we're going to hawaii this summer with our family, and i'm in charge of a lot of the planning. as of now we're going to turtle bay (north shore of oahu) for 5 days, hilton hawaiian village at waikiki for 4 days (including seeing pearl harbor), volcanos on the big island for 2 days, and then 4 days on the outrigger or the orchid on the big island. i was considering more days at waikiki, is it fun for teenagers? we want to surf, snorkel, and we like lots of people. thanks! (i'm almost 16, have a 13 year old brother, and a 10 year old sister)

I took my kids to Hawaii when they were ages 11 and 13. Their favorites included the beach at Hanauma Bay (I think you can rent snorkeling equipment and see fabulous fish, get there early), climbing up Diamond Head, and on the Big Island, everything in Volcano National Park, especially driving around to see the lava and the sulfur vents!!

check out sandy beach, on east side of oahu, nice high surf lots of young people your age.

Many people have broken their necks bodysurfing at Sandys.

Turtle Bay is in a very quiet section of the island, far from everything else. You might want to stay a couple of day less at Turtle Bay and more in Waikiki. My teens liked Waikiki the best.

Agree with the previous poster; 5 days may be a little too long to stay at turtle bay. Other than the Polynesian Cultural Center and the beach, there's little to do during the day and absolutely nothing to do at night.

Actually, there are a couple of other things out by Turtle Bay, like Waimea Falls park or (I think) Kahuku Sugar Mill. And you could beach yourself. Haleiwa is nice for exploring at any age.

BUT I have to agree that for true ACTIVITIES, you may want to spend less time on the north shore and more time in Waikiki. It is definitely more fun for teenagers and you can take surf lessons.

My 17 son year old went with us to Oahu last year. He liked Waikiki because you can surf during the day (although he thought it was a little too calm), and walk around the Marketplace (lots of retail and surf shops)along the strip at night. It probably is better if you all walk around together at night if you are not with your parents. Turtle Bay is very quiet (feels ancient to me!). You will like Haleiwa and the surf shops and beach. Often there are bands playing in the parks out that way.there is a Maze at the Dole Plantation that might be fun as well.

thank you so much for the responses. we're looking into spending more days at waikiki. could you recommend any condos in waikiki or near there? conodos are nice because meals are much cheaper if you make then yourselves.
thanks!
emily