Where to stay (area) on Oahu?

[EMom]

We want to take DD to Hawaii next year. We've heard about the charms of the various islands and MIGHT hop one time, but because there is so much to see on Oahu, we plan to spend most (maybe all) of our time there. Waikiki may be fine for a visit, but I do not want to stay there. No crowded area with high rises for us.

So does anyone know of an area we can stay in that is relatively close to Honolulu and most of the sights, but a bit away from it all? Driving, even in traffic, is fine. I mainly want access to a really good beach.

Thanks.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We stayed in Makaha but that is far from Honolulu in respect to the space of the island. We were actually 12 or so miles north along the coast from Aulani. We stayed in a for rent by owner condo. I'm not sure I would be the most help because our desire was to be away from the hustle and bustle and that included Honolulu and we didn't mind driving. We loved and I mean loved the condo. Ours had a queen-sized murphy bed towards the balcony and a fold out couch (forget the size) towards the front door with a partition that could close off the two spaces. Our place was in the residential part of Oahu may not be your cup of tea (understandable considering the food options and whatnot right near it) but for the privacy and the beach it was worth it.

This was our beach and most times it was under 10 people on the beach:

(The two white buildings were the condo place where we stayed at):


(To the left of our condo):


Basically directly below our condo-maybe slightly off to the right):


To the right of our condo-we mostly stayed on the beach part where our condo buildings and the taller condo building place in the first photo you see):

 

[EMom]

Could you PM me info about where you stayed? Did you use VRBO? Thanks!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

No problem. Sent you the PM!

 

[bcla]

Maybe the area around the airport?

Other than that, it's basically around the island or Waikiki.

You might look into a bed and breakfast. More of those will be in residential areas away from the big resort hotels. Or a condo rental.

 

[JessL]

We rented a house on the north shore just out of Hale'iwa. It was right on a private beach that was only accessible by the 5 or 6 houses on that street. We pretty much walked out our door onto the beach. We swam with turtles right there and had a seal come up on our beach to sunbathe. I loved the north shore and would never stay in Waikiki again if I could help it!

 

[MrJT]

It's been many years since I've been to Hawaii, but I lived there for a little over 4 years. I lived on Oahu. If you insist on visiting Oahu, I would stay somewhere on the north side of the island. The southern side reminded me a lot of Southern California. I would rather visit Kauai or Maui.

 

[undertheradar]

We lived in SOCAL and felt like Oahu was an extension of SOCAL. Look on the western side, near the Disney and Marriott time shares. Prepare for very expensive groceries.