Go to the beach and lunch in Kailua

Local people's behavior are usually not as crazy as tourist behavior. So, be the calm one.

Crowded is how I always expect Hawaii. It’s one of its defining characteristics as a destination.

shave ice @ the north shore

pearl harbor is incredibly moving

there are some great hikes
https://57hours.com/best-of/best-hikes-oahu-hawaii/

buen viaje

The Hilton is really nice- you could always rent a car and drive to any other beach (apart from Waikiki) and it’ll be less crowded. The north shore is very nice- just watch out for waves in winter. They also have a snorkel shark cage tour which hubby really enjoyed. Oahu is beautiful- we enjoyed Waikiki for what it was and toured rest of island when we wanted a quieter scene.

Anonymous wrote:If you’re staying at the HHV there is one tower that has a private pool, it’s much nicer and quieter than the family area.

Op here and yes it is the Ali’i tower and that’s where we are staying.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it'll be busy. But honestly, if you go in with such a miserable attitude you will have a miserable time. Try not to ruin the vacation by being a grump.

I’m a total grump when it comes to change - and we don’t travel very much! When I go in with low expectations I have a better time, lol.

We are in Oahu 3 days and Kona 4. I just really don’t like crowds and have an autistic kid so I’m always on edge.

If you’re staying at the HHV there is one tower that has a private pool, it’s much nicer and quieter than the family area.

^PS OP. Your husband sounds nostalgic like mine. I am a boomer and went on our Hawaii honeymoon 40 years ago when Honolulu was relatively virgin. Back then, Hanauma Bay was amazing. Fish would actually eat out of your hand. Fast forward 40 years, and husband insisted on returning there. It is horrible now overrun by tourists. People are crammed in a room having to listen to some talk.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it'll be busy. But honestly, if you go in with such a miserable attitude you will have a miserable time. Try not to ruin the vacation by being a grump.

Totally. Honolulu is like Midtown Manhattan now, including many of the same shops. Just try to go with the flow knowing it will be jammed packed. Also, unless you're flying first class, get mentally prepared to be jammed packed.

Yes, it'll be busy. But honestly, if you go in with such a miserable attitude you will have a miserable time. Try not to ruin the vacation by being a grump.

It is very busy in Oahu at Christmas. Watch your stuff at the pool and on the beach. Don't leave any valuables unattended.

It will be much quieter on Kona. Will you go to Oahu first or last?

Try to make the best of the long flight and time change because Hawaii is a lovely place.

Anonymous wrote:Not understanding your question . . .

You can do whatever you want

I am asking if every pool, every sidewalk, every path, every restaurant will be a loud crazy madhouse.

Not understanding your question . . .

You can do whatever you want

We are doing 3 days in Oahu (Hilton Hawaiin Village) and 3 days in the Big Island (Kona).

We planned this trip for sentimental reasons - my DH wanted to take our kids (now 16 and 18) to where we spent our honeymoon. And our 18 year old who just left for college is really into it.

I’m sort of not looking forward to it, TBH. Will it be a madhouse? Every pool and restaurant crowded and noisy?

We are doing a volcano tour but otherwise skipping huge tourist attractions like the Luau. May try Diamond head and/or Pearl Harbour very early or something.

But is just sort of popping around, relaxing at the pool off the table?

Sigh…..