Originally Posted by
Kacee
My comments were very specifically directed at Waikiki. I'm not dissing Oahu. The north shore of Oahu is one of my favorite places in the world. I also enjoy staying at the Kahala, on the other side of Diamond Head. But Waikiki is a tourist infested madhouse, and IMO 15 days in Waikiki would be a big mistake.
I would certainly encourage OP to explore other options including particularly a vacation rental (Airbnb/VRBO) on the north shore or windward side.
Or stay in Waikiki because that is what the OP wants to do. The dining options, entertainment, family friendly beaches/swimming nearby at Ala Moana/Hanauma Bay/Kailua, plus the nearness to Honolulu, the windward side, Pearl Harbor etc. for attractions without having to drive down from the North Shore and get stuck in traffic every day. Easy to rent a car and get out of Waikiki during the day. But there is nothing wrong with anyone staying in Waikiki for 2 weeks. It doesn’t mean he is going to hang out on Waikiki Beach during the day. Get out and enjoy the island while still having access to the other benefits of staying town-side.
And bear in mind that the recent passing of Bill 89 CD2 has made non-hosted short term vacation rentals (<30 days stay) such as AirBnB/VRBO illegal outside of resort zones (such as Waikiki, Ko’Olina, Kahala, Makaha, Turtle Bay) as of August 1.