This is our first visit to Hawaii. Our family of six is going to Oahu March 15 - 24. After much indecisiveness, I finally focused on looking for rentals on Waikiki and Ko Olina beaches. I found some, but I waited to long and now they are booked. Ugh. I could kick myself.

I am really panicking.

Please offer some recommendations on what other communities/beaches I should look at next. I was trying to keep the cost to $500 a night.

We will be renting a car. We definitely want to see Pearl Harbor, go to Diamond Head, swim (of course) and we plan on doing a surf school.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Here are a few, change locations to see more:

https://www.airbnb.com/s/honolulu?gu...&price_max=500

@MmePerdu - Thanks, I did look at airbnb -- except when I put in my dates - my options disappear.

I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for areas to stay on Oahu.

Would the North Shore be someplace to consider? What other beaches or towns?

www.koolinabeachvillasresort.com

when I looked at
airbnb
Mar 15-24
family of 6
honolulu
I got tons of hits

https://www.airbnb.com/s/honolulu?ch...s=6&room_types[]=Entire+home%2Fapt&price_max=500

Note that you'll save nearly $500 or so at that resort as an AAA member, so you may want to join AAA if you're not already a member. Or call and ask them about this "7th night free" promotion.

Aston Waikiki Beach Tower http://www.crochetville.com/communit...parison-table/
Is condos and i think should fit your budget

do you have your rental car booked? that was an issue a few years ago on maui...there was a shortage of cars and the prices went really high for people who had not reserved far in advance.

try kayak.com...it lets you type in the number of people, # of rooms you want...it will give you a list of places

Here are the places available for your dates on Oahu, $500 max, 6 people, on Airbnb:

https://www.airbnb.com/s/Oahu--Hawai...&price_max=500

I don't think you need to panic because if "worst comes to worst" you can always get hotel rooms in Waikiki.

The North Shore of Oahu is great - but the kids would probably have more things to do in/around Waikiki/Honolulu.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a must - IMO.

It's about a 20 minute drive from Waikiki - and then you can continue around to Kailua - and either come back to Hono/Waikiki - or head up to the North Shore. http://www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com/

Thanks everyone.

I think I'm also just having trouble figuring out what kind of vacation we want to have. If we stay at the Ko Olina Beach Villas, that's one kind of vacation; if we stay in Waikiki, that's another type of vacation; and if we stay in a house by Kailua beach, that's a different vacation.

I suppose we could just stay in Waikiki at a condo within walking distance to the beach. Do the beach thing, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head… then take a day trip to Hanauma Bay. Day trip to the North Shore, etc…

We could also do that from a Ko Olina resort. Or a house…

Yes, we are renting a car.

The deposit at Koolina Beach Villas is fully refundable as long as you cancel at least 7 days before arrival date. So it might give you some piece of mind to book something, then continue to look around at other possibilities without panic.

clarkgriswold.

You are a VOR.

Voice of Reason.

Thank you.

<suppose we could just stay in Waikiki at a condo within walking distance to the beach. Do the beach thing, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head… then take a day trip to Hanauma Bay. Day trip to the North Shore>

That could definitely work and be very easy to arrange. Because there are so many hotels and condos right in central Waikiki.

But a house would be so much nicer for a family group and likely much more for your money.

A huge recommendation for Aston Waikiki Beach Towers, if you can get it within budget. My family and I stayed there twice and absolutely loved it! Very convenient for exploring Oahu, gorgeous views from the corner units, and across the street from the public beach, and walkable (longish walk) to Diamond Head.

Sure I agree a house would be nicer. I'm only staying since this person is beginning to "panic" that there are other possible options, that would still make for a very good experience.