Beach bum birthday

Surfinbride

Thanks for you input on my H's bday plan. Hawaii it is! We'll aim for the last week in June.

We always go to Oahu. Any reason that we should go to a different island? Want to help me with the details?

What would be the best place for us (island/beach/lodging)? On Oahu, our favorite area is the windward side = Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo. We love those beaches and the casual style. I'm tempted to rent something from vrbo. It is just so hard trusting that the place will be as nice as it looks in the photos. If you've stayed in a 1 bedroom rental, let me know which one. I'm open to hearing about things on the other islands, too.

Our criteria/preferences:

1) On the beach or walking distance to it 

2) Prefer swimable beach (giant waves are fun to watch, but we don't like getting slammed to the ocean floor or sucked out to sea)

3) Private - don't want a B&B with a squeeky bed and an audience

4) Casual - swimsuits and slippahs

5) Not too remote. If we want a drink, we don't want to be stuck on a deserted island waiting for fruit to ferment. I can't eat in restaurants due to food allergies, so it is not important to be near those. However, a grocery store, farmers market, or some sort of little something to visit is nice.

6) No smoking. No pets (love 'em, but don't want to sleep in a doggy-smelling bed). No crowing rooster or other annoying AM sounds. Noise at night isn't a problem... we're always up late.

Add anything else I should consider for 7,8,9,10

Thanks, Again

Surfinbride

What do you think about this little place? I have been to Kailua Beach Park many times. This is slightly north of the park. It is on Puukani Place.

http://www.vrbo.com/7798

KShiz

Maybe do a different island just for the sake of a different island?  I have no advice on anyplace other than Maui, when I was on Oahu, I mostly saw the inside of Queens hospital, and I wouldn't recommend it

 If you were thinking about Maui, maybe north of Lahaina or Paia?  Paia is close to Jaws and I know I've seen lots of  surfing tournys and more local surfing spots on the north west side.

vanilla15

I haven't met a Hawaiian island yet I didn't like!  Maybe it is just b/c it was my first island, but the Big Island is my favorite.  I just love that there is so much to do...hiking & snorkeling around & not too built up/commerical.  With that said, I am sure you can find that on any island.

Sorry I am no help on picking a location.  We have alway stayed in hotels so I have no condo recs.

Whichever you choose, I am sure yall will have a great time & it will definitely be a great way for your hubby to celebrate his 40th!

husky422

Surfinbride:

What do you think about this little place? I have been to Kailua Beach Park many times. This is slightly north of the park. It is on Puukani Place.

http://www.vrbo.com/7798

That place is really cute.  I bet it's right by the green mkt when you are on your way to the beach park. 

Have you thought about the NS?  The very first time I came to Oahu, we stayed at Turtle Bay..absolutely loved the quaintness of the NS. We had no clue what Waikiki was...lol.  To me it was the vibe I had always envisioned Hawaii to be...still is   In June, there won't be much wave action going on anywhere but it makes for awesome snorkeling, sup, kayaking conditions.

Maybe I should ask one of my clients if you can crash on his couch...he lives right on Lanikai beach, two doors down from Michelle Pfeiffer

We have done hops over to BI and Maui...I really couldn't give any recs since they were super fast trips but each island has it's own vibe.  I love the nature aspect to the BI.  Maui had awesome snorkeling right off the beach and seemed desolate compared to Oahu.  Although, Little Beach (the nude beach) was crowded..we were gawking from our snorkel tour...haha.

 Yay, I'm glad you are coming back to HI!!!  Maybe this time I'll get to meet up with you

Surfinbride

Husky - that would be so awesome! Somehow, I don't think rich clients with homes on Lanikai beach have people crash on their couch. Maybe you could tell him it was the Husky girls' volleyball team... or hot cheerleaders... or that I'm a psychic with insider trading info... oh, I've got it! You could say I'm Michelle Pheiffer's 22 year old daughter (he's not going to be happy when he opens the door and sees us). Yep, pretty much the only thing I have going for me is that I could be a damn good pet-sitter.