Hi:

My family is leaving for Hawaii May 4th (3 days on Oahu and then a week on Maui). I currently have reservations at the Outrigger on the Beach. I checked the Honolulu advertiser and see that many of the beaches are still closed because of bacteria in the water. I was hoping that somebody who lives in Honolulu could provide some guidance and help me decide if I should switch our reservation to the Turtle bay Resort. I can get about the same room rate. We will have plenty of beach time on Maui, but I was still looking forward to swimming and walking along the ocean on Oahu. Our plan includes going to Pearl Harbor, seeing the NorthShore, doing a dolphin watch-snorkel cruise and some hiking. I think we could see Waikiki on a day trip after Pearl Harbor, so I think we could still do our planned things using eiter as a base. Am I overreacting? Should I just keep our reservations as is? Do you think the water will be clean in 2 weeks? Help!

Thanks,

Kristen

Kristen,
I am sure you are following all of the threads on this. I was there two days after the signs came down on the beaches. I think it is worse for you because at least I knew the waters were still not clean. I did change my trip. If you change your trip to the North Shore, you will have peace of mind as to the fact that you have made a decision and you won't have to worry about it anymore. If you wait and worry, you most likely will be still worried about it when you get there.
The water may be perfectly fine by then, but it also may not. I don't think even the locals could tell you that now.
Go with your gut. The Hotel will tell you that swimming is fine. The beaches are clean and fine looking now.
If you go to Turtle Bay, it sounds like you will still be able to do what you want without changing your trip too much.

All of the Waikiki beaches are open.

I'm going to tell it to you straight- of course the beaches are open as soon as it passes the minimal tests because we want tourist. If you lived here and saw the press conferences and the denials---ugh! The head of public safety when asked about the one man who died and the surfer who was now ill compared it to not being able to hang DUI warning signs everywhere...that people should just know to be cautious. The beaches are pretty empty for what is normal here. Most locals do not consider it safe. No way on earth I'll take my kids for at least six months. I watched a report how it lives in the wet sand. Turtle Bay for sure...just make sure the water is clear.

An independent group just tested the sand at many of the Waikiki Beaches. They are safe!

I'm switching for my trip 5/22, I want to know the water is CLEAN!!!! Im looking at Turtle Bay resort versus Ihilani resort, all thoughts are welcome!!

When I was there (Honolulu) earlier in the month, I recollect reading somewhere that other areas of the island had some pollution problems on the beaches. I believe there were some issues dealing with runoff because of all the rain on Oahu over the previous six weeks.

"I'm switching for my trip 5/22, I want to know the water is CLEAN!!!! Im looking at Turtle Bay resort versus Ihilani resort, all thoughts are welcome!!"

Neither of these areas were affected.

All Waikiki Beaches are safe.

All windward side beaches are safe except for a couple in Kaneohe Bay.

I read this morning in the Honolulu Advertiser that the waters at Wakiki Beach are clean & safe. The Dept. of Health have tested the water and everything came out clean. I was concerned too cause we have a trip planned to Oahu the beginning of June.

Hi,

I suggest Turtle Bay hotel.. Every room has stunning full ocean view. It is a resort with a beach to itself so you can lay on the beach peacefully. This is where I stayed for my honeymoon and am going back again this year. If you have any more questions i would be happy to answer them

They had a program on travel channel yesterday about the Turtle Bay. It looked so lovely and it's such nice seclusion from the rat race of Waikiki.

Turtle Bay is the way to go... We were there in Feb. and saw a monk seal lazing on the beach to the left of the hotel, over by the WWll bunker. It was a thrill for DH and I. You can always drive or take THEBUS into Waikiki. Enjoy TB while you can, apparently they are going to expand in a major way with many more hotel rooms.

I would not say "most" locals do not consider the water safe. Maybe during mid April, yes. By now, I would say that the safety of the water at the south shore beaches is pretty much a non-issue (as far as added danger from the sewage).

I think not going in the water for 6 months is way overkill, but everyone will do what they feel is best for themselves and their family.

Keep in mind that even without a sewage spill, there is bacteria in the water and you shouldn't be going in with open wounds or cuts.

I'm sure the OP has already decided where he'll be staying. Turtle Bay is very nice, but far removed from Honolulu. If you plan on doing a lot of activities in the Honolulu area, it is not that convenient. Personally, I would not depend on The Bus for transportation from the North Shore just because it might take you hours to get into town.

But for the possible polution problem, the Outrigger Waikiki is my all time favorite hotel. Must have stayed there 10+ times. Its 2nd floor outdoor balcony beachfront restaurant -- the Hula Grill -- is GREAT for breakfast. The Turtle Bay is just "different" but very nice.