WERE GOING TO OAHU FOR A WEEK THEN ON TO MAUI, PLEASE HELP ON WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY. PLANNING ON TURTLE BAY HILTON, IS IT WORTH THE HOUR DRIVE OR SHOULD WE STAY CLOSER. FIRST TIME IN HAWAII.

Bev,

I'm wondering why you're staying out at Turtle Bay??? To play the golf course? To get away from it all? I think the only thing to do out there is what's available at your resort. It doesn't get great reviews in the travel guides, and I would want to experience the fun and excitement and history of the Waikiki - Honolulu area, in addition to seeing the rest of the island. I wouldn't stay there, personally. You might want to go to your local book store, and glance over a few of the Hawaii guides before you make up your mind as to what area to stay in. Good luck!

It really depends on what you are looking for as to where you should stay. Turtle Bay is nice if you are wanting to be on the North Shore & plan to spend most of your time there. If you are wanting to experience Waikiki & any sort of nightlife, then you'd be better off in Honolulu. The Hyatt Regency, Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Royal Hawaiian & The Moana Surfrider are 4 that you may want to check out in Honolulu. The Ihilani Resort is about 20 minutes outside of Honolulu -- if you don't want to be right in the middle of everything, but close enough to experience it.

If you are looking for somewhere out of the way and off Waikiki - then try the Kahala Mandarin Oriental...It is on the other side of Diamond Head and is fabulous. Quiet private beach and this is the hotel alot of stars stay at. It is pricey but well worth it...Don't stay at Turtle Bay - You won't enjoy Hawaii if you do. If you don't want to pay the money of the Kahala M.O then try the Waikiki Parc - it is not on the beach but just one street over and it is owned by the Halekulani company and is a great price for a lovely upscale hotel. Hope you have a great time...Teri

I stayed at the Turtle Bay for a couple nights (on my way to Fiji!) in Sept. '98.
We chose that hotel because I HATE crowds, and Waikki is ALL CROWDS. One hotel after the other, literally. Turtle Bay is very secluded so it fit us perfectly. I will say however, that at that time, it was just 'under new management', and it needed it. One whole wing of the hotel was closed for renovations. Depending on how much $$ the new management wanted to put into it, it may or may not be better now! Don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with our room, and we loved the seclusion. The north shore beaches are beautiful,and are NOT crowded, and there ARE other places to see and eat about 15 minutes away. It's up to what you're looking for. Have a nice trip.