My company is sending me on a "beach vacation" wherever I want to go for 4 nights. I know it's a short trip for Hawaii, but I figured Oahu would work now that they have direct flights from Austin (we were originally thinking St. Martin, but the flight is only 1 hour longer and way cheaper to go to Oahu). The trip cost needs to be under 5k, so that would leave us with a budget of around $700/night for a resort. We would like to be near nice beaches, hiking, bars and restaurants (but I don't really want to stay in the heart of the big city). I was thinking something like turtle bay resort on the north shore, but I'm not familiar with the island at all and would like advice from people familiar with the island.

Turtle Bay is nice but it's kind of isolated.

Maybe try the Ko Olina area? You'd be out of the hustle and bustle of Waikiki but not so far away. You could either visit North Shore or the city without too much trouble.

There's a very nice Marriott Beach Club at Ko Olina. And if you go January-March, you could get a basic room at Aulani for less than $700 a night (if you don't mind some minor Disney theming).

Thanks I will check out the Marriott. Is there a reason to consider a Disney resort if I'm not bringing kids?

09Ag said:

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Thanks I will check out the Marriott. Is there a reason to consider a Disney resort if I'm not bringing kids?

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Good question. The main reason would be location, in terms of being away from Waikiki but not all the way out on the North Shore. And then maybe price.

We stayed at Aulani earlier in the year with no kids. It's a nice resort -- not elegant like the Four Seasons next door -- but then again, not as expensive.

The resort has a lot of pool options and the beach area is very nice, with constant wait service for food/drinks. There are a couple of bars and restaurant options, too. We had a very nice pairing dinner at Ama Ama, the top-end restaurant there.

There are some kid-oriented things, but it's not like staying at Pop Century or some Disney World resort.

You're also in walking distance of the Four Seasons and the Marriott for dining options as well as the shops and restaurants across the street. Michelin star chef Michael Mina has an outdoor restaurant at the Four Seasons that is amazing.

It's definitely not your only option, but I wouldn't immediately discount it just because it is Disney.

Moana Surfrider or Royal Hawaiian are good options