If you want to just lie on the beach and relax, there's no better place than the Ihilani, which is on the same side of Oahu as Honolulu, but the other way. When you leave the airport, you go to the right to go to Honolulu, and to get to the Ihilani, you go left. It's a good 20-25 minute drive into Honolulu from there. But they have three beautiful lagoons, a very nice walking trail and wonderful rooms. It is definitely away from it all. When we stayed there last year, it was owned and run by Japan Air Lines, but not sure if they still operate it. They also have a wonderful spa there. A lot of locals stay there on the weekend because they get a kama'aina rate, for those people who live on Oahu and want to spend a weekend away from home. However, if you want to stay in Honolulu and still have beautiful, quiet beach time, you are welcome to use the lagoons and beaches at the Ihilani. Just don't park at the hotel, but drive to the left and park in the lots. I believe all beaches in Hawaii are public, whether or not they're in front of a hotel.