Just spent a week on Oahu... (Honolulu: house, live, prices)

[golden eagles fan]

...and absolutely loved it! This was my first-ever trip to Hawaii and it didn't disappoint. I stayed in a beach house in Hau'ula on Kamehameha Hwy. (though everything in the area is on the highway). I really loved that it was much less hustle & bustle than in Honolulu. Even though I love cities, the rural nature felt more authentic Hawaii.

My only complaints are the amount of traffic on Kamehameha Hwy, and higher prices for everything (though that would go for the whole state). I can't say when I'm making another trip back, but I am coming back to Hawaii (though I may go to another island). I envy those of you who live out there.

[hotzcatz]

Sounds like you had a lovely vacation. Hau'ula is a nice area, much less congestion than the leeward side of the island.

Honolulu is the most congested area in Hawaii and Waikiki is just an extension of Honolulu if it isn't already an official part of Honolulu. But, Hau'ula is definitely not Honolulu.

Choosing another island to visit would give you another view of Hawaii. There's so many differences between each of the islands, although there's a lot of similarity, too.

[ScottStielow]

Glad you had a great trip.
It's always good to get out into the country. Like you mention,
it has less hustle and Bustle, than Honolulu. The traffic is the number one issue on the
Islands, and Kamehameha Hwy up on the North shore.

I would check out one of the other Islands. Each has there own little Secrets that is unique to the
Islands.