Waianae

"We had a lovely time near the northwestern tip of Oahu. The area is convenient to everywhere on the island by vehicle (45 mins to 1 hr), with a relaxing drive through the agricultural part of the island, hitting only a little traffic on the way to Honolulu or elsewhere SW/SE. The ocean out the back door, beaches just down the road, mountains on the other side of the street, seeing sunrise/sunsets both from your backyard --it all made for an amazing stay. The property was in great shape, clean, as listed, and was plenty of room for our party of six. It was warm inside after coming back in the afternoons, but as soon as the oceanside doors were open, the house was instantly cool again. The kids even got a little cold at night, so heat isn't a problem, although the humidity takes a few days to get used to. Plenty of extra amenities made the trip easier: beach towels, boogie boards, cooler--these definitely came in handy. Kitchen was well-stocked (even a blender for smoothies/milkshakes when we weren't eating shave ice). Large DVD selection if you want to spend time indoors (this is Hawaii). The kids would have liked a backyard beach, but still amazing views. Front fence helped with privacy and car noise from semi-busy road. Area felt safe with two kids camps nearby. Great hikes 2 & 3 miles away, quickly rising to amazing ocean views in the mountainous state park across the road and a 2.5 mi hike that gives amazing sunrise views from the absolute northwest tip of the island. Each of these trailheads is accessible by car in 5 mins--some of the premier hikes on the island. For hang-gliding or sky-diving, the airfield across the street is where many go on the island for this--staying here avoids the hour drive from Waikiki. The North Shore was 30 minutes away, Waikiki 50 mins with traffic, Turtle Bay (snorkeling), Turtle Beach (sea turtles) 25-30 mins away on the north shore. Oceanfront horseback riding & polo 1/2 mile south. Beautiful ocean sunsets anywhere along the road 1-3 miles north to the tip if you aren't satisfied with the one out your back door. Plan ahead for groceries: 22 mins to Foodland, but Costco right off H2N is 30 mins away (cheapest gas in Oahu). For those seeking the "real local" experience, with activities that won't be packed with busloads of tourists getting dumped off with you, this is the place to stay to hit those remote stops. We'd stay here again when we're in Oahu, and recommend others stay here."