I am looking into renting a beach house on Punaluu Beach on Oahu. There are some nice homes for a reasonable price. Is this a safe and comfortable area for tourists? Would this be a good swimming beach with sand bottom in the summer, and not to windy or surgy? Thanks for the help.

topping

Anybody care to offer advice?

We rented a beach house in Laie quite a few years ago, I think Punaluu is fairly close by. While the swimming beach at Laie was nice soft sand, the waves were a bit choppy and good for little kids on boogie boards. It changed a bit from day to day, though, it might depend on the weather; sometimes you can hit a windy day and get some waves, then it will calm down.

Except for rentals, there are no hotels nearby, so it's not geared for tourists. There's no "nightlife", and a restaurant would be a bit of a drive. It's very quiet and sort of country. About a half hour's drive to Waikiki one way, and the same to Haleiwa the other way, as I recall.

Have you been to Hawaii before?

Thank you Auntie Maria for topping this. Gigib, we were in Kauai this summer and had a fabulous time where we stayed on the north shore at Anini Beach. My other choice other than Punaluu is Kailua/Lanikai but the rentals are much more expensive if you want single dwelling beach front. We've also looked at the north shore but the choices are so overwhelming in terms of where and cost. We need 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. So, Gigib or if anyone can help out that would be great.

I guess the next question is, have you been to Oahu before? And do you need restaurants, sights, or activities? Punaluu doesn't offer much for tourists (or residents!) per se, but if all you want to do is hang out at the beach all day, it should be OK.

I'm one of those who couldn't open very many messages the past couple of days.

Seems everything on Fodors is back to normal.

Punaluu is a decent place. It is safe. Don't know that much about swimming there. There are many beaches along the highway.

My ex-SIL rented a beach house in Punaluu a couple years ago. It was a nice house complete with snorkeling equipment.

It is close to Laie (PCC) and fairly close to the north shore.

Byodo-In Temple is fairly close. So are a couple of botanical gardens including Haiku Gardens.

Kualoa Regional Park (Chinaman's Hat) is close.

There is also Kualoa Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet near Kualoa Park. Also Kualoa Ranch.

Kailua/Lanikai beaches are about 25 minutes away

Oahu is not that big, so anywhere on the island is OK. But, the main attractions are in or close to Honolulu.

Punaluu is about 45 minutes from Honolulu.

Thank you Melissa and Dusty for talking to me. This is our first time to Oahu. The first 5 days we are at KoOlina Marriott. We plan to "do" Honolulu and sights at that time. The next time 5 days we want to chill out; however, we are not into laying on the beach all day, but want to swim, see natural beauty and cultural places. We are almost 60 so night life is not a "biggie" with us.

hmmm, is the price difference that vast between Punaluu and the Kailua area? I'm asking because I don't know. And because for ME, Punaluu is too way out in the boondocks despite this being an island. I keep reading this thread and I think dusty is correct and I am also correct, but we bring two different perspectives.

I'm not into nightlife anymore but I do like having a variety of everything at my fingertips. I'm just spoiled that way, I guess!

Hi, been away from fodors for a while. We've stayed in Punaluu 2 years in a row and really like the area. See my recent TR for a bit about Punaluu: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34862715

I've also stayed at several other parts of the Island and it really depends on what you are looking for. Much of the enjoyment depends on the individual rental, it's location and it's amenities. The nice thing about this area is you can rent a home that is a 'true' beachfront home for much less than the Kailua/Lanikai area. Where we've stayed at, it is certainly swimmable, nice clean turquoise water, very secluded beach that hardly anyone except some locals fishing tend to visit, kayaking, etc. There is nothing like walking out the back door and lounging in a backyard deck that is steps from the sand and waves! Relaxation and beauty at it's best! If you'd like me to email you about a rental, post your addy and good luck whatever you decide cuz it's paradise after all

Melissa, you're right - it all depends on what you are looking for. I want the beautiful beaches and amenities at a price we can afford. (Too bad I want it all!) ggartist, I just printed your trip report and took special interest in your koolina part because we also will stay at one bedroom unit. That would be so great if you could send me the info about the rental. Here is my address: [email protected]. Thank you! Marlene

Marlene...you have mail

Melissa

You are correct. Kailua area would be nicer. But, there is a big difference in lodging costs. Maybe as much as 40-50%.

May I can help...I live on the North Shore, Oahu. Like has been said Punaluu is NOT a great tourist place, the rentals are cheaper just for this fact. One thing that you have to remember and sometimes tourist learn the hard way is that it is best to "beach and swim " where a lifeguard is because our waters are so different that most. They may look often mild but can have a real riptide going. the other thing is you are going to really have to drive to any popular spots. And lastly and other locals can certainly oppose me, but they have been having trouble with drugs in that area and are working on it. I personally would suggest you try the condos in Turtle Bay where you can use the resort amenities like horeseback riding along the beach, golf,hiking, and the restruants if you like or go more north and stay in a place at Sunset Beach where you are closer to Haleiwa, Waimea Bay & Falls. Remember this the North Shore is the country (which is why I live in this area) and you will need to drive approx. 40 minutes to honolulu/Waikiki..but that can be a day trip. You are going to live more of the reason most of us moved to Hawaii up here...whatever you do, I hope some of this helped...I am not sure if anyone has given you the website for so many rentals..but I sure used it before I moved here... www.vrbo.com
Aloha!!

I am not a local but I would probably have to oppose the notion of a drug problem in Punaluu. The few times I've stayed in Punaluu I have not experienced or viewed anything seedy, nor the friend of mine who owns a home there. Actually to the contrary, I felt quite safe in the beachfront area of the neighborhood, though I can't attest to other parts of the area because for me, an affordable beachfront location is the main reason to stay in Punaluu.

There are drug problems in many places all over the world, and yes, even throughout the islands in paradise (any episode of DOG the bounty hunter shows that). You just have to take the same precautions for safety in travel whether it be Waikiki, Punaluu, Haleiwa or any other travel destination.