I was surprised how much I enjoyed Ko Olina when I lived there for two years. It offers something for everyone. Ko Olina has so much to offer in the way of beaches, restaurants, and an overall happy vibe. Town or Country, that is the decision. Honolulu is known as the town while the North Shore is the country. And locals want to keep the country country. That means the North Shore is not a resort area. Turtle Bay is the only resort and the only name brand hotel is a Courtyard by Marriott.
The surfling is iconic. The hiking is unforgettable. If you want to swim in a waterfall, head to the windward side of the island. Welcome to the North Shore. North Shore is where you go to get your hands dirty on a Hawaii vacation. Folks who like to hike, surf, snorkel, eat at food trucks, stop at fresh-fruit stands, and explore small towns will enjoy the North Shore. Families will be able to keep their children entertained with shave ice, beaches, bodyboarding, cliff jumping, horseback riding, sea turtles on beaches, and waterfall hikes.
Older children will enjoy the activities more. Haleiwa, the main town on the North Shore, is located minutes miles from Daniel K. Haleiwa is minutes from Waikiki. Turtle Bay is an additional minutes miles north from Haleiwa. Turtle Bay is located 1 hour and 10 minutes miles from Honolulu Airport. The North Shore is the windward side of the island.
The tradewinds and the mountains cause the rain to fall on the windward side of the island compared to the dryer leeward side. Northshore beaches also face the sunset. You can find a chill environment with sleepy towns and low-key bars. Both are a few miles north of Haleiwa. Of late, it is becoming more vacation rentals but the local vibe is strong in the North Shore.
Walking the streets will be families, surfers, yogis, artists, and resident crazies who call Oahu their home year-round. Oahu has done a poor job of preserving their historical towns, Haleiwa escaped with its charm. The ton gets busy during the weekends with tourists but it is still a place to go for local shopping, art galleries, and surfing or SUP.
Except in the winter when the big waves start pounding the beach. There are other shrimp trucks in Halewai also. We stop at one every time we are in town for lunch. The garlic coconut shrimp is worth the wait but get there early. They serve up locally farmed, never frozen, fresh-water shrimp. Also, The Eddie takes place in Waimea Bay. I recommend you read about the legendary lifeguard who saved lives over his career.
The main drag is Kamehameha Highway and it can become bumper-to-bumper. You have to drive it to get anywhere so avoid the weekend. Also, the frequent storms cause down trees and other issues that can slow your travel. It is a good option but that is the only resort on the North Shore. You can stay at boutique hotels or vacation rentals. That is why staying on the North Shore is your best option. The North Shore is a long way from Honolulu and other parts of the island so you may feel isolated or cut-off from exploring more of Oahu.
It may rain all day or just a few showers. The summer is the best time to stay on the North Shore in regard to weather. Watch the sunset, unwind at dinner, and then go to bed.
Waikiki is not the place to stay if you are looking for a quiet or secluded vacation. However it is an experience to be had, and with Honolulu being the first port of call for most visitors to Hawaii, Waikiki is a definite must-see if only for a day or two.
By day the beach is packed with surfers and tourists from all over the globe. World-class shopping abounds on the main strips of Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues, with classy boutiques boasting designer fashion and jewelry, as well as Hawaiian crafts, souvenirs, and unique gifts. By night Waikiki is one gigantic party, with internationally acclaimed restaurants and nightlife with every form of entertainment including Luau Shows, live music, bars, and nightclubs.
There are some transportation options into Waikiki from the Honolulu Airport. However, they are only suitable for passengers with hand luggage only. Rental vehicles are a very convenient way to get around.
However parking in Honolulu and especially Waikiki can be an issue, and the rental companies tend to be located a distance from the airport itself which means being shuttled to and from the place. Getting around Waikiki is best by foot as everything is within walking distance. Small motor scooters can also be rented for easy travel on city streets. Renting a bicycle is another option but can be a little dangerous due to the congested roads and lack of bike lanes.
The Waikiki Trolley offers scenic, historical and shopping routes and passes can be purchased online. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications.
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All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Download your copy of our Travel Alert: Hawaii Travel Restrictions. Published by: John C. Waikiki Summary Waikiki is the famous 1. The beautiful sands of Waikiki Beach. Things you'll discover in Waikiki Hawaii Longboard surfing is still a favorite activity on Waikiki Beach.
Waikiki area is an area within the city of Honolulu. The Ala Canal Wai is the north and west boundaries of Waikiki. While Diamond Head represents the east end of Waikiki. The tranquil Pacific Ocean faces the south end of Waikiki.
Want a short answer to the question of what is the difference between Oahu, Honolulu and Waikiki? If so, here it is. Waikiki is a district in Honolulu.
BUT just be extra careful to be aware of your surroundings and know that not everyone around you is on vacation. Read about my favorite things to do in Kailua and the windward coast here. But you will find gorgeous beaches only swimmable in the summer , and picturesque little surf towns.
Chickens and horses abound. Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore : Located in Laie just a quick walk to the Polynesian Cultural Center , this relaxed hotel is the perfect basecamp to explore the north shore. Book a room directly with the Courtyard here and read hundreds of reviews here.
Click here to check rates for your trip. Large resorts with every amenity you can think of, expertly manicured grounds, picturesque beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Did I mention the faint sounds of ukulele music and palm trees blowing in the breeze?
The town of Kapolei is also nearby which has conveniences like Target, Costco, a movie theater, a small waterpark, and quite a few restaurants. There are a couple of rental car locations at some of the resorts if you decide you just want to rent one for the day. Read all about my last stay at Aulani here.
Book a room directly with the Marriott here and read hundreds of reviews here. There are a TON of beach resorts on Oahu, but some are definitely better for kids than others. I feel like this post needs a disclaimer up front: pretty much anywhere you go in Hawaii is going to be kid friendly. Hawaii is not a stuffy destination.
That being said, these resorts may appeal to children especially due to their pools or kids clubs, and parents due to their locations and convenience factors. Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa : No surprise here. The Helumoa Pool complex has two freshwater pools, a huge water slide, a play area for kids and cabanas.
Hilton Hawaiian Village : Again, read my overall thoughts on this place above. Hawaii is an extremely family friendly vacation destination so when kids are out of school, expect even the swankiest resorts to have a pool full of kids.
When you go has more to do with it than where you stay.
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