Originally Posted by
Majuki
The Courtyard Oahu North Shore is a nice, new hotel, but unless you're positioning yourself for a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center or North Shore activities, its location is far from the main tourists sites on Oahu that a first time visitor is likely to want to see. You talk about the lack of interesting culinary options in Waikiki, but what about Laie? Outside of the marketplace area at the PCC (which can be accessed without admission to the PCC), your options are pretty much the McDonald's on the other side of the hotel or the shopping plaza down the street in Hauula.
I don't think anyone has claimed the Courtyard Oahu North Shore is by the tourist attractions in Waikiki and Honolulu city proper, but, depending on traffic, it's between 40 and 60 minutes away, depending on traffic and where precisely you are going.
Yes, Laie has limited eating options, but there are plenty of choices within 20-25 minutes of the hotel, ranging from cafes and restaurant in and by Haleiwa to thefood trucks along Kamehameha Highway, near Kahuku.
If you want excellent beaches then the North Shore is your place. My favorite beach on Oahu is Pupukea.