Message: HI! Thanks for all of the posts... I've been pouring over them but can't find the info I'm looking for.

My family (husband/2 young teens) will be in Oahu last of July/first Aug and cannot decide what area to stay in. We are military and can stay at the Hale Koa. But want to be in the best area for beaches and enjoying the water.

I have found a nice condo at great price in the Hauula area and a couple of other areas as well.

We prefer quiet, nightlife is NOT a priority and we don't mind driving to attractions. We love the water and would like to be on the beach.

What areas would you recommend me to look at? I am a shopper and prefer great deals... not high end!

Thank you!
Rebellee

Oops... I don't mean shopper as in going shopping, I mean in looking for a good value or deal on travel!

A friend of mine who used to live on Oahu and owns a vacation home on the North Eastern area of the island mentioned to us that Hauula wasn't a very welcome area for tourists. Not sure how true that is now, but you might want to get more info on it. Did you check vrbo.com for properties in the Kailua Beach area?

Rebellee, are you looking for calm water? If so, I
think Waikiki or Kailua would be your best bets. From all I have heard, Hale Koa is really nice, and is a very good deal. It is in a good location in
Waikiki, next to a park. Personally I really enjoy Waikiki. If I were able to stay at Hale Koa, I
think I would do that and plan to drive out to other areas to check out the beaches. In Waikiki there are several places that give surfing lessons, and your kids are the right age for that, it sounds like.

If you can get into the Hale Koa JUMP!!!

Had breakfast at the Hale Koa in December and had a good chance to look around. It's stands on the Ft. DeRussey property in a quiet location on the beach, away from Waikiki but close enough if you want to walk over. Has a PX right there as well. It's across the street from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The price is right so go for it!

check out Bellows beach- believe militay can still rent places there very cheaply( its military controlled)
I think its the most beautiful beach on the island - and still close enough to
other attractions and beaches - I spent many a night there in my youth.

Wow - Hauula is WAY out there. It definitely would be quiet. It's kind of a rural area - I would not be surprised to hear that tourists are not welcomed with open arms. Other than the beach, there would not be much else to do without driving a ways.

The Hale Koa would be a deal if you can get a room - it's a nice hotel and pretty well situated. But Waikiki is not quiet. You would have access to the beach, though.

I echo the suggestion of looking at a rental in Kailua. Quieter than Waikiki, but still convenient to other things. Personally, I think Kailua and Lanikai beach are more beautiful than Waikiki.

I just got back from 8 days in Waikiki staying near Fort DeRussy park (near Hale Koa which looked like a very nice hotel as our shuttle dropped folks off there) & I enjoy the area immensely. I did not go in for the nightlife but like to have everything walking distance with lots to see and do. Waikiki is a fun but VERY busy place so am not sure it is really what you're looking for.

Hauula is out in the boonies! I know a gal who lives out there.....couple times during bad weather, a tree fell into the road there. She had to call in to work to let us know that the road was closed and she had to drive around the OTHER side of the island to come in. I think she was a couple hours late! Don't get me wrong, I've gone out there with my family for a weekend of doing nothing and it was nice. However, I'd think that as a visitor you'd be looking to mix in activities as well so you may be better off at the Hale Koa.

I'm not nuts about Hauula but the towns near it are fine. I like Kaaawa, Punaluu and Laie. Hauula doesn't have that great of beaches.

If this is a condo you are looking at it's probably Pat's at Punaluu so it is not in Hauula, it's south of there, but same zip code as Punaluu. The beach here is nice.

If you are looking to get away from nightlife and crowds, staying on the windward side is nice. Kaaawa, Punaluu and Laie are where a lot of Oahu residents rent places for vacations from the city.

This area is not so out in the boonies. It's 45 minutes from downtown. Mokuleia is out in the boonies to me.

Instead of the Hale Koa Hotel, see if you can get into a cabin over at Bellows Airfield. The beach there is beautiful and it's military only. They book fast so contact them quickly. If that does not work out, Pat's is an ok choice if you would rather steer clear of Waikiki.

Sesamee

Kailua is wonderful but I would guess that your teens would prefer Waikiki with all there is to do and see there.