a few changes in 20 years. We have never spent more than a few days outside of Waikiki, but next week we are leaving for a week at a beachfront vacation rental in the Punalu'u area, sits on a quiet beach with snorkeling right at the back door. I'll post a TR & reviews when we return.

gg,
Yeah, I figure that after our upcoming trip to Kaua`i this summer we will be sick and tired of all that rain once and for all! (How does Kal do it?).
Where did you find the rental that you are staying at?
-Bill

ttt

Bill, I got the inside scoop since I designed the owners website for the rental... it's http://www.haleahakai.com, though it's a 3-bdr., it's supposed to be cozy enough for just 2 and a lil crowded at the max occ. of 6 adults. It sits on a little beach that is never crowded and comes complete with usage of the owners kayaks, fishing gear, etc. It's usually booked well in advance. We'll be staying there with BF parents, we're all so excited, can't wait till the end of the week.

Well, Haleiwa's surf is flatter in the summer than in the winter, so it should be very nice. However, I'm not sure what snorkeling is like there. I heard that snorkeling out at Ko Olina can be quite nice, though. I've stayed at Ke Iki Hale before and I absolutely love the beach. And the beach dogs!

You may want to stay in Lanikai, though, simply because it's an oasis near to civilization. You can kayak out to the Mokulua Islands, and I believe the snorkeling there is nice although I've not done it.

Hale Aha Kai looks very nice! But, man! it's out in Punaluu. For me, that's a bit far from civilization. But if your goal is to just kick back and relax, that might be the one for you.

gg,
Nice house...and website. Well done. The place looks great! Thanks.

Melissa,
Thanks. Yes. The pictures I've seen of Lanikai make my mouth water. It looks lovely.
-Bill

I live on Oahu. Your best beach with a rental of those you mentioned are Lanikai(Kailua Beach) and North shore beaches from Sunset through the Turtle Bay area. There are rentals listed on various sites regarding their availability. The weather will be fine on all spots. Dive viewing underwater is actually better on the North Shore at this time of year when there are no waves. The surf is larger generally on the South Shore (Waikiki, etc.) as the summer swells are generated from storms in the Southern Hemishpere in the summertime. But the best beach on Oahu is Kailua Beach,IMO. Nice long stretch of beach with a host of activities and everything to do with watersports. Hope this helps. Aloha!

We went to Oahu & Maui last June. We ended up staying in Waikiki but "plan A" was a cottage at Turtle Bay. Unfortunately, I cannot find the link. For snorkeling, I want to recommend Shark's Cove. Here's a snorkel link: http://www.snorkeling-hawaii-insider...ling_oahu.html.

Be careful if you snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Our rental car was broken into and my purse was stolen from it. Every time we had to say, "My purse was stolen", the listener would ask, "Hanauma Bay?". It must be a common problem. But the buses run right there and we had a great time - even with teh crowds. We would definately go again.

aj,
Thanks for the link, and sorry to hear about your purse. The last time I was at Hanauma Bay it was 1978 and I was 18!
-Bill

Aloha Bill!

I don't have to tell you that I adore Ke Iki Beach... the beach goes on forever, and the shelling is superb. I haven't been able to snorkel Sharks Cove since we are always there in the winter when the swells are up, but it is said to be one of the best spots on O'ahu for snorkeling.

I will say though, that my second choice would be Lanikai... the water and the views are gorgeous. Many people kayaking here... and it is very laid back... much closer to Waikiki & Hanauma Bay too.

I'd look at the rentals and then decide. Happy planning. Looking forward to Kauai's north shore this summer too. ((R))