We are going to be in Oahu for a week starting June 9th. We’re thinking of reserving a place on Waikiki beach for the first 2 nights and then start exploring the rest of the island by rental car for the remaining time. Will we have problems finding places to stay if we don’t have reservations? In other words, do the places (hotels, condos, etc) away from the Honolulu area get full that time of year?

Thanks
Terri

No reservations--------NOT crazy. Spending a week on Oahu when you could be on Maui or Kauai------Totally insane.JMHO

I think because the wide open spaces are so limitted on Oahu it would not be smart to have reservations. Actually I think reservations are smart on any island. You will get the best deals and or best properties for your need this way. Not like Europe where you just mosey on down to the next corner for a b&b with competative rates and services. The majority of the people in the cars next to yours along the highway will have made reservations ahead of time.

I say some time on the North Shore and Windward sides. Windward side lodging might be bit tough there are no major hotels over there and condos frequently rent by the week. Ignore e I know all of the islands well and I love Oahu. Of course you go here if you want to explore the culture and history of Hawaii. There are beautiful areas outside of Waikiki but I find blending these visits with museum, temple, Palace, Alii Homes, theatre trips to be the best combo.

No reservations? I suppose that's fine if you don't mind paying $300 for a room that could have been had for $80 by just spending 30 minutes of your time at home planning out your trip.

Also remember that Oahu is not that big of a place. You can "explore" any part of the island and return back, even at the most extreme ends, very easily. This is not like taking a southwest circle trip where you don't want to have to backtrack 100+ miles back to your hotel.

yes but none not so fun to take more than one hour drive to and from a destination so it does makes sense to position yourself a few nights at different locations around the island. I have done this and it was recommended to me from locals living on the island.

The advantage to doing it your way is that when you find an area you really like you can look for accomodations there, rather than lock yourself into something and not being able to change your mind. It is risky during a busy season, because surely all the best places will be taken by then, or you will pay top dollar, as has been mentioned. We traveled to Prince Edward Island a few years ago and had to fight every night for a few remaining dumpy and expensive rooms. On our upcoming September trip to the islands I plan to do lots of research for our "next" trip.

Yes, Maggie, that’s what we were thinking. But it doesn’t seem like such a wise idea now so we are going to try to figure out from the internet where we want to stay and make reservations. Or does anyone have suggestions on where to stay in Waikiki and around Kailua and the North Shore area?

Terri, I have been researching places to stay on Oahu too. I will share with you what I have bookmarked. First of all, if you want a resort let me say that the Kahala Mandarin Oriental would be my first choice in the Waikiki area. It's close enough to get into the busyness of downtown if you want to, but secluded enough to give you peace. My friend just returned from the Outrigger Waikiki and she couldn't get out of there fast enough. She also told me on her tour of the island that the Kailua/Lanikai area is the most beautiful. That is where I will look for accomodations for our September trip. Don't know your tastes, but here are a few of my choices so far:
http://www.oahu-hawaii-vacation.com/palm.html
http://vacation_rentals.1elgoog.vrbo.com/vrbo/8430.htm
http://www.oahu-hawaii-vacation.com/ingrid.htm
http://www.thesunsetbeachhouse.com/
http://vacation_rentals.1elgoog.vrbo.../vrbo/4083.htm

Maggi,

Thanks for being so helpful! Hope you have a great time in September!

Terri

Sorry, I was checking to see if they would come up for you and the last two didn't. Try:
http://www.avendaro.com/
http://www.keikibeach.com/Accommodations.htm
Good luck!

Terri- The hotels have been quite full recently, and mid-June is always VERY busy time as even the locals take vacations during the school breaks. I would reserve in advance.