MmePerdu

I think the problem may be more indecision than lack of options, as she's said. This might be a travel planner who'd do better using a travel agent/vacation package rather than booking the individual options herself/himself.

ChiSue

First trip, I'd stay Waikiki, not out at the lagoons (not real beach) at Ko Olina. Be aware of the many illegal rentals offered at Kailua. You don't even *need* a car within Honolulu; are any of your sons old enough to walk around on their own? You could even split time between Waikiki and Turtle Bay on the north shore of Oahu. Mid-March should be warm enough up there, and it's like 'another island' compared to buzzy Honolulu. (If you do want a car, Rent It Now.)

Chinos4sons

Okay everyone:

Is it unusual for rentals to ask for 100% up front + deposit 60 days out with no refund unless they can rent it to someone else? You lose the $1000 deposit even if they do find someone.

This seems kinda harsh - but maybe I'm being dumb.

ChiSue: My boys are 18, 15, 13 and 10. You really think Waikiki, huh?

suze

Yes, I also suggest Waikiki. It's a lot easier to get a couple hotel rooms or a condo, then rent a house independently. I think kids that age would actually prefer Waikiki beach, because there's a lot going on. They could meet other people instead of being off on your own.

carolyn

We went to Oahu as a family in 2011 when my grandson was still 16 and his best high school buddy who went with us was just 17. They are suburban kids and hadn't ever been turned loose on city streets alone. Armed with cellphones and given a curfew, they walked up and down the Waikiki strip and absolutely had a ball. Products of a Christian school and looking like the total innocents that they were, they found it hilarious that they were frequently asked if they wanted to buy drugs.

So, yes, I think your boys will love Waikiki. They can't get lost, and at least the older ones will feel quite grown up out on their own. (Don't forget those cellphones, though.)

ChiSue

We own a condo on Maui. We ask $500 deposit when you book, with the balance due 60 days in advance of arrival. (You're already past 60 days!) We accept personal checks or money orders at a slight discount; I have to recover expenses (about 5%) if a guest uses a CC.

You must ALWAYS telephone an owner to avoid a VRBO ad that's been scammed by some jerk in the ether. (Maybe you want to go CC only this time around.)

Many condos have a cleanout fee -- $100 in our case. We also have a damage deposit -- I just hold a $500 authorization for that purpose on a CC and shred the info after a clean checkout.

I think you would all enjoy Waikiki. Reserve a car for two days. Go to Pearl and Punchbowl one day, and drive around the island another day. Or just do airport pickup/return; you'll pay to park but it's convenient to have a car on a short, first visit.

Lucky boys! Say thank you, boys!

Shar

also highly recommend Aston Waikiki Beach towers. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large unit with a/c. very nice accommodations. My only objections was that at night I didn't have the lights of the city in my view. My unit was ocean front and it was ocean front! I think I went thru VRBO on my stay there.