11 days on Oahu - too long?
 

I know any day in Hawaii is a better day then being elsewhere, but I'm trying to decide if 11 days on Oahu is too long. We have a month in Hawaii and were planning to spend the full time in Maui, but now my inlaws may join us for 10-11 days from Japan.

We didn't want them to deal with the interisland connections so we're considering cutting our time in Maui and spending 10-11 days with them on Oahu, instead of having them fly to us.

The problem is that I just can't stand the thought of Oahu. My last trip to Hawaii was about 20 years ago, and all I remember of Oahu is the PCC, Pearl Harbor, and maddening crowds of people in Waikiki. Sure, there are nice parts, but people EVERYWHERE.

So, my question is, what's there in Oahu that's worth it? Is it worth 11 days or would you split the time by having the inlaws island hop to Maui?

This is the first trip to Hawaii for my wife and inlaws. The inlaws don't speak english well and couldn't really care much about historical elements.

Wow Medic -- you are going to get a wide variety of opinions on this one. We have been going to HI every year since 98' and we LOVE Oahu. Big Island, Kauai, Maui -- gorgeous and special of course and we have had wonderful times on all, but Oahu is our fav. Why? We want the big city options only Oahu can provide. Nightlife, lots of restaurants, lots of shopping, and beautiful hotels/resorts. Oahu outside of Honolulu has lots of rural beauty and things to do and then one can head back to the city at night for that vibe. We love the people watching and energy of Waikiki. Our next trip is in July and we are 10 nights at the Royal Hawaiian in the heart of Waikiki. Love it. ^

I would say you certainly could. I assume there is some vegging and beach time built in, but there are lots of things worth doing in addition:

Royal Palace
Bishop Museum
Hawaii State Museum
The north shore
Pali Overlook
Chinatown
On the north shore, go out to Dillingham Field; watch the gliders (or join in!)
The Waianae Coast
Hanauma Bay
Diamond Head

I'd say it is 5-10 days too many on Oahu, depending on your interests.

I just talked to 3 seperate families who stayed in Oahu over Spring Break.. One family stayed there 7 nights, another 2 families 14 nights. All said was good.. gives enough time with their kids and families.. interestingly enough they all stayed at the Hilton. One gentlemen who was a grand dad says he prefers 3 weeks. So all over the map.. but 10 days shouldn't be a problem, unless you are adventurous, and don't like to be couped up in one place.

Try Ko' Olina
 

If you hate the crowds (as do I) try Ko'Olina on the leeward side of the island. Its much drier, uncrowded beaches and some nice dining options. Great golfing. Paradise Cove luau. There are 2 Marriott options, JW Ihilani and the Beach Club,which is a timeshare/hotel. There you can rent a 2 bedroom condo with a full kitchen.

There is an outlet mall about 15 min E on the H1 and the PearlRidge mall about 10 min. Of course, Ala Moana is by far a better place to shop, but you can easily drive in for the day or afternoon.

STRONGLY disagree! You can never have too many days on Oahu:p

I had a friend who did three islands in a week.. insane.. But, if you feel claustrophic on islands, then the Hawaiian Islands may not be the place for you.:D

Sit back, relax, kick back, feel the sand at your feet.. and take the time to enjoy!^

Well, it's a lot less crowded than it used to be. My first trip was about 20 years ago and there were wall to wall people in Waikiki.

That said, I generally spend 9-10 days in Oahu and 9-10 days in Kauai (on different trips). I enjoy each for what it is. And it can be very beautiful if you just leave the Waikiki area, which I do almost every day.

Your in-laws may also feel more comfortable since almost everyone speaks Japanese.

Waikiki has been vastly improved over the past 5 years. It's definitely not what you remember BUT you have to keep in mind that you are in the middle of a city and will have all the things associated with a city there. Still, it's nothing like being in mid-town Manhattan, which is how some people describe it.

I was just in Waikiki for 8 days and could have stayed a few more.

FWIW- Maui is one of the few islands I don't like - I call it a suburb of Southern California. The traffic is maddening. If I want peace & quiet, plus natural beauty, I go to Kauai.

As someone who has been to Oahu for two weeks every year for the past 5-6 years, I don't think 11 days is too long. I usually stay at the Hilton, and I like the fact that I don't need a car for two weeks and can walk to a huge variety of restaurants and shopping or take the bus to a lot of other locations around the island.

It might be too long if you cant handle relaxation....;)

Ditto. We go to Waikiki for 7 weeks each year and at the end say it was too short!

KenfromDE -"Ditto. We go to Waikiki for 7 weeks each year and at the end say it was too short! "

linsj - "As someone who has been to Oahu for two weeks every year for the past 5-6 years, I don't think 11 days is too long."

Glad to see other Oahu/Waikiki lovers! Again, our fav! :cool:

So sound like avid Oahu connosieurs (did I spell this right?) So why Oahu, and not say Maui, or Big Island.. we've only been to Maui and the BI, but my wife was in Oahu as a teenager.. we're thinking of exploring another island.. so what is great with Oahu?

A big advantage is, except for rare occasions like a self paced circle tour of the island, a car is not needed. The bus goes almost everywhere. With very few exceptions, the streets of Waikiki are safe. (Don't jay walk, fines are steep! A Chinese woman saved me by saying "police" in Chinatown. Also watch when your light turns green, cars may run the light) Do your research on things to do. Flyertalk threads are a good starting source. ie. ( http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/3087919-post6.html), (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawai...-thread-8.html postings 26 & 39.) For inexpensive food see ( http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawai...eal-deals.html) There are lots of little things to do. Take a one hour tour of a hotel like the Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider (http://www.moana-surfrider.com/press...leases/history) At the Moana, ask Tony to tell about the murder of Sanford's widow. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moana_Hotel#Murder_Mystery) Go to the Waikiki Military Museum, Stroll the Ala Moana Canal and feed the fish. Stroll the streets during the day and evening. Lots of evening street performers, such as they are. Joe plays violin most Saturday nights at the pavilion closest to the police station. Take a whale watching cruise with lunch, the zoo, Waikiki sub and of course Pearl Harbor is a must. The sub moored there is the one that plucked Bush Sr. from the ocean in WWII. Do the Ala Moana food court. As you cross over the Ala Moana Canal onto Waikiki, look toward the sea. That was the start of the S. S. Minnow's voyage on that fateful day. Enough rambling, enjoy. Aloha, Ken